Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction

Book SynopsisA new instalment and standalone adventure charting series protagonist Jack Fletcher''s return to pre-civil war England.His quest: to find his missing sister, with the help of some familiar faces...

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Book SynopsisStone Cold is the seventh in the Young Sherlock Holmes series in which the iconic detective is reimagined as a brilliant, troubled and engaging teenager - creating unputdownable detective adventures that remain true to the spirit of the original books.Following his last thrilling adventure Sherlock Holmes has been sent to live in Oxford to focus on his education. But something strange is happening in the university pathology labs. Body parts are being stolen from corpses and are being posted one by one to an address in London. What can these sinister goings-on mean, and what message is someone trying to send? In an attempt to find out, Sherlock follows the trail to a very sinister house deep in the countryside. Can he get to the bottom of another baffling mystery?Sherlock Holmes: think you know him? Think again.Continue the investigative adventures with Andrew Lane's Night Break.

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Book Synopsis*A National Book Award Finalist*From the author of Nowhere Boy - called a resistance novel for our times by The New York Times - comes a brilliant middle-grade survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s.Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. His journalist dad is stuck overseas indefinitely, and his mom has moved in his one-hundred-year-old great-grandmother to ride out the pandemic, adding to his stress and isolation.But when Matthew finds a tattered black-and-white photo in his great-grandmother's belongings, he discovers a clue to a hidden chapter of her past, one that will lead to a life-shattering family secret. Set in alternating timelines that connect the present-day to the 1930s and the US to the USSR, Katherine Marsh's latest novel sheds fresh light on the Holodomor the horrific famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, and wh

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Book SynopsisDiscover two sides of history with the Time Travel Twins!Twins, Scarlett and Thomas, are studying the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons at school and they have a homework project to do. When Thomas is struggling for inspiration, Grandad comes to the rescue with his time machine. Thomas is catapulted onto a Viking long ship and it's not long before he's being told oral tales, fitted out with armour and weapons and is getting ready to attack a Saxon village. But uh oh, his sister Scarlett has landed in a Saxon village, in a pile of pig poo to be exact. Things seems to be getting better when she befriends the young Alfred the Great, but watch out, Scarlett, there's a Viking ship on its way. Also in the series: The Roman InvasionTrade Review"A time travel adventure story up there with the best… This is one of the best evocations of Viking times I’ve read, all the characters live and breathe on the page, and readers really will feel they’ve been back in time too" * LoveReading4Kids *"Packed with facts about life in the ninth century …this story is exciting and informative" * BookTrust *"An exciting adventure …giving children a real feel for what it must have been like to live in 859 AD. Josh Lacey has avoided making fun of the history and instead made it real and exciting" * Books for Keeps *"A brilliant resource for an ancient civilisations topic, and closes with an extended historical note" * CLPE *

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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 SynopsisPenguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers'' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.Bud, Not Buddy, a Level 4 Reader, is A2+ in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing more complex uses of present perfe

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Book SynopsisA gorgeous 20th anniversary edition of Eva Ibbotson's award-winning, bestselling classic adventure, with a beautiful cover by Katie Hickey and an introduction by award-winning author of Letters from the Lighthouse Emma Carroll. A joyous Amazon adventure set in the lush nature of Brazil, Journey to the River Sea is filled with mystery and extraordinary characters. Maia, an orphan, can't wait to reach her distant relatives a thousand miles up the Amazon. She imagines a loving family with whom she will share great adventures. Instead she finds two spiteful cousins who see the jungle as the enemy and refuse to go outdoors. But the wonders of the rainforest more than make up for the hideous twins and their parents.And when Maia meets a mysterious boy who lives alone on the wild river shores, she begins a spectacular journey to the heart of an extraordinary and beautiful new world.Winner of the Smarties Gold Medal.Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Award (now the Costa).'The most perfect children's book . . . captivatingly told, funny and moving' – Nicolette Jones, Sunday TimesTrade ReviewEnchanting and inspiring. Any reader presented with this book will be enriched for life -- Anne FineMy favourite children's book -- Lauren St JohnThe most perfect children's book . . . captivatingly told, funny and moving -- Nicolete Jones, Sunday TimesA bubbly and fantastical adventure . . . Driven by humour and warmth, Journey to the River Sea has an irresistible charm -- Julia Eccleshare, GuardianA plot too exciting to put down. Sheer pleasure -- Sarah Johnson, The TimesThis is a wonderful adventure story, told with energy and imagination * Mail on Sunday *Eva Ibbotson's children's books include not only her famous Journey to the River Sea but classics for seven-year-olds and above, such as Which Witch?, Dial a Ghost and Monster Mission. Wildly original and wholly satisfying. -- Amanda Craig * The Guardian *You can’t help but be swept away by Ibbotsen’s vivid descriptions of the Amazon * Good Housekeeping - Top 50 Books Every Child Should Read *

