Category Archives: Uncategorized

Angel of Grasmere souvenir reader’s pack

To celebrate the publication of my latest book, Angel of Grasmere,  I will be offering a special souvenir readers’ pack.

 

 

Tarn grapples with the loss of her brother at Dunkirk as she faces the threat of Nazi invasion in the Cumbrian countryside in this gripping wartime tale.

It is aimed at children aged 9+.  More here.

 

 

The Souvenir Readers’ Packs will contain:

  • a signed postcard
  • a signed bookplate
  • a bookmark
  • a poster

(I can personalise the bookplate with added dedications “To …”,  if requested below).

 

To request a pack, free of charge, please complete the contact form below.

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Data protection notice – we respect your privacy and we will not share your details with anyone else.  You may unsubscribe at any time by emailing admin (at) tompalmer (dot) co (dot) uk  or use my simple unsubscribe page here.  If you are under 16, please always make sure to ask a parent for their permission before you give your details to this or any other website.   Please refer to my Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions for further information.

 

DISCOVER more about the inspiration behind Angel of Grasmere here.

Buy the Book

Pre-order from your local library, local independent bookshop, 
Waterstones and Amazon

Special souvenir readers’ packs available soon

Signed and dedicated copies personalised to order from Sam Read Books, Grasmere here.  www.samreadbooks.co.uk/product/AngelGrasmere/12997

 

 

Thank you!

 

RESPONSES TO ARCTIC STAR

Here is a little gallery of some of the wonderful class and home work already created by children and teachers in response to “Arctic Star”.

I hope they inspire you!

 

 

 

A Cake from Ibstock Place School

St Columbkille’s Blackout Poetry

Amazing display from Stanley Grove

 

Winter 1943. Teenagers Frank,  Joseph and Stephen are Royal Navy recruits on their first mission at sea during the Second World War, on HMS Belfast part of an Arctic convoy sailing to Russia to deliver supplies to the Soviets. The convoys have to navigate treacherous waters, sailing through a narrow channel between the Arctic ice pack and German bases on the Norwegian coast. Faced with terrifying enemy attacks from both air and sea, as well as life-threatening cold, gales and pack ice, will all three boys make it home again?

Buy Books

Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available personalised to order from my local independent children’s bookshop “The Thoughtful Spot” here. 

With an extra special Christmas or birthday card from me on request!

Overseas :
Australia: Boomerang

Canada: Amazon Canada
New Zealand: Wheelers

USA :  Indigo books

Visit myAmazon bookshop or support your local bookshop HIVE

 

 

Schools bumper 33 book pack
offer here

33 books
£194 saving £63 – over 25% discount
FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk

 

Schools class set offer here.

15 copies 20%+ discount
30 copies 25%+ discount
100 copies 30% + discount

FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk for a quote

 

Email me here for more information or use my contact form here to ask me a question.

Thank you.

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RESPONSES TO OVER THE LINE

Here is a little gallery of some of the wonderful class and home work already created by children and teachers in response to “Over the Line”.

I hope they inspire you!
 

Children from Stramongate Primary School in Kendal were inspired by ‘Over the Line’ to create a dance to perform at a dance festival. Tom visited the school to share his stories and engaged in a Q&A session before enjoying a performance of the dance.

The children enjoyed reading ‘Over the Line’ as their class text, as part of their World War I unit of work. Alongside the classroom learning, the children worked with dance artist, Rachel Towe, to explore the themes of the book and use them in the creative process to create a dance. The dance was performed at a local dance festival where primary and secondary schools came together to share and celebrate dance work. The children performed to a public audience of nearly 300 people in a local professional venue, The Brewery Arts Centre, in Kendal. Many of the children had never performed in a professional venue or on stage before.

The dance begins when the outbreak of war is all over the newspapers. The footballers are distracted, their heads are still in the game. Eventually, they sign up. Then they become lost in the horrors of the frontline. The dance also included the extraordinary ceasefire on Christmas day; a magical historical moment that brought football back to the soldier’s life for a fleeting moment. The two opposing sides play football in ‘no man’s land’. Finally, the dance depicts the poppy fields, a symbol of the soldiers who died during WWI.

All involved in the project were excited to share the dance with Tom. They wondered if Tom had ever had a dance created that was inspired by one of his books before.

Dance Artist Rachel Towe explained… As soon as I read Tom’s book ‘Over the Line’, I knew it was going to be a great stimulus for a dance with the Year 6 children I was working with. Many of the children had never danced on stage before, let alone perform on a professional stage. I knew they loved the football and war theme and that it would be great to capture the interest and imagination of that group of children in particular. Sharing the dance with Tom, when he visited the school, was really special – It looked like Tom was quite moved by the performance, and it was a memorable experience for all involved!’

