Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction

Book SynopsisThe first in a brand new historical adventure series from million-copy-selling Caroline Lawrence, set in Roman Britain during the reign of the evil Emperor Domitian.The year is AD 94. When the evil Emperor Domitian sends soldiers to seize his family's home in the middle of the night, twelve-year-old Juba must escape with his brother and sisters, and journey to distant Britannia on the edge of the known world.His task: To avoid capture and death. His quest: To find a safe haven in Britain.His destiny: To save the children. Brand new exciting Roman series from the bestselling author of THE ROMAN MYSTERIES, perfect for children studying at Key Stage 2. Historical locations featured in book 1 are Rome, Ostia, Londinium and Fishbourne.Trade ReviewPromising to be just as thrilling and richly detailed as her Roman Mysteries. * THE BOOKSELLER *Full of thrills and excitement from the very first sentence. -- Linda Lawlor * THE BOOKBAG *This exciting adventure really captures the attention as well as being packed with authentic historical detail -- Sarah Brew * PARENTS IN TOUCH *There is an excellent history lesson nestling among all the adventures the children encounter -- Ann Giles * The Book Witch *This is a very atmospheric, exciting story full of historical detail and surprises. -- Debbie * PRIMARY TIMES - HAMPSHIRE *An interesting and exciting read that is extremely well researched. It is packed with accurate detail of everyday Roman life. The story is so well paced and involving that you don't realise just how much information you are absorbing. * SCHOOL LIBRARIAN on ROMAN MYSTERIES *This is a fast-paced, exciting and dramatic story... -- Juliette * POP CLASSICS *A brilliant page-turner which will undoubtedly keep KS2 children on the edge of their seats. If only all historical fiction was as carefully researched as this. * ENGLISH 4-11 *

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Book SynopsisThe adventures of the time-travelling Butterfly Club continue . . .Film is set to become the new craze. Butterfly Club member and filmmaker Georges Méliès pleads to be allowed to go forward in time to harvest a movie camera from the future to make his ambitious film, A Trip to the Moon.The Butterfly Club call up Professor Lorenz's hologram from 1969. The professor reports that all of America is abuzz too, with the most ambitious scientific project in history – an actual trip to the moon. But the mission has stalled in the most terrible way – an accident on the launchpad resulted in the astronauts being trapped in a fatal fire.For the first time ever it is the professor who asks the time thieves for help – he invites them to come to 1969 and stop the dreadful accident, and make sure the trip to the moon can go ahead.

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Book SynopsisKorea, 1895: court intrigue and foreign powers threaten the centuries-old “hermit kingdom”. In a prominent manor, Ji-nah, the sheltered fourteen-year-old ward, and Han, the seventeen-year-old servant, are left in the tight grip of Tutor Lim when Master Yi travels to Peking. The tutor strips Ji-nah’s privileged life and crushes Han’s future. When the two young people uncover the tutor’s broader conspiracy with the Japanese to overthrow Queen Min, they determine to save the queen, whose fate seems tied to their master. Their plans go awry when the tutor sells them off as slaves: Ji-nah to the palace and Han to the missionaries. When Ji-nah learns her real identity as the master’s daughter and the queen’s kinsman, she stakes her life at the palace. Meanwhile, Han adapts to Westerners, learning strange customs that clash with his traditional world views. Ultimately, Han faces the tutor, Ji-nah, the queen, and the two reunite with their master, but Queen Min is assassinated. Despite the fallen kingdom, the two young people find hope in their new roles, determined to rebuild their lives and nation

