Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction

Book SynopsisYou cannot create good without also creating evil.''DAZZLING'' Chloe Gong''GRIM, LUSH, FASCINATING'' Guardian Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, of providing for her family by making alchemical gold and gems for the wealthy to eat in order to stay young forever. But for now, she''s trapped in her impoverished village in southern China, practicing an illegal form of alchemy to keep food on the table - resurrecting the dead, for a price.When Zilan finally has the chance to complete her imperial exams, she ventures to the capital to compete against the best alchemists in the country in tasks she''ll be lucky to survive, let alone pass. On top of that, her reputation for raising the dead has followed her, and the Crown Prince himself seeks out her help, suspecting a coming assassination attempt.The more Zilan succeeds in her alchemy, the more she gets caught in the dangerous political games of the royal family. There Trade ReviewThis GRIM, LUSH, FASCINATING YA fantasy is the first book of a duology that will grip fans of Xiran Jay Zhao. * Guardian *Visceral to the core. The Scarlet Alchemist imagines alternate history with daring imagination and incredible detail. Even once you've turned the last page, you'll still be entrenched within this dazzling world running with gold and blood * Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights *The Scarlet Alchemist is a dark and glittering jewel of a book, full of blood, gold, and fury. I devoured it in a day! * Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology *Kylie Lee Baker stuns in this deliciously dark page-turner! An exhilarating blend of strikingly unique magic and masterful twists, with a sharp-edged, fiercely ambitious heroine who subverts the rules of life and death, clawing her way to the top-and into your heart * June CL Tan, international bestselling author of Jade Fire Gold *Vivid, twisting and thrilling! I loved this morally grey rollercoaster through an alternate Tang Dynasty with ruthless competition, intrigue and dark magic. Zilan is a captivating and complex protagonist, by turns relatable, loveable and monstrous-and always fascinating * Vanessa Len, author of Only a Monster *The Scarlet Alchemist is a beautifully crafted and incisively written tale of alchemy, blood, magic, and family that gripped me from the first page to the last. Full of twists I didn't see coming, a wry humor that made me laugh out loud, and a fierce, capable heroine I couldn't help but root for, this book is everything I look for in a fantasy novel. Read it! * Rati Mehrotra, author of Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove *I loved this book and you will too. The Scarlet Alchemist is perfectly paced, with dynamic prose, clever competition setups, and a protagonist who will leave you in awe of her resourcefulness. Kylie Lee Baker is an amazing storycrafter, and I would sell my soul for the sequel! * Joan He, New York Times bestselling author of Strike the Zither *Kylie Lee Baker writes incredibly immersive historical fantasies. So fans of C-dramas and Fullmetal Alchemist, look no further. The Scarlet Alchemist is an absolute treat * June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace *Though the practice is punishable by death, 17-year-old Fan Zilan supplements her family's meager income by resurrecting the dead through life alchemy. As a hùnxie?-a half Hàn Chinese, "half foreigner"-whose mother died and father disappeared, she lives with her sickly aunt and uncle as well as two cousins, Yufei and Wenshu, in the small southern town of Guangzhou. Bold Yufei and ever-cautious Wenshu are studying to take the civil service exams, which, if passed, will help them cultivate more comfortable lives; Zilan, meanwhile, is competing with other gifted youth to become a royal court alchemist, like the famed ones who developed a gold immortality elixir that halts aging once consumed. After passing the first exam, the three make their way to the city of Chang'an for the second, where Zilan finds herself embroiled in a royal conspiracy with an Empress who's determined to rid her court of any threats to her crown. In this deeply immersive historical fantasy, a grisly duology opener, Baker (The Empress of Time) expertly navigates the societal constraints and pains of marginalization via visceral prose. A developing romance between Zilan and the Crown Prince offers lighthearted joy amid the narrative's ruthless and gruesome happenings. A historical note concludes. * Publishers Weekly *A young alchemist uses unconventional practices to climb the social ladder.Seventeen-year-old Fan Zilan, who is Hàn Chinese and Scotian, dreams of becoming a royal alchemist like those who discovered the immortality elixir made of gold. Orphaned in a small village in Guangzhou, Zilan works at Auntie So and Uncle Fan's struggling store, where they make and sell míngqì-clay vessels for burials. She illegally performs life alchemy to resurrect the dead and bring in extra money. Zilan and her cousins finally get the chance for better lives by heading up north to the capital to take the all-important civil service exams. Competition is fierce, and, as someone poor and half-foreign, the odds are against her, but Zilan must succeed in order to provide for her family. She's garnered a reputation in Chang'an for her resurrections, and Crown Prince Li Hong seeks out her services. Tangled up in royal secrets, dangerous politics, and monstrous alchemical experiments, fierce Zilan struggles and fights for her place. Set in an alternate Tang dynasty China, this dark historical fantasy presents an enchanting, immersive world in which the manipulation of elements knows no bounds. Centered around life and death, this fast-paced story is gory and gruesome but lightened by moments of levity. Baker touches on racism, sexism, classism, identity, and family and friendship ties. Contemporary Mandarin and Cantonese words are woven into this dark duology opener. Grisly, dark, and utterly entrancing. * Kirkus Review *A ruthless and standout series opener to a dark, adrenaline-fueled duology. Highly recommended for all collections. * SLJ Reviews *Immersive, unique, grisly and delightfully dark, Kylie Lee Baker's newest YA fantasy novel, The Scarlet Alchemist, is quite frankly one of the most compelling and readable fantasies we've read this year * United by Pop *The sumptuously dark and vicious twists of this story bound by the magic of life, blood and familial love will have any young fantasy fan hooked in an instant. Kylie Lee Baker is a master of the world-building skills that can make historical fiction feel like stepping into a nightmare and a dream at once, with an unforgettably stubborn protagonist you'll want to follow until the end. * The National *The sumptuously dark and vicious twists of this story bound by the magic of life, blood and familial love will have any young fantasy fan hooked in an instant. Kylie Lee Baker is a master of the world-building skills that can make historical fiction feel like stepping into a nightmare and a dream at once, with an unforgettably stubborn protagonist you'll want to follow until the end * The National *