Stramongate Primary pupils also produced cakes and other 3D and 2D representations of Over the Line.  Amazing!

Photos shared with permission.

Over the Line is powerful historical novel about one footballer’s experience in the First World War. It’s 1914 and Jack is making his debut as a professional footballer. But the match is marred by a demonstration demanding that the players sign up to do their duty in France.  It is not long before Jack is bound for the trenches with the Footballers’ Battalion.

“Classic” The Guardian

Find out more about Over the Line and more resources here

Email me here what you thought about Over the Line and for more information about my books or use my contact form here.

Thank you.

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Q&A with Tom about Angel of Grasmere

Firstly, can you tell us a bit about Angel of Grasmere and what first inspired you to write the book?

Tom : It is set in Cumbria – known then as the English Lakes – during WW2. I had heard that – during both wars – some men hid in the mountains to avoid going to fight. I also read that there were genuine fears the Germans could invade by parachuting and landing in gliders on the higher fells. The two things came together and I started thinking what impact that would have on children who lived there then. Angel of Grasmere is the result.

 

How did you find striking the balance between fact and fiction when telling the story?

Tom : Normally I am very focused on basing all scenes on actual events and on the testimony of those who experiences them. This book – although based on real events that happened – is more fictional. I’d say it’s 50/50 real/fiction. It was a lot of fun to do.

 

The story casts a spotlight on the experiences of ordinary Cumbrian people during the early days of World War Two. What made you want to write about here during this particular period of the war? Were there any aspects that were especially important to you to show?

Tom : As wars rage today we see on TV their impact on civilians. I think – as well as showing the horrors of war in aeroplanes, the trenches and at sea – we need to understand what war does to civilians too. I hate war. I want to show how awful it is if we allow it, don’t stop it, even cause it. Civilians are suffering around the world now and I wanted to do what I could to draw from the past so we can think about the present and maybe make a better future.

 

How did you go about your research for the book? What was the most interesting discovery you made?

Tom : Books, films, interviewing very old people who remember the war when they were children. Museums, hikes up mountains. I even spent one night in a tent alone on top of a mountain just so I could get a sense of what my chracters might see and hear and how they would feel in such an extreme place. From all of that the most interesting thing for me was how even in a small country like ours you can walk and camp for hours and hours and not see another person and how lovely that is sometimes.

Find out more about Angel of Grasmere here

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Sign up for updates and a preview of first chapters please complete my Writing Update contact form below.

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Buy Books

Signed and dedicated copies personalised to order from Sam Read Books, Grasmere here.  www.samreadbooks.co.uk/product/AngelGrasmere/12997

Overseas
Australia: Boomerang

Canada: Amazon Canada
New Zealand: Wheelers

USA :  Indigo books

Visit myAmazon bookshop or support your local bookshop HIVE

Schools bumper 33 book pack offer here

33 books
£194 saving £63 – over 20% discount
FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk.

 

Schools class set offer here.

15 copies 20%+ discount
30 copies 25%+ discount
100 copies 30% + discount

FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk for a quote

 

Email me here for more information or use my contact form here to ask me a question.

Thank you.

PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY                            TERMS & CONDITIONS

Spring 2024 highlights

What’s on offer this term, Spring 2024

  • January 2024 Holocaust Memorial Day
  • March 2024 World Book Day
  • Spring Term Author visits
  • May 2024 New historical fiction preview
  • NEW Rocky Race series
  • NEW Football Ultimate Heroes

Saturday 27 Jan 2024 – Holocaust Memorial Day

Mala and Ben illustration by James Innerdale

Our 2024 resources are available with partners including UCL Centre for Holocaust Education and the National Literacy Trust. This year we are offering  …

  • a webinar with the Historical Association
  • a Free 5 part story
  • an online Q&A event with Mala Tribich


7 March 2024 World Book Day

Can you judge a book by its cover?  Watch below or in YouTube…

Dress up ideas for all my books here https://tompalmer.co.uk/world-book-day/

And lots more free resources here

 


May 2024 – new Historical Fiction

I will have a new children’s historical fiction out in May set in Cumbria in the Second World War.

  • More about researching and writing Angel of Grasmere here 
  • Signed and dedicated copies personalised to order from Sam Read Books, Grasmere here.  www.samreadbooks.co.uk/product/AngelGrasmere/12997

Meet me 2024

Thursday 30 May 2024 11-3pm Imperial War Museum North

Friday 31 May 2024 11-3pm Imperial War Museum London

More here

 


Audiobooks update

After the War, Resist and Soccer Diaries are already available.

