Conkers Series by Tom Palmer 6 Books Collection Set - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Armistice Runner
D-Day Dog
After the War
Over the Line
Resist
Arctic Star

Format: Paperback

Overview:
Tom Palmer’s Conkers Series Collection brings six powerful, history-infused novels for curious middle-grade readers into one accessible set. Across Armistice Runner, D-Day Dog, After the War, Over the Line, Resist, and Arctic Star, young protagonists illuminate the human side of 20th-century conflict—from frontline courage to postwar healing and resilience. These books blend sport, memory, and personal growth, offering fast-paced plots, warm character dynamics, and vivid sense of place—from dusty runs in the English fells to perilous Arctic convoys. The collection is ideal for readers aged roughly 9–13 who enjoy adventure, friendship, and stories grounded in real events. It also serves as a rich cross-curricular resource for teachers and parents exploring World War eras, memory, and courage in an age-appropriate, engaging way. With a clear voice and compassionate lens, the six titles invite empathy, discussion, and a deeper understanding of history through the eyes of young people.

What This Collection Covers:
Each title centers on the lived experience of young people facing the pressures and realities of war, its aftermath, and the long tail of memory. Armistice Runner weaves a modern-day runner’s world with her great-great-grandfather’s WWI diaries, connecting sport, family history, and dementia in a moving coming-of-age arc. D-Day Dog follows a school trip’s journey into the history and humanity of war, emphasizing courage and the bond between a boy and his dog amid reminders of sacrifice. After the War explores the arrival of refugees—Yossi, Leo, and Mordecai—to a tranquil English landscape, highlighting resilience and the healing power of safety and belonging. Over the Line spotlights a young footballer who becomes part of a larger WWI narrative, offering a thoughtful look at identity, loyalty, and service. Resist presents a Dutch-inspired tale through Edda, expanding the collection’s view of courage under occupation. Arctic Star closes the circle with a Winter 1943 Arctic Convoy, following young seafarers amid brutal seas and the costs and acts of friendship that keep people alive in extreme conditions.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Armistice Runner follows Lily, a thirteen-year-old fell-running enthusiast who trains hard to outrun rivals while grappling with her grandmother’s Alzheimer's diagnosis. When she uncovers diaries kept by her great-great-grandfather—an acclaimed WWI trench runner—Lily discovers echoes of endurance that connect her modern challenges to a family legacy. The story balances sport, memory, and emotional growth as Lily learns that perseverance can carry you through grief and fear, turning personal struggle into a source of strength for others. This poignant, fast-paced narrative blends athletic ambition with historical reflection, inviting readers to consider how ancestry shapes courage today.

D-Day Dog centers on Jack, excited for a school trip to the D-Day beaches, and his bond with his loyal canine companion. As Jack learns about the war’s heroes—echoes of his own father’s Reserve service—the story unfolds into a meditation on memory, sacrifice, and the ways ordinary children bear witness to extraordinary events. The book balances accessible wartime history with a focus on empathy, courage, and the power of small acts of loyalty that endure beyond the battlefield.

After the War follows three refugee children—Yossi, Leo, and Mordecai—who survive persecution and arrive in the English Lake District as World War II ends. Their journey toward safety and peace becomes a study in resilience, friendship, and the healing promise of a new home. The novel explores the complexities of starting over, while capturing the quiet beauty of the Lake District and the warmth of communities that welcome those in need.

Over the Line presents a young footballer who signs up for wartime service as a window into the WWI era’s moral questions and loyalties. The narrative reveals how sport, friendship, and local identity intersect with duty, sacrifice, and the realities of life in a nation torn by conflict. A measured, human-scale portrayal of history through a child’s perspective, it prompts readers to reflect on courage, responsibility, and what it means to stand up for what matters.

Resist shifts the lens to the Dutch experience during occupation, tracing Edda’s story of resistance, courage, and perseverance. The novel illuminates how ordinary residents respond to peril, making room for acts of bravery that change lives and communities. With intimate stakes and a steadfast heroine, Resist broadens the collection’s portrayal of resilience beyond borders and languages, inviting readers to see how hope can endure under pressure.

Arctic Star transports readers to Winter 1943, where teenagers Frank, Joseph, and Stephen serve as Royal Navy recruits on an Arctic convoy bound for Russia. Harsh conditions, perilous seas, and the relentless mood of wartime danger frame a narrative about teamwork, grit, and the human bonds that keep sailors going in the face of extreme cold and isolation. The book grounds historical experience in personal camaraderie, making distant events feel urgent and real.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This six-book collection is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers curious about World War I and World War II through vivid, character-driven stories. It suits classroom readers exploring history, sports, and resilience, as well as families seeking thoughtful, age-appropriate war narratives to discuss together. Teachers can use the titles to spark discussions about memory, displacement, courage, and the ways communities respond to hardship. Gift buyers will find a meaningful set that supports independent reading while offering rich discussion prompts for book clubs or literacy circles. Fans of historical fiction with accessible language and engaging plots will find these titles to be compelling, age-appropriate introductions to serious topics.

Key Benefits:

• Engaging historical fiction tailored for middle-grade readers
• Multiple perspectives on wartime and postwar life
• Strong, relatable protagonists with clear arcs
• Supports history and literacy curricula with vivid context
• Great for gifting as a complete set or classroom collection
• Accessible language that encourages confident independent reading

About the Author:
Tom Palmer is renowned for writing children’s fiction that brings history and sport to life for young readers. He is celebrated for creating the Conkers series, a collection of novels that blends real historical moments with authentic emotional journeys. Palmer’s work is noted for its energetic narration, accessible style, and ability to spark curiosity about the past while delivering compelling, character-centered stories. Through Armistice Runner, D-Day Dog, After the War, Over the Line, Resist, and Arctic Star, Palmer demonstrates a rare knack for weaving complex themes—courage, memory, resilience—into engaging plots that resonate with both reluctant and confident readers. His books are frequently used in schools to support literacy and history learning, and he has earned recognition for his contributions to children’s literature. Readers often praise his ability to make history feel immediate, personal, and hopeful.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This Conkers six-book collection offers a rich, immersive reading experience that pairs accessible storytelling with meaningful historical context. Owning the full set provides continuity of themes—courage, memory, and coming-of-age—while exposing readers to diverse wartime experiences and locales. The variety across Armistice Runner through Arctic Star ensures ongoing engagement and opportunities for discussion, making it an excellent addition to homes, classrooms, and libraries. It’s a thoughtful, well-rounded gift for readers who crave depth without sacrificing readability, and it invites families to explore history together through the eyes of young protagonists.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.