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Book Synopsis From acclaimed author Dan Smith comes a page-turning, atmospheric ghost story packed full of adventure and heart ... 'What a story ... absolutely gripping' EMMA CARROLL 'An enchanting, beautifully crafted wartime tale'ALLY SHERRICK Malaya, 1942. Nisha's home is destroyed by war and she and her mother, Amma, flee to her father's ancestral house in England, perched on a cliff top on the cold Northern coast. When Amma falls gravely ill, Nisha is left to face her formidable grandmother alone. Grandmother's rules are countless, and her Anglo-Indian granddaughter is even forbidden from climbing the old weeping tree. But when a ghost child beckons Nisha to sit under its boughs, and promises her Amma's life in return for three truths, its pull proves irresistible ... A thrilling historical ghost story; full of adventure, grief, guilt, forgiveness and belonging A fresh angle on a wartime story: the prejudice Nisha faces as a refugee feels particularly relevant today Perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Emma Carroll Praise for Dan Smith: 'Action, adventure, wolves, snow ... this story has EVERYTHING. I devoured it so quickly I need to read it again.' EMMA CARROLL on She Wolf 'This book grabbed me from page one - highly recommended' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY on My Friend the Enemy

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Book SynopsisONE MOMENT CAN CHANGE A LIFE FOREVER. ‘An exceptional read’ The Sunday Times ‘Vital glimmers of hope enlighten this profoundly poignant book’ Guardian A powerful and heart-breaking novel about three childhood friends living during the Second World War whose fates are closely intertwined, even when their lives take very different courses. Inspired by a true story, this is the perfect read for fans of The Book Thief and Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl.Vienna, 1936.Elsa, Leo and Max have always been best friends, a special team of three. Then the Nazis come.   As a growing darkness descends around them, Leo and Elsa run for their lives, taking two very different paths across Europe. And Max, once their closest friend, now becomes the enemy as he is drawn into the Hitler Youth. Will the friends ever find Trade ReviewWhen The World Was Ours is Liz's masterpiece . . . an instant classic -- Anthony McGowan, winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie MedalAn exceptional read * The Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week *A wonderful book, half tragedy, but told with such sheer, warm humanity that it leaves you with hope -- Hilary McKay * author of The Skylarks' War *I haven't read a Holocaust book for children that's better -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *When The World Was Ours is the most wonderful, terrible, powerful, important book I have read in years and years. It is so good, so real, so unflinching -- Cathy CassidyWhen The World Was Ours is an exceptionally powerful book based on Liz’s family’s extraordinary escape from Nazi occupied countries . . . a book I hope will be read and discussed by children everywhere -- Francesca SimonAn absolute masterpiece! -- Keren DavidThis is a tour de force, a book about friendship and what happens when hate is institutionalised, but most of all it's a book about love -- Catherine JohnsonUtterly, utterly gut-churningly brilliant. It's a superb piece of writing. It should win everything going -- Tanya LandmanThis stunning book is going to make you rage, and cry, and yelp with joy, then cry and rage again. A genuine tour de force from Liz Kessler. I couldn’t put it down except to wipe away tears -- Joanna NadinThis striking Holocaust story was a real passion project for Liz Kessler and it shows. Begins in Vienna in the 1930s, following the fortunes of three friends over the following years. Inevitable ugly crying at the end -- Karen McCombieWhen The World Was Ours is a gut-wrenching story of friendship torn apart by war. I can’t recommend it highly enough -- Anna WilsonAn unstoppable read - compassionate, angry and uplifting all at once -- Katherine LangrishI just finished When The World Was Ours and I'm in tears. I don't think I've ever read anything so powerful, shocking or moving. Such an important book - it truly deserves to fly -- Emma PassThis book is completely engaging and will engross young (and older) readers . . . it will prove to be very important, and widely read and recommended -- Linda NewberyThe most powerful book about the Holocaust I've ever read . . . it is an utterly stunning, and important, read. