The story is about Johnny. His dad and how he goes to war. It also changes Johnnies life dramatically. Then his mother sends him off to live with his aunt When he goes to his new school he makes no new friends. Except, a girl, the girls name is Sarah. Sarah's dad also goes to war.

      Johnny's favorite toys is his nutcracker men. His dad made his nutcracker men from scratch. His dad is the finest toy maker in all of London. When Sarah's dad came over to take Sarah to play before he goes off to war he shows Johnny some pointers on his nutcracker game. When they left Sarah left with him because Johnny did not want her to play.

      Also in the book Johnny's aunt finds out that Johnny is skipping school. Johnny gets in a lot of trouble from his aunt. Mr. Tuttle (his teacher) offers him to take a tutoring sessions. The tutoring sessions are every Wednesdays and Saturdays. The tutoring sessions are so he can get caught up by the end of the semester.

       I think the book is very good. The book could use some improvements at the beginning. The book is very good and I recommend it to all ages.