Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction

Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated edition of a novel that has enthralled young American readers for generations. It is the story of John Cameron Butler-captured as a small child in a raid on the Pennsylvania frontier by the Indian tribe Lenni-Lenape. Adopted by the great warrior Cuyloga and renamed True Son, he has spent 11 years living and thinking of himself as fully Indian. But when the tribe signs a treaty that requires them to return their white captives, 15-year-old True Son is returned against his will to the family he had long forgotten, and to a life that he no longer understands or desires. Despairing and defiant, he manages a dangerous escape only to find himself painfully unsure of where he belongs. Beautifully written, sensitively told, and emotionally compelling, The Light in the Forest is an American classic that has sold more than one million copies in the last ten years in paperback.

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Book SynopsisFifteen men on the dead man's chest- Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! When young Jim Hawkins discovers a map showing the way to Captain Flint's treasure, he and Squire Trelawney set sail on the Hispaniola to search for the gold. Little do they know that among their crew is the dastardly pirate Long John Silver. Silver has a devious plan to keep the gold all to himself. Can brave Jim outwit the most infamous pirate ever to sail the high seas? Will he escape from Treasure Island alive?

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Book SynopsisEight-year-old Jack and his little sister, Annie, are playing in the woods during their summer holiday, when they find a mysterious tree house full of books. But these are no ordinary books . . . And this is no ordinary tree house . . .Morgan le Fay - the owner of the Magic Tree House and all its mysterious books is missing and needs Jack and Annie's help! They follow her clues to Japan where they find themselves in the middle of a feud between Japanese ninja warriors and Samurai warlords. Will Jack and Annie find the tree house again? Or will they be caught up in a terrifying battle?

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Book SynopsisWhen Samuel Godwin, a young and naive art tutor, accepts a job with the Farrow family at Fourwinds, their majestic home, little does he expect to come across such a web of secrets and lies. His two tutees are as different as chalk and cheese - the beautiful younger sister Marianne, full of flightiness and nervous imagination, and Juliana, controlled and sad. With their governess, Charlotte Agnew, Samuel begins to uncover slowly the horrifying truth behind Juliana's sadness and Marianne's emotional fragility. Their discoveries change their perception of life at Fourwinds for ever and none of their lives will ever be the same again.With her usual brilliance and ease, Linda Newbery has written a haunting and faultlessly plotted novel with characters that leap of the page and stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.Trade ReviewI found myself bathing in the wonderful descriptions . . . Newbery writes with grace and immediacy -- Vivien Hamilton * Daily Telegraph *A gothic romance dealing with the most taboo subject of all . . . Newbery has created a climactic period story, compelling in its description and psychological drama . . . the relationship between art and life is starkly framed -- Elaine Williams * TES Teacher *Unfolds with horrific credibility and total suspense -- Gill Roberts * Carousel *I found myself bathing in the wonderful descriptions . . . Newbery writes with grace and immediacy -- Vivien Hamilton * Daily Telegraph *A gothic romance dealing with the most taboo subject of all . . . Newbery has created a climactic period story, compelling in its description and psychological drama . . . the relationship between art and life is starkly framed -- Elaine Williams * TES Teacher *

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Book Synopsis A rip-roaring historical adventure set at the time of the Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot – winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award! ' ... a wonderfully explosive adventure set in the turbulent year of the gunpowder plot in Black Powder with impossibly divided loyalties.' JULIA GOLDING, AUTHOR OF THE DIAMOND OF DRURY LANE 'With its constant reversals and twists and turns, Tom's story is almost as complex as the pliot and counter-plot of the Gunpowder Treason itself ... The writing is lively and the pace never flags.' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY England, 1605: 12-year-old Tom must save his father from hanging. He falls in with a mysterious stranger – the Falcon – who promises to help him in exchange for his service. But on the long journey to London, Tom discovers the Falcon’s true mission – and a plot to blow up Parliament with barrels of black powder. Tom faces a terrible decision: secure his father’s release, or stop the assassination of the king … A rip-roaring, action-packed life-and-death quest, packed with history and adventure Set at the time of the Gunpowder Plot and featuring Guy Fawkes – perfect for Bonfire Night and beyond Ideal for readers aged nine and up Check out more historical adventures by Ally Sherrick: THE BURIED CROWN, VITA AND THE GLADIATOR and THE QUEEN'S FOOL