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time, and would urge everyone to read it -- Kerry DreweryPowerful, heartbreaking, thought-provoking and timely. This story of three friends will be etched in my mind for a very long time. What an incredible novel -- Emma PerryVery moved by the new Liz Kessler novel . . . the story and the story behind it. I wish I was a Costa judge next year as well -- John McLayPowerful, heart-wrenching -- Leila RasheedA powerful, sombre and moving account * The Financial Times *I read it in one sitting. It is heartbreakingly wonderful; a compelling book threaded through with hope that readers can grasp and take forward with them. -- Patrice Lawrence

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Book SynopsisSink or swim to survive Solway's black water... Down by the coast, black water swirls and hides its secrets. Dumfries, 1792. Henry may only be twelve, but he has already begun his training in the Excise, combating smuggling like his father does. But when a large smuggling schooner is stranded nearby, the stakes are high - even with reinforcements, and the newly recruited officer, a poet called Robert Burns. Musket fire, obstructive locals, quicksand and cannonballs—it is a mission of survival. As it turns out: Henry has a crucial part to play. A Scottish smuggling novella based on real events.

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Book SynopsisBuild your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right levelBerlin in 1938 is not a safe place to be if you''re Jewish. For Matti and many other Jewish children it means being sent to England for safety. Placed with a foster family in the British countryside, Matti is happy but desperate for his parents to join him. He starts working on a plan, but will it work out in time?Emerald/Band 15 books provide a widening range of genres including science fiction and biography, prompting more ways to respond to texts.Text type: A story with a historical setting.A map of Europe on pages 46-47 shows Matti's route from Berlin to London.Curriculum links: History: What was it like for children in the Second World War?This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

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Book SynopsisBuild your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right levelFollow the life of Pip, a poor lonely orphan in Victorian England. Everything changes when he becomes friends with the wealthy Estella. But can Pip leave his past behind? Written to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth, this inspired retelling is written by Whitbread award-winning author Hilary McKay.Emerald/Band 15 books provide a widening range of genres including science fiction and biography, prompting more ways to respond to texts.Text type: A retelling of a story by a significant authorCurriculum links: History; CitizenshipThis book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

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Book SynopsisCollins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds features exciting fiction and non-fiction decodable readers to enthuse and inspire children. They are fully aligned to Letters and Sounds Phases 16 and contain notes in the back. The Handbooks provide support in demonstration and modelling, monitoring comprehension and expanding vocabulary.The sheriff has been stealing from the market without paying. Will Robin Hood be able to make it fairer? This fun re-telling was written by Alice Hemming.Red B/Band 2B books offer simple but varied text with familiar objects and actions, combined with simple story development and a satisfying conclusion.The focus sounds in this book are: /oo/ /igh/ /air/ /or/ /ee/ /ai/ /oo/ /ow/ /er/Pages 14 and 15 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall.Reading notes within the book provide practical support forreading Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds with children, including a list of