D-Day Dog, Armistice Runner, Over the Line, Arctic Star and Angel of Grasmere are being recorded now and will be available from May 2024

More here 


Latest Football Fiction – NEW Rocky Race series

Rocky Race, the sister of Roy of the Rovers – has a new spin off series kicking off .

In Rocky Takes L.A. we join the combative British fourteen-year-old as she signs up for a summer soccer school in California.

Author Visits

I am available for in-person and virtual author visits with a focus on creative writing, sports, reading and writing about history.

For latest availability & fees, please email admin@tompalmer.co.uk, subject “2024 Author Visits”


USE this form to receive availability and publication reminders

Please contact me …

 

 

 

Our replies are never automated so you will get a personal reply. Please be patient with us!


Buy Books

Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available personalised to order from my local independent children’s bookshop “The Thoughtful Spot” here. 

With an extra special Christmas or birthday card from me on request!

 

Overseas :
Australia: Boomerang

Canada: Amazon Canada
New Zealand: Wheelers

USA :  Indigo books

Visit myAmazon bookshop or support your local bookshop HIVE

 

 

Schools bumper 33 book pack offer here

33 books
£194 saving £63 – over 25% discount
FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk

 

Schools class set offer here.

15 copies 20%+ discount
30 copies 25%+ discount
100 copies 30% + discount

FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk for a quote

 

 

Email me here for more information or use my contact form here to ask me a question.

Thank you.

 

 

PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY                            TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

Holocaust Memorial Day January 2024

Holocaust Memorial Day – Saturday 27 January 2024

Our 2024 resources were available with partners including UCL Centre for Holocaust Education and the National Literacy Trust:

  • a webinar with the Historical Association
  • a Free 5 part story
  • an online Q&A event with Mala Tribich

Wednesday 17 January 2024 CPD Webinar 4-5pm
As author of “After the War – from Auschwitz to Ambleside”, I took part in a webinar with the Historical Association and the UCL Centre for Holocaust Education – “Making the most out of Holocaust Memorial Day: challenges and opportunities”.

Mala and Ben illustration by James Innerdale

Monday 22 -26 January 2024 FREE 5 part story to read aloud
This year’s story to be read in the week prior to Holocaust Memorial Day is the true tale of a sister and brother reunion after the end of the war.  Of Mala Tribich MBE & the Late Sir Ben Helfgott, reunited after surviving the Nazi concentration camps. (Mala was in Sweden and Ben in London.)  The Late Sir Ben Helfgott was one of the inspirations for Tom’s acclaimed “After the War from Auschwitz to Ambleside” about the three hundred child concentration camp survivors who came to the Lake District nearly 75 years ago (known as the Windermere Boys) is available with lots of FREE resources to support it.  (More here www.tompalmer.co.uk/after-the-war/)  

Download the story here or watch Tom reading the story here.

Friday 26 January 2024 – 09:30 to 10:15 online Q&A event
Mala Tribich joined me in a virtual event for schools to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

Catch up now here …


Please sign up here for reminders and the links of when these Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 resources are available

And please share your HMD Activity on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust map here https://www.hmd.org.uk/take-part-in-holocaust-memorial-day/activities-form/


Here’s a recap of my resources for Holocaust Memorial Day – Friday 27 January 2023

Thanks to generous funding support from the Marks Family Charitable Trust, the Association of Jewish Refugees and The Blue Thread, we teamed up with the National Literacy Trust to produce free resources for use in the classroom or at home, to help schools commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

The resources were designed to be used for use with students aged 10 to 14 (Upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3) and are available from here literacytrust.org.uk/resources/holocaust-memorial-day/

The 2023 resources include …

  • A certificate for you to present for student work here

 

 

  • My story “Small Steps” written specially for Holocaust Memorial Day.  “Small Steps” is the 5 part read aloud true story (using survivor and family testimonies) about Michael Novice. He is one of the Windermere children – a Holocaust survivor who went on to help build the camera that filmed the first man on the moon here
  • My assembly introducing the story …

  • Watch me read the story here …

  • A PowerPoint presentation, to introduce the story and resources to students
  • Five videos and five worksheets to support and inspire pupils to write their own responses
  • A teacher guide with ideas and sources to support your delivery and children’s writing
  • A free online Q&A event with me interviewing Mala Tribich, a Holocaust survivor on 27 January 2023 catch up now 

