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Karen McCombie

@karenmccombie.bsky.social

Children's Author. Somewhat Scottish, London based, owned by a Westie, crisp fan, she/her. Oh, and "one of children’s fiction’s most accomplished authors" according to @Waterstones. Agent: jhare@theagency.co.uk / Events: @AuthorsAloudUK

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Karen McCombie@karenmccombie.bsky.social · 4mo ago

"With the current state of the world, this book seemed like an important read." Really love this review today of my WW1 novel, #MyFamilyTheEnemy. @bloomsburyed.bsky.social www.instagram.com/p/DW4XamZjlFN/

what_emmy_read on Instagram: "I love a book that after reading I come away with new information. This was one of those books and despite having a history degree …"

I love a book that after reading I come away with new information. This was one of those books and despite having a history degree (though I didn't study much about the wars) this opened up a whole new aspect to the First World War that I never knew. At the start of the story we find Jack in 1998 visiting his Granny. After making a comment about war and 'goodies' and 'baddies' Granny Jess starts to tell Jack about her family in the First World War focusing on her dad, Fred . We then switch to Fred's story starting in 1914 when their family name was Müller. Fred's Dad had come over from Germany with his family as a child and was just taking over a bakery as war broke out. We follow Fred and his family throughout the war as they face prejudice, suspicion, bullying and violence just for having a German connection. For Fred's Father things get even worse as he is imprisoned in an internment camp at Alexandra Palace.In the current state of the world this book seemed like a really important read. It shows how people can easily turn their backs on friends and neighbours as they listen to propaganda and news reports. I felt a lot of empathy for Fred's family who really found their whole world changing and could do nothing to stop it. But still life had to be lived and despite the sorrow and hardship there are moments of joy to be had. I really enjoyed Fred's sister's story of how the war helped find freedom at a time where it was not readily available for women. I don't think I had heard of the internment camps before for people with German heritage and although this is a middle grade book it does not shy away from the horrors and despair war can bring. This is a book I will be passing on to Emmy and Reuben eventually because I think it's really important to remember what has happened in the past and to try not to repeat those mistakes again. Thanks to @bloomsburychildrens for sending this our way.#middlegrade #booksforww1 #keystage2reads #kidsbookstagramView all comments

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Virtual Authors UK@virtualauthorsuk.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Who has cute notebooks, a velcro cat and would like the power to zap empathy at people? It's @karenmccombie.bsky.social! Read our interview with her and find out all about her amazing books, pets and writing tips. virtualauthors.co.uk/2026/01/22/1... #virtualauthorvisits #kidlit #authorinterview

10 Little Questions with Karen McCombie

When did you start writing and why? In the ‘90s I worked at teen mag Just 17 and used to review books. I’d read great novels which inspired me to write one too, but then again, I’d also read not-so…

virtualauthors.co.uk

Karen McCombie@karenmccombie.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Book of the Month?!? What a fab way to kick off the new year! Thank you, @lovereading4kids.bsky.social ! #MyFamilyTheEnemy #WW1 #AlexandraPalace

Bloomsbury Education@bloomsburyed.bsky.social · 7mo ago

My Family the Enemy by @karenmccombie.bsky.social is LoveReading4Kids' Book of the Month! Activities + extract: bit.ly/3Ly4K0F 'All the characters are fully realised in the skilful narrative, giving us a memorable picture of working-class life in those terrible years' @lovereading4kids.bsky.social

Karen McCombie@karenmccombie.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Thanks for the lovely review, Jacqui! And I agree, Anneli Bray's illustrations are great, and really add to the story. (BTW, if any teachers go on to read this alongside teaching the Viking topic, then please feel free to get in touch with me - I'd happily send a message to your class!)

Jacqui Sydney 📚@jacquisydney.bsky.social · 8mo ago

My 1st review of 2026 is for the brilliant time travel adventure The Accidental Vikings by @karenmccombie.bsky.social, illustrated by Anneli Bray. Out 15/01 for 7+ readers from @barringtonstoke.bsky.social #KidlitUK #UKKidlit worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/01/04/t...

Karen McCombie@karenmccombie.bsky.social · 8mo ago

#MyFamilyTheEnemy is my new WW1 adventure, set in London and perfect for readers 9+. You can order a signed and dedicated copy from my lovely local children's bookshop, Pickled Pepper! www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk/products/my-... @bloomsburyed.bsky.social

My Family the Enemy - Signed by Karen McCombie

London, 1914. Fred Müller’s life is turned upside down when his dad is taken away by the police - suddenly his family are the enemy because of where they come from. A thrilling coming of age tale abou...

pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

Karen McCombie@karenmccombie.bsky.social · 10mo ago

*COVER REVEAL!!* Not out till Jan '26, but the glorious cover of my Viking time-slip story - by Anneli Bray - is suitably autumnal! 🍁 #AccidentalVikings #ShortReadNovel #DyslexiaFriendly

Barrington Stoke@barringtonstoke.bsky.social · 10mo ago

It's time to board your longships and embark on another fantastic time-slip adventure from @karenmccombie.bsky.social! Alfie and Kat’s school trip takes an unexpected turn when they’re whisked back to a Viking village. Will they ever be able to find their way back home? Out January 2026 🌊

Karen McCombie@karenmccombie.bsky.social · 11mo ago

It's #DylslexiaAwarenessWeek in Scotland this week & the rest of the UK the week after. Dylslexia-friendly publisher Barrington Stoke are offering 20% off individual books during this time, using code DAW20. Plenty authors to choose from, but here's a selection of my books! bsky.app/profile/barr...

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Barrington Stoke@barringtonstoke.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Today marks the beginning of #DyslexiaAwarenessWeek in Scotland and we're offering 20% of all our individual books. Make sure to use the code DAW20 at checkout! Valid until 12/10/2025.