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Book SynopsisCollins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Levelled for guided and independent reading, each book includes ideas to support reading. Teaching and assessment support and eBooks are also available.September 1666.Grace and her brother Simon are on their way to London to claim their inheritance. As a great fire breaks out, Simon is kidnapped. Can Grace rescue her brother and escape the flames?Sapphire/Band 16 books offer longer reads to develop children''s sustained engagement with texts and are more complex syntactically.Text type: A story with a historical settingIdeas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.On Sunday 2nd September 1666, a spark in a baker's shop ignited one of the most famous fires in history, the Great Fire of London. David Macphail wrote this story because he loves histo

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Book SynopsisCollins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Levelled for guided and independent reading, each book includes ideas to support reading. Teaching and assessment support and eBooks are also available.Britain, 1940. The Blitz. For 12-year-old Ellie and her brothers, it's not just about surviving the bombing, it's trying to solve the mystery of the enemy within. Who's attacking local people, and why?Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view.Text type: A story with a historical settingIdeas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.Jim Elridge was born in Camden Town in central London in 1944 during the Second World War. When he was a baby his pram was snatched from his elder sister''s hands by a blast from

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Book SynopsisBut despite his being the youngest student ever accepted into the prestigious Paris Conservatory, there’s no way an impoverished musician can make his way in 1890s Paris without an outside patron.Young gossip columnist Marcel Proust takes Léon under his wing, and the boys game their way through an extravagant new world.Trade Review“Charming Young Man is a gorgeous exploration of artistic talent and envy, wealth and power, art and desire wrapped up in a delicious, page-turner of a plot. I absolutely loved it.” — Nina LaCour, author of Michael L. Printz Award–winner We Are Okay “The author creates an intimate, sensitive, gay coming-of-age story. Beautifully realized and a pleasure to read.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Schrefer masterfully portrays Léon’s inner world, full of self-doubt and desperation (alongside dreamy moments at the piano), within a suspenseful story of high personal stakes.” — Booklist (starred review) “Schrefer immerses readers in the beautiful worlds of Belle Epoque Paris and rural France with detail that enhances the narrative. Teens will be seduced and captivated by the depictions of Paris high society, while also connecting with the heart of the plot: Leon finding his place in the world where he feels like an outsider. An enjoyable and easy-to-read coming-of-age story set in the past but relevant to the present.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Schrefer’s Léon Delafosse, who is based on the real French pianist of the same name, is not only likable, but sensitive and resilient, and his perseverance amid dramatic ups and downs on his path toward happiness is engaging.” — Publishers Weekly PRAISE FOR DARKNESS OUTSIDE US: "Schrefer masterfully evokes and maintains suspense that keeps the pages turning briskly while still taking the time to limn the two boys’ touching, moving relationship. If all of this is space opera, readers will want an encore. Bravo." — Booklist (starred review) "3, 2, 1…blastoff for mystery, adventure, and queer intergalactic bodice-ripping." — Kirkus Reviews "[A] sexy space odyssey. Schrefer’s immersive novel combines the build of mysteries and the tension of romance, slowly unfurling an iterative story about love and attraction, destiny, and connection. " — Publishers Weekly "Schrefer does an excellent job of developing and humanizing his characters before throwing them into the swift waters of a sci-fi plot with its truly shocking and satisfying twist. Readers are sure to root for these lovable characters’ survival." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "This deep-space survival story, with a strong gay romance and notes of horror, will appeal to fans of Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff’s Illuminae." — School Library Journal "Yes, The Darkness Outside Us is utterly inventive and relentlessly page-turning. And yes, Ambrose and Kodiak are seriously the hottest couple in space. But even more, this is an insightful, tender, and profound story, about the weight of history, and the power of transformation and true love." — Deb Caletti, National Book Award finalist and author of A Heart in a Body in the World “Fiercely imaginative and desperately real, The Darkness Outside Us explores the wild expanses of the human heart. This book is a triumph.” — Elana K. Arnold, author of Damsel, a Printz Honor Book "The Darkness Outside Us is equal parts terrifying, tender, and thrilling. I loved every word of this sharp, thoughtful look at the world we live in and the ones beyond." — Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of Little & Lion Absolutely brilliant. The Darkness Outside Us is a pulse-pounding thriller, engrossing science fiction epic, and heartfelt meditation on love all at once.” — Malinda Lo, Author of Ash