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Book SynopsisPenguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers'' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.Homegoing, a Level 7 Reader, is B2 in the CEFR framework. The longer text is made up of sentences with up to four clauses, introducing future perfect simple, mixed conditionals, past perfect continuous, mixed conditionals, more complex passive forms and modals for deduction in the past.Half-sisters Effia and Esi are born into different villages in Ghana. The sisters'' lives follow different paths: Effi marries a wealthy Englishman, while Esi is captured and sold into slavery.Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

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Book SynopsisA small undercover unit of hand-picked, trusted warriors is assembled to track down the thieves who have stolen the Staff held by Moses as he parted the Red Sea. They are the `Ruzgar' - the `Wind' - and like the wind, they travel silently and unseen. Awa, the studious daughter of a noble family from the Songhai Empire in West Africa, was kidnapped and enslaved by Moroccans after the disastrous Battle of Tondibi. Awa is a whirling and deadly force when she has a scimitar in her hand. Will, who was snatched from his home in London at the age of 5, is now 16 and a galley slave on board a Moroccan warship. Joining the Ruzgar turns him into a man. He and Awa become fast friends. The other comrades are Turkish, Greek and Albanian, all led by the charismatic Bosnian Mehmed Konjic, a wise counsellor and natural hero. The Ruzgar's pursuit of a network of rogues takes them across continents and into many perilous situations. The action is fast and furious, with dire situations requiring a Houdini to escape from . . . set against thrilling backdrops including deserts, oceans, dungeons, the roofs of the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, the canals of Venice and the court of Queen Elizabeth I at Nonsuch Palace in Surrey. The task to reclaim the Staff is a mission that is (almost) impossible . . .Trade Review`Three huzzahs for this scintillating new take on the late Tudor period: a rip-roaring, erudite, cosmopolitan pageturner peppered with the wisdom of ages and glowing with the ruby light of a compassionate heart - a jewel no snaggle-toothed Queen or vainglorious Sultan can buy' Naomi Foyle, author, The Gaia Chronicles; `A girl-warrior of Songhai nobility captured in Africa ... an English boy enslaved from the age of five ... a stolen religious relic that leads to an international chase.... In A Tudor Turk, Rehan Khan pulls off a rare literary coup. It's a masterly meld of riveting historical background, characters whose emotions blaze from the pages, a balance between an unlikely (but likeable) male and female duo, and settings so vivid you will think you're hearing and smelling the scenes. This is confident, perfectly paced storytelling, a rip-roaring adventure full of narrative surprises. The pace does not let up from page one, and by the conclusion readers young and old will be eager for more from Will and Awa!' Peter Lerangis, author, Seven Wonders and Max Tilt series; `In these uncertain Brexit days, A Tudor Turk's portrayals of sixteenth-century prejudice against Ottoman Turks, an ageing queen named Elizabeth, and England as an isolated and despised European outpost cannot but find resonance. To borrow Jo Cox's words, the novel shows that different cultures share “more in common than that which divides us”’. Claire Chambers, York University.

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Book SynopsisIt is Charlotte''s first night at boarding school, and as she''s settling down to sleep, she sees the corner of the new building from her window. But when she wakes up, instead of the building there is a huge, dark cedar tree, and the girl in the next bed is not the girl who slept there last night. Somehow, Charlotte has slipped back forty years to 1918 and has swapped places with a girl called Clare. Charlotte and Clare swap places ever night until one day Charlotte becomes trapped in 1918 and must find a way to return to her own time before the end of term.

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Book SynopsisSumiko Adachiâs life changes after Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. When an arbitrary dividing line is drawn through Phoenix, Sumiko finds herself forced into a confinement camp. Her best friend, Emi, is not. Can Sumiko and Emi maintain their friendship when one of them is imprisoned and the other remains free?