Holocaust Memorial Day 2022 recap

Here is a recap of what we organised in previous years with partners including The National Literacy Trust , The Anne Frank Trust and The Holocaust Exhibition and Learning Centre :

  • “Them” – a NEW FREE 5 part read aloud story written specially for Holocaust Memorial Day 2022 by Tom Palmer – suggested 1 chapter a day that week here
  • 5 short films and worksheets to support “Them” story and inspire pupils to write their own responses
  • 5 short films of Tom reading out loud “Them” available from here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmmlG7jutI-3APJWgcsvPSQ5k-LbrZ9zE
  • A teacher guide with ideas and sources to support your delivery of “Them” and children’s writing
  • FREE pre-recorded 10 minute video assembly Year 5-9 presentation from Tom about why it is important to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

  • Years 5+6 Anne Frank Trust online Q&A event with Holocaust survivor Harry Olmer in conversation with Tom Palmer.  Catch up now

  •  Years 5-9 National Literacy Trust online Q&A event  with Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich in conversation with Tom Palmer.  Catch up now

Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 Recap :

I am extremely grateful for the support of the National Literacy Trust, UCL Centre for Holocaust Education, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Lake District Holocaust Project and other partners to bring these to you.

The FREE resources include :

  1. “The Question” a five-part story to read in school  with the National Literacy Trust (available in written format here for you to read aloud / stream / share or as a series of 5 films of Tom reading the story for you to use here ). “The Question” is a five-part read aloud story will be set in the present day about the visit of a Holocaust survivor to a UK school and how the children prepare and reflect on the experience. The survivor will be Yossi, one of the main characters from “After the War”, 75 years on from his liberation, age 91. The story is from the point of view of the pupils and will be aimed at Y5 to Y8. It is not essential to have read “After the War” beforehand (but you can read Chapter 1 of the book for free here  https://www.tompalmer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/After-the-War_chapter-sample.pdf . There is more about it here: https://tompalmer.co.uk/after-the-war/

  2. a pre-recorded 20 minute assembly for Y5 to Y8, talking about why we mark Holocaust Memorial Day with the National Literacy Trust (available now here).

  3. a series of films about developing writing and worksheets to support and inspire pupils to write their own responses with the National Literacy Trust (available now here).

  4. Friday, 29 January 10.30 am
    Facebook live Q&A event with me, hosted by the National Literacy Trust and a chance to hear from a Holocaust survivor who will be joining us. (Register now here.)


  5. a resource pack created around “After the War” by UCL Centre for Holocaust Education. Containing lesson plans and materials for KS3 History, RS, Cit and Eng (available now here ).

  6. a CPD session hosted by UCL and myself relating to “After the War” (booking  open now here).

  7. an interview with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust about listening to survivor testimonies (available now here and here)

  8. Blackout Poetry Challenge includes how to guide, examples, text and certificate, here.

  9. More downloadable resources including films of my research, book trailer, glossary and a student workbook are available here www.tompalmer.co.uk/after-the-war

Thank you

I’d like to say a big thank you everyone who has used these resources.  We have been asked for a signed certificate for schools to present to pupils for their Holocaust Memorial Day work.  If you would like to use this one you are very welcome download here. 

“After the War” is suitable as a class read for children in Y6 and above.

Find out more about After the War here.

More downloadable resources including films of my research, book trailer, glossary and a student workbook here.

Get the Book : available from your local or school library, your local bookshop, Waterstones, Amazon or support indie bookshops through Bookshop.org here.

‘We will continue to do our bit for as long as we can, secure in the knowledge that others will continue to light a candle long after us.’

Gena Turgel, survivor of the Holocaust (1923-2018)

Thank you

Tom Palmer author

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Christmas in Fiction : Resist

To accompany my Resist, here is an extra FREE Christmas story “Silent Night”

Audrey Hepburn’s childhood story of resistance in the Second World War against the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands inspired my book Resist.

Silent Night is an extra special short story I have written about Audrey’s secret Christmas mission, free to read below, but here’s a bit of background …

RESIST  :  One Girl’s Fight Back Against the Nazis 

Cover : Tom Clohosy Cole

Resist shines a light on the incredible work of the WWll Dutch resistance, in a story inspired by the childhood of Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn.

As the brutal Second World War stretches on with no end in sight, life for ordinary Dutch people in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands is fraught with peril and hardship. There is very little to eat and the population lives under the constant threat of arrest and enslavement.

BUY THE BOOK

Find it at your local library, local independent bookshop, 
Waterstones and Amazon

Overseas : FREE Delivery worldwide from The Book Depository.  

Special Resist souvenir readers’ packs are available here. 