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Book SynopsisThe famous swashbuckling adventureWhen hot-blooded young d'Artagnan comes to Paris to seek his fortune, he finds himself challenged to a duel with not one, but three of the King's Musketeers. But Athos, Porthos and Aramis are to become his greatest friends, and companions in dangerous adventure when he becomes embroiled in the intrigues of the Court and the beautiful, evil Lady de Winter. This edition has been specially abridged for Puffin Classics.Trade Review"I do not say there is no character as well-drawn in Shakespeare [as D'Artagnan]. I do say there is none that I love so wholly."—Robert Louis Stevenson

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Book SynopsisNatasha''s story is set against the background of the Russian Revolution as she and her family flee persecution. Her story is dramatically and cleverly linked with the present as her heirs search for her will. The will can only be found through a trail of literary clues from classic children''s books.

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Book SynopsisHenry Fleming dreams of the thrill of battle and performing heroic deeds in the American Civil War. But his illusions are shattered when he comes face to face with the bloodshed and horrors of war. Now he's a raw recruit, Henry experiences both fear and self-doubt. Will war make Henry a coward or a hero?Trade Review'The Puffin Classics series is a perfect marriage of the old and the new. Enjoy some of the best books from the past and find out why and how they inspired some of the best writers of the present.' - Julia Eccleshare, Lovereading4Kids

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Book SynopsisLoyal Creatures is the deeply moving story of war horse Daisy and her 16-year-old owner Will, sent from the Australian outback to the gruelling Middle Eastern campaign of the First World War. Their skill in finding water is vital to their regiment in the desert, but their devotion to each other is what keeps them alive in an overwhelmingly hostile environment. Is their unwavering loyalty enough to determine their destiny?The story was inspired by Michael Morpurgo''s international bestseller War Horse and is closely based on historical record. Morris Gleitzman is the author of the highly acclaimed war novels Once, Then, Now and After..Trade ReviewTender and terrible; beautiful, brave and brutal, Morris Gleitzman has written a most remarkable story of men and horses in war, uncompromising and unflinching in its portrayal of the agonies of the First World War for men and horses alike. Sparely and supremely well written, this is quite simply one of very best novels I have read. MICHAEL MORPURGO. * Michael Morpurgo *

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Book SynopsisBOILS, BLOOD AND A BURNING FEVER - THE BLACK DEATH HAS RETURNED TO LONDON . . .As the dreaded sickness spreads through the city, striking down rich and poor alike, an unknown man arrives with a miracle cure. But when an assassin threatens the life of the city''s new saviour, young apothecary Christopher Rowe and his faithful friend Tom must risk their lives to untangle another dark conspiracy.And when the plague strikes close to home, the stakes are raised higher than ever before . . .The breathtaking sequel to The Blackthorn Key - shortlisted for the Waterstones Children''s Book Prize.

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Book SynopsisLondon 1666 - A terrible plague has swept through the city and people live in fear of animals carrying the disease.Woofer is a loveable stray who works in the palace kitchen and Tiger Lily is the pampered pet spaniel of King Charles II. They come from very different worlds but this hasn''t stopped them becoming the best of friends and looking out for each other. When Woofer finds himself in trouble he has to escape the palace grounds and Tiger Lily isn''t far behind him.It''s not long before a new danger emerges - a great fire is sweeping across London destroying everything in its path. Can these two brave dogs survive the blazing fire and make their way to safety?

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Book SynopsisRediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this thrilling edition of The Shadow Guests.Following the double disappearance of his mother and older brother, Cosmo Curtoy is sent to live with his strange cousin in England.When he arrives, Cosmo decides to explore the ancient Mill House on his cousins'' estate - where he meets the Mill''s spirited guests. . .But can he trust them?Join Cosmo on this supernatural time-travelling adventure and break the Curtoy''s curse!Trade ReviewStylish writing and vigorous invention * Publishers Weekly *What a marvellous writer Joan Aiken is! * Leon Garfield *Joan Aiken is a marvel -- Philip Pullman * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisRediscover Puffin Classics - timeless stories for each new generation.Tom Canty and Edward Tudor could have been identical twins. Their birthdays and their faces match, but there the likeness stops. For Edward is prince, heir to King Henry VIII of England, whilst Tom is a miserable pauper. But fate intervenes, and their identities become confused. Soon the prince is thrown out of the palace in rags, leaving ignorant Tom to play the part of a royal prince.Lightly abridged for Puffin Classics.