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Book SynopsisA Girl. A War. Who to Trust? Even your friends may betray you. In war everyone becomes a new person and some seem to shed their old skin entirely. Paris 1942, when Amelie Dreyfus hides in her mother's cupboard, it's a game; when she comes out it's a matter of life and death.Trade Review'A powerful wartime adventure.' THE BOOKSELLER 'A gripping, utterly convincing wartime spy story' LOVEREADING4KIDS 'Hide and Seek brings to vivid life the courage of young people who risked all in the French resistance in the Second World War.Young Amelie Dreyfus is playing hide and seek when the soldiers come for her Jewish family. A much more dangerous game of cat-and-mouse ensues as she half-starves, makes common cause with resistance operatives and eventually outperforms a whole cadre of British spies with her cunning and courage. Who can you trust, Scott-Elliot asks.' THE OBSERVER 'An epic, inspiring coming-of-age novel, which thrills from the opening pages and doesn't lose its grip' CHRIS SOUL

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Book Synopsis An action-packed swashbuckling tale for readers aged 8 and up! While helping in Grandpa's shop, Bramble discovers a strange scarlet mask. A tingling in her fingers tells her to try it on, but when she does she can't take it off . . . And when she looks in the mirror, the face of a famous highwayman Diamond Jack stares back. It seems Bramble has been chosen for a mission. Time to stand and deliver – your magic or your life! A thrilling highway-girl adventure with a magical twist from the brilliantly-named Anna Rainbow, author of Antigua de Fortune of the High Seas A fun, feminist, all-action adventure for ages 8 and up A deliciously familiar but wholly original mash-up of classic tales: shades of The Red Shoes, The Three Musketeers and Robin Hood Praise for ANTIGUA DE FORTUNE OF THE HIGH SEAS: 'Non-stop adventure' NICKI THORNTON, author of THE LAST CHANCE HOTEL 'A true salt-soaked swashbuckler of a story' LINDSAY GALVIN, author of DARWIN'S DRAGONS '[A] magical tale of pirates, magic and high adventure' DAN SMITH, author of NISHA'S WAR

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Book SynopsisIt’s spring 2020 and fifteen-year-old Molly McFlynn is uprooted from town life by her mam to live with her bohemian grandparents in rural Northumberland. Molly is furious – her friends abandon her, the food is inedible and her grandmother is doing strange things in the garden at night. Life takes a new direction when she meets a girl in the woods who appears to be on the run. Martha is from the seventeenth century, and a life lived on the edge of society. She is fleeing from the witch finder and the men who have hurled her mother, Ann Watson, into the dungeons in Newcastle. As Molly’s friendship with Martha grows, Molly reconciles with her true self, develops a love of nature and moves away from her consumerist lifestyle. However, as Covid strikes, and a local witch hunt takes place, Martha’s is not the only life that is in danger. Molly must stand up for what is right, help heal family rifts and come to the rescue in a moment of peril. 'We all need a Molly in our lives. Brave and impetuous, with an honest, distinctive and timely voice, this girl is the real thing. I loved getting to know her.' Ann Coburn, author of Glint