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Book Synopsis A gripping fusion of action, revenge and Norse legend from award-winning author Dan Smith! 'Nothing is as it first appears in this gripping tale of survival.' OBSERVER 'Action, adventure, wolves, snow ... this story has EVERYTHING. I devoured it so quickly I need to read it again.' EMMA CARROLL 'Another stunning and original read from a master storyteller.' BOOKTRUST 'She Wolf is defined by its masterly prose as much as by its thrilling story.' THE IRISH TIMES A young Viking girl is swept by a storm on to a desolate English beach. Cruelly orphaned there, Ylva becomes set on revenge, tracking a killer through dangerous hinterland. She wants only the favour of the Norse gods and the comfort of her stories. But when a stranger decides to protect Ylva – seeming to understand her where others cannot – Ylva must decide if her own legend will end in vengeance or forgiveness ... A startlingly original, emotional and action-packed adventure set in the dark ages. Our unforgettable main character, Viking girl Ylva, is pulled into an unforgettable adventure as she seeks vengeance - aided by a wolf companion! Perfect for readers aged nine and up.

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Book SynopsisA tale of star-crossed young love set against the backdrop of the Viking invasion of York, from a master storyteller.Tor is the youngest son of Harald Hardrada, King of Norway and leader of the Viking fleet, whose countless victories have been woven into song, his prowess the stuff of legend.Kata knows little of her parents, but her heart yearns for something beyond the small world of her Anglo-Saxon village south of the great city of York.When Tor is sent to scout ahead of the Viking fleet after their invasion of Scarborough, he relies on his charm and his guile to learn the lie of the land and the location of the regional earls'' forces, ready to report back to his father. Soon, however, he meets Kata, a caring and capable young woman whose fierce nature sets Tor''s heart alight.But these are troubled times. Mistrust and rumours ripple through the land: the mighty Hardrada is coming and help is far from hand. As the eve of battle draws closer, Kata and Tor must question to whom their loyalty lies: heart or home?

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Book SynopsisReintroducing London's newest and greatest detective: Enola Holmes in this second exciting mystery - from the series that inspired the films, starring Millie Bobby Brown. Read them all before the next film lands! Enola Holmes is on the run from the world's most famous detective - her brother Sherlock Holmes. As she roams the dark and dangerous streets of London disguised as a doctor's secretary called Miss Ivy Meshle, Enola is reminded more and more that her name backwards spells 'alone'. But when she finds a concealed cache of dazzling charcoal drawings, she feels drawn to the girl who drew them. Only, that girl, young Lady Cecily, has mysteriously vanished. It's up to Enola to find her, but false appearances can only last so long... Enola's adventures continue in this thrilling second instalment. 'A story of a young girl who is empowered, capable, and smart . . . the Enola Holmes book series conveys an impactful message to kids and teenagers all over the world that you can Trade Review"A story of a young girl who is empowered, capable, and smart...the EnolaHolmes book series convey an impactful message to kids and teenagersall over the world that you can do anything if you set your mind to it, and itdoes so in an exciting and adventurous way." -- Millie Bobby Brown

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Book SynopsisA TIMELESS CHRISTMAS SKY ORIGINAL FILM, STARRING MARK GATISS, SIMON CALLOW AND TAMSIN GREIG''Charming, magical and life-affirming, Antonia Barber''s clever and moving tale has become a much-loved favourite. The Wheel of Time spins - and off we go into an unforgettable adventure!'' MARK GATISS''When you come to the house, you will hear strange tales. They will tell you in the village that it is haunted, but you must not be afraid. When the time comes ... you will know what to do.''Mr Blunden''s words echoed through Lucy''s ears as she explored the house. It was such an old house that it seemed to Lucy as if all the past was gathered up inside it as if in a great box; as though it had a life of its own that continued to exist just beyond the reach of her eyes and ears. Did Mr Blunden, who went out of his way to offer their mother the job as caretaker, mean to help or hurt them? Could she and her brother Jamie really help those troubled ghosTrade ReviewCharming, magical and life-affirming, Antonia Barber's clever and moving tale has become a much-loved favourite. The Wheel of Time spins - and off we go into an unforgettable adventure! -- Mark Gatiss

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Book SynopsisOutlander gets a witchy Meg Cabot twist in this captivating and romantic YA contemporary fantasy following two witches who must travel back in time to stop an ancient curse.The moment new guy Jarrod Thornton walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and mesmerizing about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod conjures up a freak thunderstorm inside the classroom. Only, Jarrod doesn’t believe in the paranormal and has no idea his magic is behind the strange incidents that plague him. He finds Kate’s convictions about magic especially frustrating because of the magnetic attraction between them. Why can’t he fall for a normal girl? But, eventually, not even Jarrod can dismiss his gift…or the mounting danger it’s causing. To save their future, Jarrod and Kate embark on an incredible journey to the past where they must foil the curse that has plagued Jarrod’s family for centuries. Can these fledgling witches summon the strength to emerge victorious?