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Book SynopsisUnsuspecting boy. Big-hearted girl. Small-minded town. Invincible summer.Summer, 1955. Calls for equality are sweeping America, but sixteen-year-old Ethan Harper is about to discover just how deep the roots of racism run. When mixed-race Ethan is sent to stay with his white uncle and aunt in Ellison, Alabama, he soon discovers that the only thing smaller than the town itself are the minds of its inhabitants.Except for Juniper Jones - resident artist, oddball and self-proclaimed free spirit. Ignoring the tide of prejudice and disapproval that follows Ethan, Juniper enlists him as her sidekick in her quest for an unforgettable summer. Armed with two bikes and an unlimited supply of root beer floats, the pair set out to find their place in a town that''s set on rejecting them. Along the way, they will find hope, friendship - and maybe something more . . .

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Book Synopsis Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Sky in the Deep in this bewitching historical horror novel, perfect for fans of Holly Black and V.E. Schwab!   Seventeen-year-old Aderyn ('Ryn') only cares about two things: her family and her family's graveyard. And right now, both are in dire straits. Since the death of their parents, Ryn and her siblings have been scraping together a meager existence as gravediggers in the remote village of Colbren, which sits at the foot of a harsh and deadly mountain range that was once home to the fae. The problem with being a gravedigger in Colbren, though, is that the dead don't always stay dead.   The risen corpses are known as 'bone houses,' and legend says that they're the result of a decades-old curse. When Ellis, an apprentice mapmaker with a mysterious past, arrives in town, the bone houses attack with new ferocity. What is it that draws them near? And more importantly, how can they be stopped for good?   Together, Ellis and Ryn embark on a journey that will take them into the heart of the mountains, where they will have to face both the curse and the deeply-buried truths about themselves. Equal parts classic horror novel and original fairy tale, The Bone Houses will have you spellbound from the very first page.   An instant IndieBound bestseller!

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Book SynopsisFrom Amanda McCrina, the acclaimed author of Traitor and The Silent Unseen, I''ll Tell You No Lies is a riveting YA novel of the Cold War era about a girl in post-World War II America who becomes entangled with an escaped Soviet pilot and must learn to decipher truth from lies.New York, 1955. Eighteen-year-old Shelby Blaine and her father, an Air Force intelligence officer, have just been wrenched away from their old life in West Germany to New York's Griffiss Air Force Base, where he has been summoned to lead the interrogation of an escaped Soviet pilot. Still in shock from the car accident that killed her mother barely a month earlier, Shelby struggles with her grief, an emotionally distant father, and having to start over in a new home.Then a chance meeting with Maksym, the would-be defector, spirals into a deadly entanglement, as the pilot's cover story is picked apart and he attempts to escape his military and intelligence handlerswith Shelby caught in the middle. The more she learns of Maksym's secrets, including his detention at Auschwitz during the war, the more she becomes willing to help him. But as the stakes become more dangerous, Shelby begins to question everything she has been told, even by her fugitive friend. Allies turn into enemies, and the truth is muddled by lies. Can she trust a traitor with her life, or will it be the last mistake she ever makes?

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Book SynopsisThe second instalment of the internationally acclaimed series which follows the adventures of Jake Djones and the extraordinary secret service that protects the true course of history . . .It''s their deadliest mission yet: track down Agata Zeldt, the most evil woman in history, as she plots to topple the empire of ancient Rome and throw the world into turmoil. Jake and his friends are forced to travel further back into history than ever before to save the day. Well, all of the days actually.In this exciting sequel, the History Keepers embark upon another rollercoaster adventure, taking them from the snowy wilds of Sweden to the streets of Rome at the height of its glory. Their search leads them to Circus Maximus, the colossal stadium at the heart of the ancient world. It will be the race of their lives . . .Trade ReviewHistory can be fun too! Damian Dibben’s books have got kids’ imaginations going - and cultivated their interest in the past to boot. * Sun *Move over Harry Potter, it is time for Jake Djones to take the limelight. Almost too exciting for bedtime reading * Telegraph *Today's answer to Harry Potter crossed with The Hunger Games * Tatler *We are predicting extremely big things for this new adventure series * Mail on Sunday *An action-packed and entertaining story, which young readers will find hard to put down. * Booktrust *