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Book SynopsisIstanbul, 1592: the arrival of a mysterious manuscript at the court of Sultan Murad III, claiming to know the location of the fabled Armour of King David, sends the Sultan into a frenzied desire to track it down. Despite being the most powerful man in the world, he has never led armies into battle and craves the protection of the legendary breastplate before he takes the field. It is to the elite Ruzgar unit that the Sultan turns to locate the Armour. This journey will be dangerous. Each warrior is aware that it could change their lives forever, and that for some of them, this mission to find King David's Armour will be their last.Trade Review‘King’s Armour is an amazing book, packed with adventure, intrigue and history. The characters are brought to life by the expertise of the author and the story carries on at a pace that makes turning every page a joy. Exceptionally worth reading and buying for children ages 9-14 or thereabouts. Great for home, school or library and would ably support other curriculum areas in school’ (Books go Walkabout) ‘A great story, full of derring-do, thrills and spills’ (Margaret McCulloch-Keeble, Orchard Academy) ‘A fantastic fast-paced adventure, with lots of plot twists, excitement and particularly strong historical detail, this story is perfect reading’ (Children’s Books Ireland’s Recommended Reads) 'A thoroughly researched, fantastic feat of imagination. Incredibly engaging and a rollicking read. More please!’(Pete Kalu)

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Book SynopsisBest friends Mary Lennox, Sara Crewe, and Cedric Erroll are best friends. And thank goodness, since their boarding school is basically insufferable. When one of the friends suffers a personal tragedy, a plan—and a secret—change everything for the trio . . . for good. Filled with charm and romance, and inspired by some of classic literature's most beloved characters, The Secret Princess is the perfect blend of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden—and the perfect companion to Jo & Laurie.Trade ReviewPraise for A Secret Princess:“Surprising and romantic.” —Book Riot“Stohl and de la Cruz imbue this escapist plot and heady romance with Victorian charm, picturesque villas, and idyllic atmosphere for fans of the original texts.” —Publishers Weekly“Readers nostalgic for Burnett’s Victorian world will enjoy this adaptation.” —Kirkus Reviews“Borrowing from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s well-known stories, Stohl and de la Cruz breathe fresh life into the narrative.” —Booklist“A charming mash-up of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classics A Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and Little Lord Fauntleroy . . . Will keep readers, especially fans of Burnett’s work, turning pages to see just how these distinct characters can define their futures.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“It is refreshing to see diversity in the cast; Sara is Filipino and Cedric experiences seizures; their identities allow Stohl and de la Cruz to bring discussions of wealth, racism, and physical ailments to light in the 1860s.” —School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThe Russian Revolution. Fairy tale, spy thriller, love story. One man's life during the last days of the Romanovs, beautifully imagined by award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick. Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award. Set in the rich and atmospheric landscape of Russia during the revolution that sent shockwaves around the world, this is the partly true story of Arthur Ransome - a writer accused of being a spy. Fictionalising history and blending it with one man's real life, Marcus Sedgwick expertly crafts this innovative and stimulating novel of three parts - a fairy tale full of wise and foolish kings, princesses, wishes and magic; a bleak and threatening spy thriller, and a love story . . .Trade ReviewA fascinating blend of history, spy story and love story, stylishly told - BOOKSELLERAn absorbing and stimulating tale that cements [Sedgwick's] position as one of the most powerful and innovative writers of contemporary fiction for this age - BOOKS FOR KEEPSA sophisticated novel... written with a rare sureness of touch... It will reward readers of any age - SUNDAY TIMES

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Book SynopsisEight-year-old Jack and his little sister, Annie, are playing in the woods during their summer holiday, when they find a mysterious tree house full of books. But these are no ordinary books . . . And this is no ordinary tree house . . .Jack and Annie are whisked into the future - to an exciting outer-space hotel! But they've only got two hours before they run out of air . . . Will the mysterious moon man and his map help them get back safely?