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Book SynopsisA thrilling middle grade mystery series, perfect for fans of Robin Steven's Murder Most Unladylike. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton and inspired by real Black British historical figures.WINNER OF THE WEEK JUNIOR CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR: BREAKTHROUGH AWARDSHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES 2023 CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZEWINNER OF THE DIVERSE BOOK AWARD FOR CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEARTwelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad's tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House but they both share a love of solving mysteries.And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they've seen something suspicious on stage.Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery and becoming best friends. But can they work out what's going on in time to prevent a murder?Trade ReviewPraise for The Week Junior Children’s Book of the Year: Breakthrough Award:“What a joyful, heartstopping, theatrical whirlwind of a book”“Everything about this beamed magnificence and made my heart soar”“Its originality and freshness comes from the way that real history and historical characters are cleverly incorporated into the story, putting Black history firmly at the centre.”“Eloquent, clever, imaginative and fun”“Kids will just hoover this book up” “Black British Georgian history is effectively brought to life through characters based on real people, but it is the suspense and plot twists that keep the pages turning” – Sarah Keating, The Irish Times ‘This vivid theatreland mystery – whose atmospheric setting recalls Phillip Pullman’s The Ruby and the Smoke series – is deeply rooted in the abolitionist milieu and resonates sonorously today.’The Observer, Chapter Books of the Month, 29th May 2022 ‘I was hooked from the outset as Williams expertly takes the real life historical figures of two black Georgians Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle and imagines them tackling a mystery of an attempted onstage murder! From the descriptions of the Jamaica Coffee House to the candle lit theatre chandeliers Georgian London is vividly brought to life. A must read for mystery fans.’Joseph Coelho, Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate “Bringing Georgian London vividly to life, this is a wonderful historical mystery with two delightful heroines. I can't wait to read the next instalment and find out what Lizzie and Belle will get up to next!”Katherine Woodfine, author of The Sinclair’s Mysteries series

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Book Synopsis'A hugely entertaining mystery' – Fiona Noble, The Bookseller Children's Previews 'One to Watch' Greenwich, London, 15th February 1894.Luna thinks that an evening at her aunt's butterfly club sounds deathly boring.But it turns out that the meeting, held in the Butterfly Room at the Greenwich Observatory, is not at all as Luna expects. The Butterfly Club is a society with an unusual secret . . . they use time travel to plunder the future for wonders.Together with her friends, Konstantin and Aidan, and a clockwork cuckoo, Luna boards the Time Train. The gang travel to 1912 and find themselves aboard a great ship travelling from Southampton to New York. They locate a man called Guglielmo Marconi and his new invention: the wireless radio. But as the ship heads into icy waters, they discover its name:The RMS TITANICCan Luna and the boys save Marconi and his invention from the doomed ship?Can they get the radio back home to the Butterfly Club?And how will their actions change the rest of time?Trade Review'A hugely entertaining mystery' -- Fiona Noble, The Bookseller, Children's Previews 'One to Watch'

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Book SynopsisTheodosia Throckmorton is in a fix. While attending a reception given by one of the directors of her parents’ museum, she stumbles across an old foe in the most surprising circumstances! His reappearance could mean only one thing: the Serpents of Chaos are back. Once again Theodosia will have to take on secret societies, evil curses, and dark magic too sinister to imagine, especially if it falls into the wrong hands. Blocked at every turn, Theodosia must rely on her own skill and cunning – along with a little help from her friends.Trade Review"Archaeology and fantasy fans alike will find much to love in this magical tale chock-full of ancient Egyptian artifacts and details. Theodosia's first-person narration is often very funny as she deals with the adults around her, and the plot is quick and multilayered like a well-wrapped mummy" * School Library Journal *"Clever and exciting ... non-stop action in a delightfully English package" * Booklist *

