Postcards from No Man's Land facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Postcards from No Man's Land

Front cover of first edition
Author	Aidan Chambers
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Series	Dance Sequence
Genre	Young adult fiction, war novel
Publisher	The Bodley Head
Publication date	7 January 1999
Media type	Print (paperback)
Pages	336 pp (first edition)
ISBN	0-370-32376-9
OCLC	477161980
LC Class	PZ7.C3557 Po 2002
Preceded by	The Toll Bridge
Followed by	This is All: The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn

Postcards from No Man's Land is a novel for young adults written by Aidan Chambers. It was first published in 1999. The story tells two different tales that happen in Amsterdam. One story takes place in 1994, and the other is set in 1944 during World War II.

The 1994 story is about Jacob Todd, a 17-year-old visiting Amsterdam. He is there for the 50-year anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem. His own grandfather fought in this important battle. The 1944 story follows Geertrui, a 19-year-old living during the German occupation of the Netherlands. This means Germany had taken control of the country.

This book is part of a series called "The Dance Sequence" by Aidan Chambers. It is the fifth book in the series.

The book has won several important awards. Aidan Chambers received the Carnegie Medal in the UK. This award is given to the best children's book by a British writer each year. In the United States, the book won the Michael L. Printz Award. This award recognizes the best book for young adults.

What is Postcards from No Man's Land About?

This novel weaves together two stories from different times. Both stories explore themes of love, betrayal, and finding out who you are.

Jacob's Journey in 1994

Jacob Todd travels to Amsterdam to honor his grandfather. His grandfather was a soldier in the Battle of Arnhem. This battle was a major event during World War II. Jacob's trip helps him learn more about his family's past. He also learns about himself and the world around him.

Geertrui's Story in 1944

The second story is set during the difficult time of the German occupation of the Netherlands. Geertrui is a young woman living through this period. Her story shows what life was like for people during the war. It also explores how people found hope and strength.

Why is This Book Important?

Postcards from No Man's Land is known for its unique way of telling a story. It connects events from the past with events in the present. This helps readers understand history better. It also shows how past events can still affect people today.

Awards and Recognition

The book has received high praise from critics and readers.

• Carnegie Medal: This is one of the most respected awards for children's literature in the UK. Aidan Chambers won it in 1999.
• Michael L. Printz Award: This award is given in the US for excellence in young adult literature. Postcards from No Man's Land won it in 2002.

The Guardian newspaper also recommended the book for teenage boys. They called it a "seriously good and compulsively readable novel." This means it's a very good book that is hard to put down.