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Book SynopsisJack and Annie are on very thin ice! Morgan Le Fay, the magical librarian sends the children and the treehouse to the Arctic and tells them she'll send somebody to meet them there. But they're surrounded by ice and snow and there are huskies and polar bears all around them too - will they freeze to death first?Trade ReviewBeautifully written, full of suspense and well-researched * Waterstones Books Quarterly *An easy, fast-paced and exciting read which will appeal to both boys and girls * Junior *

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Book SynopsisFor this adventure, Jack and Annie are in Ancient China!When the tree house lands in ancient China, Jack and Annie are told to beware the fearsome emperor . . . It's not long before they learn the warning is right! In search of an old Chinese legend, they head to the palace of the dragon king. But he is not pleased to see them! And when they find themselves lost in his spooky burial grounds, only magic will help Jack and Annie escape!Trade ReviewBeautifully written, full of suspense and well-researched * Waterstones Books Quarterly *An easy, fast-paced and exciting read which will appeal to both boys and girls * Junior *

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Book SynopsisHistorically accurate and full of enchanting wordplay, this fanciful tale is a clever, cat-based retelling of the Boudican uprising against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire. Set in the Land of the Kitons, the adventures of the wealthy, six-clawed hero, Spartapuss, are captured through his diary entries. Queen Boudicat—his wife’s aunt—has been cheated out of her kingdom by the Romans. She’s declared war and wishes for Spartapuss to join her rebel army. Warrior queens do not take "No" for an answer, even when it seems impossible for a tiny tribe of Kitons to take on the mighty Feline Empire!

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Book SynopsisA thriller set in ancient Egypt between 1351 and 1354 BC. Tutmose and Ibrim's father, the animal dealer, is commanded by the new pharaoh Akhenaten, to bring him animals - lots of animals - for his new capital city. The boys' father is delighted. But he has no idea what the pharaoh's strange new religion will mean for all of them.

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Book SynopsisThrilling historical adventure set during the English peasants'' revolt of 1381, by Paul Dowswell, the author of Ausländer, and Wolf Children. It''s 1381 and the king, Richard II, has imposed a new tax on the people. In the village of Aylesford, Tilda and her ploughman father were already struggling to make ends meet. As serfs they have no rights to move freely or earn wages for their work. Tilda is desperate for a better life than the village can offer, so when the villagers begin to rebel she is swept up in the excitement. Tilda and her father travel to London with the others to petition the king, but the peaceful rebellion they hoped for soon ignites into violence, mayhem and treachery. Tilda''s fight for a better life is only just beginning...This page-turning adventure sheds new light on a period of history which is covered in the KS3 curriculum, and will have readers gripped from start to finish.Trade ReviewIf you are into history, into sweeping tales and wonderfully interesting books this is one for you. It has a lot of interesting points I don’t see often executed this well in a book. -- Moonkestrel * www.moonkestrel.com *Well paced and plotted, this is a great historical text. [...] There is excellent vocabulary and language used with lots of historical language that could be studied in a history or English lesson. -- ReadingZoneHe is a brilliant historical novelist. Dowswell shows us a side of Nazi Germany rarely seen ... a heart-stopping read * Sunday Telegraph, praise for AUSLÄNDER *A superlative, at times almost agonisingly compelling, piece of historical fiction ... The climactic escape to freedom is pure muck-sweat tension * Financial Times, praise for AUSLÄNDER *The author has real flair for making thoroughly researched historical fiction accessible, relevant and utterly gripping. Alongside being a perfectly plotted page-turner, Wolf Children will surely also provoke much debate and discussion * Lovereading4kids, praise for WOLF CHILDREN *One of the possible areas for study in the KS3 curriculum, the novel is well researched and follows the events of the revolt carefully, making them both compelling and accessible [...] Paul Dowswell is well known for his excellent historical novels and The Great Revolt is no exception. Well worth a read! * North Somerset Teacher's Book Award *This fabulous Dyslexia friendly mini-series is the perfect accompaniment to any topic on mythology. The perfect way to extend children’s knowledge around topics they are learning in class in an easy to access grown-up looking format. I love that the text is broken up by pictures and is spaced well, meaning they are more accessible to those who struggle with larger chunks of text whilst still looking to all intents and purposes like the friends they are helping. The fact these books are printed on yellow paper further increases their accessibility. -- Starlight and Stories * starlightandstories.com *

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Book SynopsisA true princess is a princess, whether in a castle or a cage... When her father, Robert the Bruce, is crowned King of Scotland, Marjorie Bruce becomes a princess. But Edward Longshanks, the ruthless King of England, captures Marjorie and keeps her prisoner in a wooden cage in the centre of a town square, exposed to wind, rain, and the bullying taunts of the townspeople. Marjorie knows that despite her suffering and pain, she must stay strong: the future of Scotland depends on her... Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris bring to life a breathless chapter from Scottish history in this thrilling novel with an unforgettable young heroine.