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Book Synopsis From the bestselling author of Darwin's Dragons and My Friend the Octopus comes an exciting historical adventure – with a touch of magic – set aboard the Titanic ... '[A] compelling adventure ... Superb.' THE TIMES, BOOK OF THE WEEK Young cabin steward, Sid, is proud to be working on the Titanic, the greatest stream liner ever built. Clara dreams of adventure at sea, and discovers it the hard way as a stowaway on a much smaller ship, the Carpathia. Here, she meets a giant bear of a dog: Rigel, who has a reputation for mischief. What none of them can foresee is how they'll need each other on the night Titanic collides with an iceberg. Or that an even more extraordinary creature might also answer their call ... The third middle-grade historical adventure from the author of Darwin's Dragons and My Friend the Octopus A new spin on the sinking of the Titanic, offering an uplifting alternate history of real-life survivor, Sid Daniels A touching animal friendship lies at the heart of the story, as well as hints of mythology Showcases Lindsay Galvin's trademark combination of exciting adventure, real-life history and a magical twist PRAISE FOR DARWIN'S DRAGONS: ‘A striking and original adventure … just the sort of story I love.’ EMMA CARROLL ‘WHAT a voyage! [Darwin’s Dragons] is everything you hope it will be …’ LUCY STRANGE ‘[A] beautifully fictionalised story’ THE TELEGRAPH

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Book SynopsisDiscover two sides of history with the Time Travel Twins! Twins, Scarlett and Thomas, are learning about the Romans at school. So Grandad uses his time machine to send them back to Roman Britain. Scarlett finds herself in a Roman camp and is chosen as a slave by the Emperor Claudius’s daughter, Antonia. The two become friends and Scarlett sees first hand the glamour and treachery of the Roman court. Thomas joins a rabble of local kids who hate the Romans. Their leader is a small red-headed girl called Boudicca. Even when the kids are overwhelmed and taken as slaves, Bou hatches another plan to attack the Romans. Will the twins find each other and escape, or will they both be stuck as Roman slaves for ever? Also in the series: The Viking Attack

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Book SynopsisThe story of a Palestinian family’s ties to the land, and how one young girl finds a way to care for her home, even as she says goodbye.It’s 1967 in Nablus, Palestine.Oraib loves the olive trees that grow outside the refugee camp where she lives. Each harvest, she and her mama pick the small fruits and she eagerly stomp stomp stomps on them to release their golden oil. Olives have always tied her family to the land, as Oraib learns from the stories Mama tells of a home before war. But war has come to their door once more, forcing them to flee. Even as her family is uprooted, Oraib makes a solemn promise to her beloved olive trees. She will see to it that their legacy lives on for generations to come.Debut author-illustrator Aya Ghanameh boldly paints a tale of bitterness, hope, and the power of believing in a free and thriving future.

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Book SynopsisThe legendary adventure of a medieval outlaw is now available in an unabridged paperback edition for today's young readers. He stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and in so doing became a lasting symbol of virtue. The thrilling adventures of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men will keep young readers turning the pages. Who can resist the arrows flying, danger lurking, and medieval intrigue? This unabridged edition of Howard Pyle's celebrated text, based on an English folktale, is perfect for young readers' libraries.

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Book SynopsisUntil the Road Ends is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children's Book of the Year, winner of a Books Are My Bag Readers Award, the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Writing When Peggy saves a stray dog from near-death, a beautiful friendship begins. Peggy and Beau are inseparable: the only thing that can ever come between them is war. Peggy is evacuated to the safety of the coast, but Beau is left behind in the city, where he becomes the most extraordinary and unlikely of war heroes. Night after night, as bombs rain down and communities are destroyed, Beau searches the streets, saving countless families. But then disaster strikes, changing Peggy’s life forever. With her parents killed, both she and Beau are left alone, hundreds of miles apart. But Beau has a plan to reunite them at long last . . .Trade Review"Phil Earle is a magnificent writer. This is a thrilling adventure laced with humour, suspense, and love. Just brilliant" -- Katya Balen"Earle's story has Spitfire action, a crocodile and incidents of self-sacrifice, and as always he can counted on to be emotionally involving" * The Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week *"Dad's Army meets Animals of Farthing Wood. Warm, weepy, wonderful. Victory medals all round" * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *"Based on several true events, this thrilling adventure is exciting, witty, warm and occasionally heartbreaking" * Daily Mail *"A heartbreaking story of love and devotion in the midst of war" * Waterstones *