Now read the extra special short story below about Audrey’s secret Christmas mission

Watch me read the story
Print the story here

 

Find out more about Resist here

Buy Books

Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available personalised to order from my local independent children’s bookshop “The Thoughtful Spot” here. 

With an extra special Christmas or birthday card from me on request!

Overseas :
Australia: Boomerang

Canada: Amazon Canada
New Zealand: Wheelers

USA :  Indigo books

Visit myAmazon bookshop or support your local bookshop HIVE

 

 

Schools bumper 33 book pack
offer here

33 books
£194 saving £63 – over 25% discount
FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk

 

Schools class set offer here.

15 copies 20%+ discount
30 copies 25%+ discount
100 copies 30% + discount

FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk for a quote

 

Email me here for more information or use my contact form here to ask me a question.

Thank you.

PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY                            TERMS & CONDITIONS

Christmas in Fact : Football’s Greatest Moments

Read my 15th out of (in no particular order)100 Football’s Greatest Moments.  Lily Parr and Dick, Kerr Ladies football match on Boxing Day 1920 with the flip book below :

 

 

(You might also like to read my free chapter from Arctic Star on Christmas  Day 1943 here)

Discover the most memorable moments in football history in this new edition to the Ultimate Football Heroes series!  Featuring Pele’s World Cup, Maradona’s Hand of God, John Barnes’ Maracana magic, and the Lionesses’ European Championship triumph, this is an endlessly fascinating treasury of stories for fans of all ages.

Will you agree or disagree with what I think are the 100 most important moments in the history of the game?

Find out more here

Order a signed or dedicated copy personalised to order from my local independent children’s bookshop “The Thoughtful Spot”  here.

Order from Amazon here


Buy Books

Signed and dedicated copies of all my books are available personalised to order from my local independent children’s bookshop “The Thoughtful Spot” here. 

With an extra special Christmas or birthday card from me on request!

 

Overseas : FREE Delivery worldwide from The Book Depository.
Australia: Boomerang

Canada: Amazon Canada
New Zealand: Wheelers

USA :  Indigo books

Visit myAmazon bookshop or support your local bookshopHIVE

 

Schools bumper 35 book pack offer here

35 books
£190 saving £60 – over 20% discount
FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk.

 

Schools class set offer here.

15 copies 20%+ discount
30 copies 25%+ discount
100 copies 30% + discount

FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk for a quote

 

 

Email me here for more information or use my contact form here to ask me a question.

Thank you.

 

 

PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY                            TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

Christmas in fiction : Arctic Star

Use these resources this Christmas time based on Chapter 19 of Arctic Star.   

Find out how the young Royal Navy sailors celebrate Christmas Day 1943 aboard HMS Belfast in the Arctic Circle with dinner, carols and listening to the King’s Speech.

 

Christmas Resources:

Read chapter 19, Christmas Day on the Arctic Ocean, 1943 as a pdf here to share with the young people you work with or use the flip book below :

 

 

(You might also like to read my free chapter from Football’s Greatest Moments on Boxing Day 1920 here)

Christmas Blackout Poem Challenge here

Includes a how to guide, suggested extracts featuring the King’s speech on Christmas Day,  examples and a signed certificate.

 

 

Film of Tom reading Chapter 19 on board HMS Belfast this Christmas

Friday 1 December 2023 11am-Midday
Christmas History Special: WWII Arctic Star 80th Anniversary

Join me in a virtual event to commemorate & discover the 80th Anniversary of the WWII naval Battle of North Cape this December with Mr Dilly.

Launched 11am-Midday Friday 1 December and then available throughout December 2023.

More about Arctic Star

Book now FREE.

 

Book Trailer

 

For more Arctic Star resources and to find about how Tom researched and wrote it click here 

Buy the Book

Signed and dedicated copies are  available to order from my local bookshop here .With an extra special Christmas or birthday card from me on request!

Also available from Waterstones, WHSmith , Amazon or support local bookshops through Bookshop.org.uk.  Available worldwide free delivery from Book Depository

Schools bumper 35 book pack offer here

35 books
£190 saving £60 – over 20% discount
FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk.

 

Schools class set offer here.

15 copies 20%+ discount
30 copies 25%+ discount
100 copies 30% + discount

FREE DELIVERY & SIGNED BOOKPLATES

Please email rosie@rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk for a quote

 

Email me here for more information or use my contact form here to ask me a question.

Thank you.

 

PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY                            TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

Football’s Greatest Moments – Read Chapter 1

Find out more about my my first Ultimate Football Heroes book, Football’s Greatest Moments here