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Book SynopsisThis standalone adventure set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series brims with humor, heart, and-of course-a hefty dose of supernatural mayhem.Abigail Rook never intended to be the mortal bridge between the human and supernatural world. But now, the power of the Sight--and all the chaos that comes with seeing the essential truth of everything, every human, fairy, werewolf, enchanted slip of paper, and municipal building, at all times--is hers alone. With this overwhelming new gift, she should be able to solve crimes and help New Fiddleham, New England find calm in its supernatural chaos. The only problem? She has no idea what she's doing. And New Fiddleham isn't waiting for Abigail to be ready. Local witches and other magical beings are going missing, as tensions between human and supernatural residents curdle into a hatred that could tear the city apart. Abigail's fiancé, Charlie, works alongside her to unravel the magical disappearances, but as a shapeshifter, he's under threat as well. Then Abigail's parents appear, ready to take her back to England and marry her off to someone she's never met. Abigail has no choice but to follow her Sight, her instincts, and any clues she can find to track a culprit who is trying destroy everything she holds dear.Trade ReviewPraise for the Jackaby Series:"Expertly blends witty banter, sympathetic, struggling characters, descriptive worldbuilding, and sometimes-gory supernatural crimes with all-too-believable motives. Quick-moving action and creative supernatural elements will hold readers’ attention…. Lively supernatural investigations with humor and heart."—Kirkus Reviews"Well done, and will help new readers find this series in all its amazingness."—YABC“Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” —Chicago Tribune"We honestly couldn't put it down."—Nerdist.com"A fun, supernatural and historical mystery."—Youth Services Book Review"Fast-paced and full of intrigue."—EW.com“With tension as taut as a high wire, this series blends laugh-out-loud humor and ghastly horror with supernatural skill . . . Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Grimm and Sherlock Holmes.”—Justine Magazine

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Book SynopsisDuty Calls: Battle of Britain, throws you deep into the heart - and horror - of Britain''s darkest, and finest, hour.Pilot officer Archie Jackson, 19, is in control of the RAF''s newest fighter aircraft, a Supermarine Spitfire.Now he has the Luftwaffe in his sights and only one thing matters: defending Britain. Suddenly planes are falling from the sky, exploding and spiralling into the English Channel.France has fallen and the swastika flies over Occupied Europe. Only these young pilots - barely out of boyhood - stand between Britain and a Nazi invasion . . .

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1601. Honesty, a storyteller seeking fame and fortune, befriends Alice, a maid to Queen Elizabeth I. But can Alice be trusted? A tale of intrigue, scheming and plots set in the spellbinding world of the Elizabethan court. A thrilling adventure where nothing is as it seems.

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Book SynopsisThe history and partnership of the Angles and Saxons are explored in this thrilling adventure about the trials and tribulations of their settlement in Britain. Written by bestselling author Tony Bradman, this coming of age tale is perfect for fans of Rosemary Sutcliff and will have readers gripped from start to finish. Oslaf works hard to prove his worth in the village: he labours on the farm, he trains as a warrior and he is slowly finding his place in the community. But when the Chieftain makes the decision to move the village across the sea to the great new land of Britannia, suddenly the Britons are a greater threat than Oslaf''s rivalry with the Chieftain''s son, Wermund. Can the Angles and the Saxons defeat the Britons? And will Oslaf be as brave as the hero in the tale of Beowulf?This exciting and dramatic story is packed with great characters and insight into the Angles'' migration, settlement and partnership with the Saxons in 6th century Britain. The Flashbacks Trade ReviewIt is not easy to convey the real sense of being taken back in time in such a short book, only 160 pages, but in Tony Bradman's experienced hands, we are there in the early years of our history as a nation is being formed. This would read aloud well, and because it is short, be good for those boys whose interest needs to be caught and held. * Books for Keeps *If you are looking for a fictional story in the Anglo-Saxon times I would recommend this book. I do think by reading this story the kids will discover a lot of interesting facts about the life of that time and what would have happened when the tribes migrated to Britain. * ofamily learning together blog *