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming tale of courage, set against the backdrop of the Second World War, about a deserted village, a lifelong friendship and one very adventurous cat!A master storyteller at his best' Sunday TimesIt's 1943. Lily lives in a seaside village and her life is scarcely touched by the war. Until one day when the villagers are all told to move out of their homes.Soon, the whole area is out of bounds, as the allied forces prepare to invade France. But Tips, Lily's cat, has other ideas and returns to the forbidden area. Lily decides to enter the danger zone to look for Tips herself . . .Trade Review“A master storyteller at his best” Sunday Times "From the first sentence of a Michael Morpurgo book, you know you are in the hands of a natural storyteller" Guardian “Classic Morpurgo brilliance” Bookseller’s choice, Publishing News "…a succinctly engaging tear-jerker, it is also full of happiness and affection and has a joyful ending… It is also about people who care enough to look after each other, offering a lesson in life as well as history” Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week "…Michael Morpurgo weaves a touching tale that's full of surprises. A master storyteller at his best" Funday Times "As always, Morpurgo writes with solid confidence in a voice that's gentle yet spellbinding" Evening Standard

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Book SynopsisWould you risk the future to change the past?Luna, Konstantin and Aidan are time-travelling thieves working for The Butterfly Club.When they are asked to steal a little-known painting called the Mona Lisa, Aidan can only think of one man who can make things disappear – the magician, Harry Houdini. And as luck would have it, Houdini cannot resist a challenge.The three children and Houdini travel to 1911 Paris where they face an impossible task – stealing a painting right off the wall of the fortress-like Louvre Museum.As Houdini prepares for the theft, a heist which will require him to pull off his greatest ever trick, the time-thieves realise that the Mona Lisa is smiling because she holds a secret. Her creator, Leonardo Da Vinci, hid mysterious codes within the painting.The race is on to solve the puzzle in time...

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Book SynopsisEdward IV has died, leaving his 12-year-old son as king. But England has been torn apart by the Wars of the Roses. Nobody wants a boy-king. Soon the boy's uncle Richard III is on the throne - but Henry Tudor is challenging him for the crown. Henry and Richard have one thing in common: they need the young Edward V and his little brother out of the way. The two boys are sent to the Tower of London for safety. They are never seen again... A fascinating look at the brief reign of Richard III, told through the eyes of the princes' nursemaid. What really happened to the princes in the Tower? Was Richard responsible - or has he been wrongly accused for centuries?

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Book SynopsisWinner of the middle grade STEAM Book Prize Ordinary is what most people are and I am not. I am not ordinary at all. I am a scientist. One stormy night, a group of villagers are struck by lightning. The only survivor is a baby - Mary Anning. From that moment on, a spark is lit within her. Growing up poor but proud on the windswept Dorset coast, Mary follows after her father, hunting for fossils uncovered by waves and landslips: ancient creatures, turned to stone. Ignoring other people's taunts, Mary faces danger to bring back valuable treasures to help feed her family. But tragedy and despair is never far away. Mary must depend upon her unique courage and knowledge to fulfil her dream of becoming a scientist in a time when girls have no opportunities for such ambitions. What will happen when she makes her greatest discovery of all...? With a factual section about Mary Anning, her life, and the discoveries she made.Trade Review"Anthea Simmons tells Mary’s story as an exciting adventure and also as a rousing story of what an intelligent and brave woman can do." * LoveReading4Kids, Julia Eccleshare *"Anning’s strong, idiosyncratic personality bursts forth from the opening pages of this bold first-person narrative" * Kirkus *"An intriguing insight into a fascinating figure from history: Mary is a bold, brilliant and truly inspiring heroine.""Lightning Mary is a rewarding novelization of how Mary Anning became one of the first people to discover dinosaurs. Full, imaginative writing opens up Mary’s world" * Foreword Reviews *"Mary is a fascinating character and in Simmons’ hands, she rips up the page with her determination and strength" * Irish Independent *"A brilliant read." * BookTrust *"Riveting and evocative. Inspirational for budding scientists" * Stemettes *"An inspirational fictional account of a bold heroine, this also includes a factual section to inspire budding scientists" * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisA boy. A wolf. A legend of all time. The second book in the internationally bestselling WOLF BROTHER (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness) series by renowned author Michelle Paver. Thousands of years ago an orphan boy and his wolf cub challenge a demon bear that threatens to destroy their world for ever. With the help of the World Spirit, Torak destroys the bear, but his beloved Wolf is lost in the process. Yet Torak's quest is far from over. A strange sickness is threatening the Raven Clan and only the Seal Clan have the cure. Torak must face a lonely journey to the Seal Islands to find it, but what he stumbles upon there is far from what he was expecting. And all is not as it seems ... Audio edition also available, read by Sir Ian McKellen.Trade ReviewSpirit Walker is an enchanting story of courage and danger set in one of the most beautifully described Stone Age landscape and will continue to delight fans of the series and is every bit as good as Wolf Brother. * FANTASY BOOK REVIEW *Spirit Walker is an enchanting story of courage and danger set in one of the most beautifully described Stone Age landscape and will continue to delight fans of the series and is every bit as good as Wolf Brother. * FANTASY BOOK REVIEW *Dazzling entertainment, seamless storytelling * LOVEREADING4KIDS *Dazzling entertainment, seamless storytelling * LOVEREADING4KIDS *SPIRIT WALKER is every bit as good, if not better, than WOLF BROTHER. * KIDSREADS *SPIRIT WALKER is every bit as good, if not better, than WOLF BROTHER. * KIDSREADS *As in Wolf Brother Michelle Paver's sheer passion for her story set in a world of myth and natural magic, shines through in this skilfully woven, exciting and brilliantly satisfying second installment of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. * BOOKTOPIA *As in Wolf Brother Michelle Paver's sheer passion for her story set in a world of myth and natural magic, shines through in this skilfully woven, exciting and brilliantly satisfying second installment of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. * BOOKTOPIA *