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Book SynopsisWhen shocking news reaches the History Keepers' headquarters, Jake Djones is sent head-first into a new adventure. The time-travelling agents voyage from Shakespeare's England to Imperial China in pursuit of their most villainous foe yet, Xi Xiang, whose aim is to destroy trade links between east and west and throw the world into war. Jake, Nathan and Topaz must join forces with international agents in a race against the clock to stop him. And at the heart of the battle lies the key to a long-lost family member will Jake find his brother after all this time? The past is in danger only Jake Djones can save it!Trade ReviewHistory can be fun too! Damian Dibben’s books have got kids’ imaginations going – and cultivated their interest in the past to boot * Sun *Move over Harry Potter, it is time for Jake Djones to take the limelight * Telegraph *Today’s answer to Harry Potter crossed with The Hunger Games * Tatler *We are predicting extremely big things for this new adventure series * Mail on Sunday *The time travel aspect is excellently described and written and really transports the reader back in time - and you will learn a lot of history on the way! An exciting, quirky, humorous and pacy read, with great (and believable) characters - so much going for it and a great series. * Parents in Touch *

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Book SynopsisTHERESA BRESLIN is the Carnegie Medal winning author of over thirty books for children & young adults whose work has appeared on stage, radio and TV. Her books are hugely popular with young people, librarians and teachers. Remembrance, her top selling YA novel of youth in WW1, has now been reissued to include Book Notes. The Dream Master was shortlisted for the Children's Book Award. Divided City was shortlisted for ten book awards, winning two outright.Trade ReviewFull of authentic background, believable characters and a Scottish setting, this is another must-read novel by one of Scotland’s finest writers * Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisFrance: February, 1944. Arianne knew Luc as a child, of course she did. Everyone in Samaroux knows each other. But he''s been away, and five years really makes a difference to a boy. A young man.As they fall headily into love their world starts to crumble around them. German forces are closing in, and the village is torn between cooperating to save themselves or putting up resistance and entering unknown danger.How far will Arianne and Luc go to protect what they believe in? And what will they do for love?A gorgeous new edition of this devastating story of resistance, heartbreak and betrayal, for the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

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Book Synopsis''Bah,''said Scrooge, ''Humbug.''But that was before he was presented with visions of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, which gave him a whole new lease of life:''I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the World!''Old Ebenezer Scrooge is too mean to spend money on coals for the fire in his counting-house, where his clerk Bob Cratchit shivers in the winter cold. Declining an invitation to his nephew Fred's Christmas party, and refusing to give money to charity, he is ready for his usual miserly Christmas in his cold, dingy apartment. But that night, the ghost of his dead partner Jacob Marley appears and tells him to expect a visit from three spirits over the next three nights . . .Liberty of London and Faber & Faber both offer peerless quality and unrivalled originality. Liberty of London''s patterned, print and floral fabrics are world famous. This partnership brings together the best writers with one of the foremost design teams to create books that will be coveted by artistic shoppers and book lovers the world over.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated adventure telling the story of King Harald Sigurdsson, the last king of the Vikings Based on a true story, Harald’s adventure takes him from a frightened teenager to wealthy and powerful warrior and finally, to a ruthless and tyrannical king, whose ambition leads him to a futile, yet glorious death at the battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.

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Book SynopsisImaginative stories about objects featured in museums across Norfolk, for 4-9 year olds

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Book SynopsisAn enthralling account of the life of Brian Boru, who grew to become High King of Ireland before dying in the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.

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Book SynopsisThe final book in the famine trilogy For Eily, Michael and Peggy the memory of the famine is still strong. But Mary-Brigid, Eily's first child, has the future to look forward to. What kind of future is it?