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Book SynopsisCrazy capers abound in Ancient Rome! Croakbag the amazing talking raven tells the hilarious story of Perilus, the boy charioteer, his unpredictable family and Tiddles, the widdling elephant who''s befriended them all. Another irresistible story for fans of David Walliams or David Baddiel, from Jeremy Strong, the original King of Comedy for young readers.

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Book SynopsisJoin Tom on an incredible treasure hunt through time and battle history's mightiest warriors. The eighth book in an action-packed, time-travelling series perfect for fans of Beast Quest.Join Tom and Aztec girl, Zuma, as they travel through time, battling the mightiest warriors of the past!

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Book SynopsisA compellingly beautiful tale of magic, intrigue and deception, set against the backdrop of eighteenth-century Paris on the cusp of revolution.Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries – and magicians . . . When seventeen-year-old Camille is left orphaned, she has to provide for her frail sister and her volatile brother. In desperation, she survives by using the petty magic she learnt from her mother. But when her brother disappears Camille decides to pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.Using dark magic Camille transforms herself into the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine‘ and presents herself at the court of Versaille, where she soon finds herself swept up in a dizzying life of riches, finery and suitors. But Camille’s resentment of the rich is at odds with the allure of their glamour and excess, and she soon discovers that she’s not the only one leading a double life . . .Enchantée is a compelling historical fantasy and is Gita Trelease's debut novel.Trade ReviewEnchantée is a lit firework crackling with treacherous magic, decadent romance and disguises that take on lives of their own. I adore this gorgeous, deliciously addictive book! -- Stephanie Garber, author of CaravalAn intoxicating blend of opulence, magic, intrigue and romance. Gita Trelease deftly balances a spellbinding story of desperation and deceit on the precipice of the epic revolution that changed history. Camille's tale wrapped around me as entrancingly as her magical gown. -- Alwyn Hamilton, author of Rebel of the Sands'Trelease is a supremely confident writer... [Enchantee is] a triumph of high jinx over history, which should keep young readers enthralled to the meticulously plotted end' -- Emily Bearns * Telegraph *Romantic, decadent and glamorous, it’s a hugely entertaining historical fantasy and Macmillan’s biggest YA début of the spring. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *An immersive, glittering debut that intriguingly blends history and fantasy. A striking examination of power, privilege, and choice in a limited world, that makes Trelease a new voice to watch. * Booklist *Distinctive characters, vivid 18th-century images of Paris and Versailles, lively French-infused dialogue, an appealing heroine, and an upbeat ending propel this lengthy romantic fantasy. Romance and fantasy readers will enjoy the magic realism, ruse and tension of Camille’s double identity, authentic historical references, and Camille’s daring, passionate spirit. A must-have. * School Library Journal, starred review *Set against the burgeoning throes of revolution, this immersive drama makes brilliant use of its conceit, suggesting that the decadent opulence of the French nobility was maintained by a fragile illusion that depended on the abject sorrow and blood of the French people. The period detail is exquisite, with Camille’s family situation and the inclusion of the problems surrounding the development of the hot-air balloon (Camille falls for an aeronaut) enabling readers to see what daily life was like for various classes of people as well as what new technologies were on the horizon. Fans of substantial historical romance as well as fantasy will be thoroughly enchanted. * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *This is a book to be savoured: from the rich, detailed descriptions of Paris on the brink of revolution; to the witty repartee and tender romance; to the dark, dangerous thread of magic woven through this wonderfully vivid world. -- Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose RebellionA heady sparkling dream of a book. One of the best fantasies I’ve read in years. -- Margaret Rogerson, author of An Enchantment of RavensA fine teen novel [...] a thrilling account of love, passion and adventure. * Literary Review *Trelease does a marvellous job of transporting the reader to the vibrant streets and rooftops of Paris on the brink of a Revolution. Her writing is truly captivating * NYA Lit Festival *Magic, treachery and romance aplenty is woven into this enchanting tale * Candis *A deliciously decadent historical romance set in Paris that is awash with enchantment, deceit and adventure. It will set your heart racing. C’est Magnifique! * South Wales Evening Post *A decadent and romantic blend of history and fantasy * I *