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Book SynopsisA timeless story, beautifully told and illustrated by Judith Loske Based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, who lived in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945, Sadako's Cranes tells the story of her battle with leukemia. When Sadako hears of a Japanese legend which says that a person who folds 1,000 paper cranes is granted a wish, she begins folding cranes. Her wish was simply to live. Loske's beautiful illustrations are based on colored-pencil drawings that have been digitally processed.Trade Review"A beautifully illustrated tribute to hope and peace." -- Marilyn Ward, omnilbros.com

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Book SynopsisThe second book in Philip Pullman's classic SALLY LOCKHART quartetin a beautiful new edition. Sally Lockhart is a thoroughly modernwoman in a world of pompous men. Soon she is ensnared in a whirlof high-society danger and deceit, which can lead her in onlyone direction - to the terrifying secret of the Shadow in the North.

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Book SynopsisSally Lockhart is 25, and somebody wants to destroy her. When custodyof her precious daughter is awarded to an evil stranger, itis the beginning of a terrifying struggle in which Sally will haveto fight, and kill if necessary, for the freedom of her family.

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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 Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisA fast-paced historical mystery adventure for readers aged 9+ years, with gorgeous Edwardian period detail. Perfect for fans of Chris Riddell''s Goth Girl series, Enid Blyton and Robin Stevens''s Murder Most Unladylike series.When a priceless painting is stolen, our dauntless heroines Sophie and Lil find themselves faced with forgery, trickery and deceit on all sides!Be amazed as the brave duo pit their wits against this perilous puzzle! Marvel at their cunning plan to unmask the villain and prove themselves detectives to be reckoned with no matter what dangers lie ahead It's their most perilous adventure yet!******Praise for The Clockwork Sparrow:''A wonderful book, with a glorious heroine and a true spirit of adventure' Katherine Rundell, author of RooftoppersA real page-turner, it has murders, spies and gangs of thieves. Thrilling!' Indiana, aged 10 years, LoveReadingforKids reviewer''Dastardliness on a big scale is uncovered in this well-plotted, evocative novel'' Nicolette JonTrade ReviewJolly good fun. * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year 2017.'A Skinful of Shadows confirms Hardinge's status as one of our finest storytellers. It's rare to find a book which is every bit as intelligent and stylish as it is riveting - I was enthralled' - Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent.Frances Hardinge weaves a dark, otherworldly tale in A Skinful of Shadows, her first book since the Costa Award-winning The Lie Tree.When a creature dies, its spirit can go looking for somewhere to hide. Some people have space inside them, perfect for hiding.Makepeace, a courageous girl with a mysterious past, defends herself nightly from the ghosts which try to possess her. Then a dreadful event causes her to drop her guard for a moment.And now there's a ghost inside her.The spirit is wild, brutish and strong, but it may be her only defence in a time of dark suspicion and fear. As the English Civil War erupts, Makepeace must decide which is worse: possession – or death.Trade ReviewEveryone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now. -- Patrick Ness'A Skinful of Shadows confirms Hardinge's status as one of our finest storytellers. The striking originality of its magical element is matched by a thrilling depiction of a 17th century England riven with political and religious unease. At the centre of the novel, young Makepeace is a vital and engaging presence amid a cast of extraordinary and villainous characters, and she had my heart from the first. It's rare to find a book which is every bit as intelligent and stylish as it is riveting - I was enthralled' -- Sarah Perry, author of The Essex SerpentHardinge is a talent who deserves to be read by children and adults alike. * Guardian *Hardinge's hypnotic prose and resourceful heroine will appeal to young