• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

A rollicking wartime adventure on the BC coast.

A lot has changed in the world since Sophie, Molly, Mark, Harriet, Leticia, and Posy’s last adventure in The Silver Lining. Now it’s 1940, and the Second World War is making life back home in the United Kingdom very dangerous indeed. Although our intrepid crew has seen their fair share of precarious situations, from being chased by pirates to making harrowing rescues in abandoned mine shafts, their parents decide to once again send them across the ocean and into the care of the eccentric Captain Gunn. This time they head back to the BC coast, making stops in Hesquiat Harbour, Estevan Point Lighthouse, Cape Scott, and Alert Bay. There, they meet real-life historical figures such as Cougar Annie and aviator Jim Spilsbury, and help to recover a precious artifact from a local Indigenous community. Rather than sitting out the war in a safe, quiet place, captain and crew could be in for their biggest adventure yet!

Born and raised in England, Amanda Spottiswoode has a lifelong love of outdoor adventure, history, horses, sailing, and storytelling. As a child, she was taught to sail by the Royal Navy on the River Thames. After moving to Salt Spring Island, she finally realized her dream of sailing and exploring the rugged BC coastline by boat. Her first children’s book, Brother XII’s Treasure, was shortlisted for the Chocolate Lily Award. She followed this with two sequels: The Silver Lining, set in the BC Interior, and Up in Arms, set on the west coast of Vancouver Island. She lives with her husband, Tom, and lots of pets on Salt Spring Island, BC.

Amanda Spottiswoode's profile page

Molly March is an accomplished painter and set designer. She is the illustrator and mapmaker of Brother XII's Treasure and its sequel, The Silver Lining.

Molly March's profile page

This fast-paced book is packed with historical information, all delivered with the hindsight of current perspectives. This book would enhance discussions in Grade 4 Social Studies about interactions between First Nations and settlers.

BC Books for BC Schools

Up in Arms is a perfect read for upper elementary and early middle school readers looking for some adventure frosted with historical and geographical additions. Subtle essages of following your dreams and the need to ponder moral dilemmas in life are hidden with the story, aspects that maybe only adult readers will uncover.

Resource Links

"The slice of Canadian/British history set in the rich geography of B.C., and the incredible and largely sympathetic cast of characters continue to make this series both highly enjoyable and a great learning experience"

—CM Magazine

CM Reviews

Kudos to the author for weaving references to Indigenous history and the impact of colonial policies, such as the potlatch ban and the confiscation of Indigenous regalia, into the story. Having our parentless evacuee children learn about this part of Canada’s past is an effective means of exploring our darker history through fresh eyes and of exposing today’s Canadian children to these difficult subjects.

Ormsby Review