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Book SynopsisRose was left by her mother at the door of Campion's Palace of Variety and Wonders as a baby. It is her home, and she loves it, but she never stops wondering who she really is. When murder threatens to destroy the music hall, Rose will need all her performance skills to crack the crime...

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Book SynopsisSet fifteen years after the seismic events of Brilliance of the Moon, The Harsh Cry of the Heron is an elegiac and bittersweet successor to the bestselling series by Lian Hearn, Tales of the Otori.Their realm is held in balance by their union . . . Break that union and the Three Countries will fall apart. Otori Takeo and Kaede have ruled the Three Countries peacefully for over sixteen years, following the events laid out in the epic Tales of the Otori. They have three daughters: Shigeko, fifteen years old and heir to the Otori, and Maya and Miki, thirteen-year-old twins who have inherited the supernatural skills of their father. Kaede knows nothing of the prophecy that Takeo will die at the hands of his son and longs to give him a male child. Nor does she know of the boy he fathered sixteen years ago – a boy whose heart is filled with hatred and whose skills as a Ghostmaster give him the power to incite the dead. Takeo is determined that clan conflicts will never again ravage the Three Countries, but warriors are born to fight: the warlord Arai Zenko has deadly ambitions, the Emperor himself has challenged Takeo’s rule and, despite a delicate truce between the deadly Tribe and the Otori, revenge still eats at the heart of renegade leader Kikuta Akio . . . Against these gathering threats Takeo draws strength from his love for Kaede, but even this is not beyond the reach of their enemies . . .Trade ReviewMuch to enjoy – treacherous plots, possession by the spirits, cracking battle scenes, and Lian Hearn writes with a delicate attention to detail that creates an all-encompassing world around her characters. * Sunday Telegraph *[The Harsh Cry of the Heron] builds to a climax that proves both fittingly cataclysmic and wholly satisfying. * Independent on Sunday *An exquisite story . . . An involving adventure. * Daily Telegraph *Gorgeously violent, complex and well-written. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisThe fifth title in this gripping series about Omri and his plastic North American Indian Little Bull who comes alive when Omri puts him in a cupboardOmri and his father travel back in time to find Little Bull and his people in deep trouble, torn between staying in the West and facing extinction or starting a long trek to a new life in Canada. Omri's final parting with Little Bull is incredibly moving yet the book is also very funny.We meet other favourite characters as well as some new ones and there are wonderful descriptive passages about Little Bull's longhouse and the Iroquois lifestyle. Even though this seems like the end of the story, Lynne does have ideas for a sequel.Trade Review“The Key to the Indian is a swiftly-moving, tightly-plotted, exciting, funny tale, which will keep the reader firmly hooked and frantically turning the pages.” Carousel Praise for The Indian in the Cupboard ‘An assured piece of story-telling, well able to stand comparison with older classics.”Times Educational Supplement “Enthralling and hair-raising reading.” TLS Praise for The Secret of the Indian “There have been many famous stories in which children’s toys come alive: this book is in the same great tradition.” School Library Association

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Book SynopsisWhen the Histronauts travel back in time to the ancient Greek era they’ll need your help to uncover the secrets of the past. Visit the Acropolis, watch the activities that inspired the Olympic Games and paint masks for a thrilling Greek tragedy at the amphitheatre. An exciting mix of story, facts and activity!

