All the supporting characters are well-written and believable; each has their own interesting tale that unfolds throughout the storyline. This well-researched, skilfully written novel for intermediate-aged readers holds interest right from the start to the satisfying conclusion. I have read many books by this author and have enjoyed them immensely, but this book rose above them all for one specific detail: the history. Not only this, but the way the emotion has been captured and written to perfection enhances the quality of the picture you get in your head when reading. Certain sections of this book are very emotional, such as when Shirley has run away to find a special visitor at her house (you'll have to read the book to find out what I mean!) Occasionally, but in this genre more often than not, you come across tragedy. Coming into this book I realised the element of tragedy would be common, considering the subject matter, but this area which most children are upset by has been carefully written by Jacqueline. She has made all of the history seem real without feeling threatening. I know quite a bit about World War I and II from school and from ancestors with war connection but reading this has shown how the war effected not just several countries, but individual ordinary people. If I had the chance to find out more about war and how it affected people, I would take it. I really enjoyed this book and I think Jacquline Wilson is a really good writer. I think she should write more stories of these children in World War 2 as they are really good stories. She soon finds herself lodged deep in the countryside, with two boys from the East End of London, Kevin. But here, living in the strange, half-empty Red House with the mysterious and reclusive Mrs Waverley, the children's lives will be changed for ever.

Simply the best. Truly brilliant Sun Jacqueline Wilson has written another amazing book. If you love Tracy Beaker then you'll certainly enjoy this too CBBC News Mrs Waverly also lets Shirley in on her secret room and confides in her about why she keeps what she does in there, it is very moving only a situation involving Kevin and him then running away leads him and Shirley into a dangerous encounter. Jacqueline Wilson writes with humour, insight, compassion and understanding. Her characters all are credible and engaging. Throughout the book, as expected from a novel set in wartime England, there's old time language and what would be considered minor swearing but time appropriate. There's mentions of objects from wartime England and the caricatures depicted the time and theme of the book tremendously. Shirley was a great character and she really earnt a place in my heart over how kind she was and cheeky when necessary! Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.

Select a format:

My favourite character is Shirley Smith (The main character) she loves books and can't put them down (like me). She has a very bright imagination, and can imagine any character from any of her books and make them come to life.

This book was both worrying to read and exciting. I would like to read more Jacqueline Wilson books. However the reality of being billeted in a country village hits home when the residents are asked to select the kids they are willing to take in. Of course there are more kids than available beds and it all gets quite dramatic as Shirley and the two remaining – and unprepossessing – boys are virtually forced on to an unwilling ( and reclusive) hostess.

Retailers:

Wilson has an incredible ability to inhabit her child characters so precisely and Wave Me Goodbye will be like Nina Bawden's Carrie's War for a new generation of children learning about our country's past Belfast Telegraph This book is about a 10 year old girl called Shirley. She wakes up one morning to find that she is being evacuated to the countryside with her school. This book is set during World War Two where most children were evacuated to the countryside. Shirley is evacuated to a big house with two boys, Kevin and Archie. In the red house there live two women (Chubby and Mrs Waverly) but the house is unfurnished. In this book you find out the reason for this and many other secrets.