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Book SynopsisA story of immense bravery and daring, as Granuaile takes on the great Norman lords, smuggles weapons and mercenaries for the Ulster Gaelic O'Donnell and O'Neill clans and finally goes to confront Elizabeth Tudor herself.Trade Review'Engaging and quite accessible to younger readers.' -- Books Ireland * Books Ireland *'At once both a lesson in 16th century history and a thrilling adventure story ... Despite its educational content, the books veers away from the didactic and remains an animated and enthralling adventure with an emancipated, audacious and inspiring heroine.' -- Children's Books in Ireland * Children's Books in Ireland *'This book, despite the well-covered subject, is outstanding ... One can smell the sea and feel the slippery boards underfoot, in this story of a passionate, strong yet wise woman, while learning much about the English and the Irish in the 16th century.' -- The Irish Post'The story is told partly in the form of letters from Granuaile to her youngest son ... and in present tense third-person accounts. This combination of partly-fictitious personal narrative and factual events blend together in a pacy story.' -- The Sunday Tribune * The Sunday Tribune *'an amazing story of courage, determination and cunning ... Her story is set in one of the most turbulent times in the history of our country and tells of the bravery amongst a people determined to survive.' -- Irish Examiner * The Irish Examiner *

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Book SynopsisA touching story, told in letter form, between an errand boy at Heligan Gardens, Cornwall and the resident stone mason who volunteered to fight for his country.

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Bridgerton, An Improbable Season is a swoony Regency romance by Rosalyn Eves about three young women, their big dreams, and a London Season gone awry.When Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis set off to Regency London for their first Season, they each have clear goals few of which include matrimony. Thalia means to make her mark among the intelligentsia and publish her poetry, Charis hopes to earn her place among the scientific elite, and Kalliope aims to take the fashionable ton by storm. But this Season, it doesn''t take long for things to fall apart. . .Kalli finds herself embroiled in scandal and reliant upon an arranged marriage to redeem her reputation, Thalia''s dreams of publication are threatened by her attraction to a charming rake, and Charis finds herself an unexpected social hit and the source of a family scandal that her heart might not survive. Can this roller-coaster Season find its happily ever after?''If you're looking for your next Bridgerton-esque fix, it's all too probable you'll find An Improbable Season as utterly charming as I did.'' Jennieke Cohen, author of My Fine FellowTrade ReviewIf you’re looking for your next Bridgerton-esque fix, it’s all too probable you’ll find An Improbable Season as utterly charming as I did. -- Jennieke Cohen, author of My Fine Fellow and Dangerous AllianceI adored every page. It was a Little Women meets Pride and Prejudice romance that charmed and entertained me thoroughly. -- Kasie West, author of SunkissedAlternating third-person narration highlights the [three] young people’s personal loves —Thalia’s for poetry, Kalli’s of home and hearth, Charis’ of the natural world — and their dreams for the future. . . Regency fans will enjoy this comfortingly familiar feeling story of endearing young women chasing happy endings through a maze of societal rules. * Kirkus Reviews *An Improbable Season will delight fans of regency novels, containing just enough twists and turns to keep the familiar beats and tropes exciting. Eves pens compelling romantic moments, but the real strength of this novel is the depiction of the strong love the young women have for each other. * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisA stunning repackage of a companion to Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, with cover art by two-time Caldecott Honor Award winner Kadir Nelson!The son of a prosperous landowner and a former slave, Paul-Edward Logan is unlike any other boy he knows. His white father has acknowledged him and raised him openly-something unusual in post-Civil War Georgia. But as he grows into a man he learns that life for someone like him is not easy. Black people distrust him because he looks white. White people discriminate against him when they learn of his black heritage. Even within his own family he faces betrayal and degradation. So at the age of fourteen, he sets out toward the only dream he has ever had: to find land every bit as good as his father's, and make it his own. Once again inspired by her own history, Ms. Taylor brings truth and power to the newest addition to the award-winning Logan family stories.* Readers...will grab

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Book SynopsisIn the Remixed Classics series, authors from marginalized backgrounds reinterpret classic works through their own cultural lens to subvert the overwhelming cishet, white, and male canon. This queer YA reimagining of The Secret Garden subverts the cishet and white status quo of the original in a tale of family secrets wonderful and horrifying.Mary Lennox didn't think about death until the day it knocked politely on her bedroom door and invited itself in. When a terrible accident leaves her orphaned at fifteen, she is sent to the wilderness of the Georgian Bay to live with an uncle she''s never met.At first the impassive, calculating girl believes this new manor will be just like the one she left in Toronto: cold, isolating, and anything but cheerful, where staff is treated as staff and never like family. But as she slowly allows her heart to open like the first blooms of spring, Mary comes to find that this strange place and its strange peoplemost

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