My Family the Enemy

Karen McCombie's "My Family, the Enemy" belongs to the well-regarded "My Story" series published by Scholastic, a collection of historical fiction titles written in diary format and aimed primarily at younger readers, typically in the upper primary to early secondary age range. The series as a whole is known for placing young protagonists at the centre of significant historical events, allowing readers to experience history through a personal, emotionally engaging lens rather than through dry factual recounting. McCombie's contribution to this series follows that established formula, using the diary structure to give immediacy and intimacy to a story rooted in a genuinely difficult period of British history.

The novel centres on the experience of a family of German heritage living in Britain during the First World War, a time when anti-German sentiment ran high and communities that had once been accepted neighbours suddenly found themselves regarded with suspicion, hostility, and outright hatred. This premise taps into a lesser-known but historically documented aspect of wartime Britain: the treatment of German immigrants and their British-born descendants, many of whom had lived peacefully in the country for years before the outbreak of war. McCombie uses this backdrop to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the fragility of social acceptance when political tensions escalate. The title itself, "My Family, the Enemy", captures the central tension of the book with striking clarity: the idea that one's own family, through no fault or action of their own, can suddenly be recast by wider society as a threat.

As with other entries in the "My Story" series, the diary format serves an important narrative function. It allows the young protagonist's voice to carry the weight of historical detail without the text feeling like a lesson. Readers are given access to private thoughts, fears, and daily observations, which helps humanise the historical period being depicted. This approach is particularly effective when dealing with prejudice and discrimination, as it encourages readers to empathise with characters who are othered not because of anything they have done, but because of assumptions made about their heritage. For a younger audience, this can be a valuable entry point into understanding how fear and nationalism can distort ordinary relationships and communities during times of conflict.

McCombie is an experienced and prolific author of fiction for children and young adults, known for her accessible prose style and her ability to write convincingly from a young narrator's perspective. Her writing tends to favour clarity and emotional resonance over complexity, which suits the intended readership of the "My Story" series. The historical elements are woven into the personal narrative rather than presented as separate exposition, which keeps the pacing steady and the story engaging for readers who may not otherwise seek out historical fiction.

The book's exploration of xenophobia and wartime prejudice gives it relevance beyond its historical setting. While rooted firmly in the context of the First World War, the underlying themes of scapegoating, suspicion of outsiders, and the breakdown of social trust during periods of national anxiety remain pertinent to contemporary discussions about identity and belonging. This gives the novel an educational value that extends beyond simple historical recounting, encouraging younger readers to consider how quickly public opinion can turn against a group of people and what that means for those caught in the middle.

Overall, "My Family, the Enemy" fits comfortably within the established strengths of the "My Story" series: accessible language, a strong first-person narrative voice, and a genuine effort to illuminate a specific historical experience through personal storytelling. It offers young readers a way into a period of history that is often overshadowed by more commonly taught narratives of the First World War, focusing instead on the experience of a marginalised community within Britain itself. As with much of McCombie's work, the emphasis is on emotional truth and character-driven storytelling, making the historical content approachable without sacrificing its seriousness or significance.