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Book SynopsisBook Band: Brown - Ideal for ages 7+A historical adventure set in Tudor times, perfect for fans of Terry Deary and Philip Ardagh''s The Secret Diary series.Hal has a dream: to work as a gardener in King Henry''s palace in Whitehall. But they say the king has a terrible temper and when Hal stumbles upon a royal party, he''ll have to find a way to prove to the king that he''s not a spy. And if he doesn''t, well, let''s just say that Hal may never live to see his dream come true...This historical tale set in Tudor times, from well-loved author Pamela Oldfield, has inviting black-and-white illustrations by James de la Rue and is perfect for children who are developing as readers.The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online Trade ReviewThe story is told in simple language but introduces some interesting vocabulary such as elegant, gracious, and dejected in a way that the meaning can be worked out from context [...] An appealing first chapter book for newly confident readers. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisZinnie and her sisters live in the murky tunnels beneath Edinburgh's Old Town. They keep out of the way of the authorities and remain undetected. Until, that is, rumours of a ghost bring unwanted visitors into the caverns they call home. Among them, a young Arthur Conan Doyle, keen to investigate, and MacDuff, the shady owner of Edinburgh's newest attraction, the House of Wonders. Caught up in a world of intrigue and adventure, Zinnie seeks answers. But how can she discover what secrets lie in the House of Wonders while also protecting the sisters she holds so dear? A thrilling historical adventure featuring mystery in the tunnels beneath Victorian Edinburgh, for fans of Robin Stevens, Katherine Woodfine and Jennifer Bell. Praise for THE GOLDEN BUTTERFLY: “Touching on issues of class and gender, its main purpose is to bewitch and enthral.” – Financial Times “A perfectly paced and wonderfully written tale of mystery and magic.” – Sinéad O'Hart, author of THE EYE OF THE NORTH and THE STAR-SPUN WEB Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE GOLDEN BUTTERFLY: "Gosling's novel is an intricate puzzle, filled with cunning sleights of hand. While touching on issues of class and especially gender, its main purpose is to bewitch and enthral, which it does admirably all the way to its uplifting finale." -- Financial TimesPRAISE FOR THE GOLDEN BUTTERFLY: "A perfectly paced and wonderfully written tale of mystery and magic." -- Sinéad O'Hart, author of THE EYE OF THE NORTH and THE STAR-SPUN WEB

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Horrible Histories, named ''the outstanding children''s non-fiction author of the 20th century'' by Books For Keeps_______________Ideal for readers aged 7+_______________Stories of the Second World War on the Home Front from the bestselling Terry Deary, author of the hugely successful Horrible Histories. A young tearaway unwillingly evacuated to the countryside is unjustly accused of theft. He decides to make his way back home, never mind the Blitz - but he''ll need to steal a bike to do it..._______________Bubbling with wit, language play and robust dialogue....just the right mix of ingredients to trigger young readers'' interest in all things historical' - Books For KeepsTrade ReviewAn exciting and entertaining short read. * Irish Examiner *a lively story which is based in fact and engagingly illustrated by James de la Rue. * The Historical Novel Society *A refreshing change from books about the war itself, and stories and characters with which children can really identify. -- Sarah Brew * www.parentsintouch.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisMystery and adventure for four young detectives in Ancient Roman times..It seems that Flavia's tutor, Aristo, has committed a terrible crime - attempting to murder Flavia's own father. When Aristo escapes, Flavia and her friends give chase, but they aren't the only ones on Aristo's trail. Who else is after the young tutor? And what made him want to kill?Trade ReviewAnother enjoyable and educational story, this entry into the Roman Mysteries series allows us to enjoy a road trip through some of the most famous and beautiful parts of Roman-period Greece... another fun and intriguing entry into the series with a nice emotional undercurrent in the idenitity of Captain Geminus as the victim, giving the story greater interest and enotional depth. -- Juliette Harrison * POP CLASSICS *

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