adults and adult readers alike. * The Mail on Sunday *Hardinge’s tale of ghosts, puritans and shaping your own destiny is an unmissable, hypnotic treat. * Observer Children’s Book of the Week *Creepy, clever and mind-blowing. * Emerald Street *Chillingly atmospheric, historically fascinating, it’s also blackly comic in parts and beautifully written. * Daily Mail *Frances Hardinge’s latest novel, A Skinful of Shadows has a plot every bit as strange as her last, Costa-winning The Lie Tree. The thrilling story follows a 12-year-old girl who has imbibed the spirit of a bear, and is in danger from demonically possessed aristocrats. * Daily Telegraph (Books of the Year) *Electrifyingly good, A Skinful of Shadows dances between reason, compassion and the supernatural with exceptional artistry. Even in a remarkable year for children's books, it strikes gold. * New Statesman *The orphaned Makepeace can see ghosts and store them within herself, in a form of loneliness that is close to madness. As the Civil War breaks out, her Puritan upbringing is at odds with her defiant spirit. This adventure fizzes with rare imagination and style. For 12 yrs+ * The Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2019, National Book Award, Books Are My Bag Readers' Awards and the YA Book Prize Through rallies and marches, in polite drawing rooms and freezing prison cells and the poverty-stricken slums of the East End, three courageous young women join the fight for the vote. Evelyn is seventeen, and though she is rich and clever, she may never be allowed to follow her older brother to university. Enraged that she is expected to marry her childhood sweetheart rather than be educated, she joins the Suffragettes, and vows to pay the ultimate price for women's freedom. May is fifteen, and already sworn to the cause, though she and her fellow Suffragists refuse violence. When she meets Nell, a girl who's grown up in hardship, she sees a kindred spirit. Together and in love, the two girls start to dream of a world where all kinds of women have their place. But the fight for freedom will challenge Evelyn, May and Nell more than they ever could believe. As war looms, just how much are they willing to sacrifice?Trade Review"Nicholls has brought alive the young women of the past to empower the next generation" -- Alex O'Connell * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *"Each voice is distinct, resonant and authentic... uniquely special" -- Imogen Russell Williams * Guardian *"Romantic and inspiring" -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times, Best Books of 2017 *"[A] chocolate box of a novel ... books such as this are all the more to be prized" * Telegraph *"A perfect balm to a frustrating world" * Buzzfeed *"Timely, informative and hugely enjoyable... the book excels at what fiction is best at: inviting empathy and understanding for others" * Irish Times *"Things A Bright Girl Can Do is relevant for every generation" * Evening Standard *"A richly textured novel" -- Geraldine Brennan * Observer, Best books of 2017 *"Inspiring and infuriating in equal measures, Things A Bright Girl Can Do is an utterly captivating novel. Sally Nicholls deftly weaves history and politics into the narrative with such a lightness of touch, it was impossible to stop reading. Immensely enjoyable" -- Louise O'Neill"Fantastic. Conveys all the intricacies of the political and social situation in a way that's vivid, hard-hitting, funny and emotionally compelling. It feels like we're living it, rather than just learning about it." * Frances Hardinge *"Hurrah for Sally! This is a lovely and engrossing novel about three girls caught up in the Suffragette movement and WW1. It's Sarah Waters for teens, pitch-perfect, historically accurate, very romantic and a jolly good read." * Robin Stevens *"Tough, unsentimental and well realised" -- Amanda Craig * New Statesman, Best Books of 2017 *"An incredible read for any young person, that teaches the importance of equality" -- Natasha Harding * The Sun *"A fascinating and emotive read for any budding feminist" * Scotsman *"A captivating YA novel... Things a Bright Girl Can Do explores sexual identity, the grim realities of poverty and war and the fraught nature of first love. Its appeal will reach readers of any age." -- Sarra Manning * Red Magazine *

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