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Book SynopsisGrand finale to the prize-winning adventure series that's changed the lives of millions of readers. Breathtaking world-building on an epic scale. Pure escapism at its best. It is early spring, a turbulent, perilous time of sudden storms, frozen river fractures and drifting ice. Fleeing from a demon intent on devouring his souls, Wolf is swept out to Sea far from the Forest and his pack. The ocean too teems with danger: sea wolves, sharks and hunters of the deep, and the demon is gaining ground. Torak and Renn must race to save their pack-brother, battling the harsh, icy waves and merciless torrents. If they can't find Wolf in time, the bond between them will be severed for ever... Run wild with Wolf Brother for the last time in a Stone Age world we all want to be part of, with three-million-copy-selling author Michelle Paver, Creator of Legends. Read WOLFBANE as a standalone adventure or as part of the well-loved series. 'Can easily be read as a standalone novel, so skilful is the storytelling... Paver powerfully presents a world view that's magical but never primitive' Financial Times on Skin Taker 'Meticulously researched, atmospheric [...] and relentless... Introduces Paver to a new generation of readers' Guardian on Viper's DaughterTrade ReviewMichelle Paver's Wolf Brother series has been, and remains, a touch-stone for so many young readers: beautifully drawn and heart-thumpingly exciting, it deserves its title of modern classic -- Phil Earle, author of When the Sky FallsMichelle Paver's Wolf Brother series is the reason I'm a children's bookseller. The legendary tale of Torak and Wolf, brimming with mythology and the magic of an earlier time, has been a companion through my young and adult life -- Steve Bundy, Waterstones Arndale Centre ManchesterConjures with complete conviction a historical, fantastical and sometimes brutal world * Sunday Times *A wonderful, immersive, and moving story. I feel like I have been on a journey to a place I almost remember. I don't know how Michelle recreates such a feeling of place and character and at the same time transports you on every page through layers and layers of time * Hilary McKay, author of The Swallows' Flight *PRAISE FOR MICHELLE PAVER: 'It transports us a long way from the here and now' Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week, on Skin Taker. 'Michelle Paver is a writer of extraordinary talent. I was enthralled, from start to finish. The storytelling was every bit as vivid and immersive as I remembered... Michelle is in a league of her own with this series and what luck for us all that she hasn't finished with Torak, Renn and Wolf's world yet' Abi Elphinstone, author of Rumblestar, on Viper's Daughter. 'What rich, dazzling, immersive storytelling. The landscape was so bright the light left me blinking, the details as sharp as a carved bone needle... The best book I have read this year by a country mile. (By a wild arctic length of many wolf lopes, I suppose I should say)' * Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks' War, on Viper's Daughter *

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Book SynopsisA moving tale set during the Spanish Civil War, about the bond between a little boy and his bull, and their escape from a terrifying fate.

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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.The Knight''s Tale, a Starter level Reader, is A1 in the CEFR framework. Starter level is ideal for readers who are learning English for the first time. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, using the present simple and continuous tenses, possessives, regular and irregular verbs, and simple adjectives. Illustrations support the text throughout, and many titles at this level are graphic novels.The Knight''s Tale is a very old story about two knights, Arcita and Palamon. The two men love the Queen''s sister, Emily. Do they fight for her?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 SynopsisTreachery, adventure and dreams of freedom triumph in this stunningly evocative historical adventure, inspired by a stunning real-life story, and brought to a modern teen audience by a Carnegie Medal-winning author. It's 1848 in the Deep South of America. Rosa is a slave but her owner is also her father and her fair skin means she can 'pass for white'. With the help of her husband Benjamin, she disguises herself as a young southern gentleman – and Benjamin's master. In this guise, the couple flee the South, explaining away their lack of literacy, avoiding those they have encountered before and holding their nerve over a thousand miles to freedom.Inspired by the amazing true story of Ellen Craft who escaped a life of slavery through a daring disguise and won freedom for herself and her husband.Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 13+Trade Review"Convincing and captivating" – CBI "A thought-provoking odyssey" – Guardian "Grips the reader and doesn't let go, from one tense encounter to the next" – Scotsman Magazine "It's gently educational … but nothing detracts from the fact that it's a darned good story and it's one which will appeal to both male and female readers. Just as a good story, well written it's worth five stars, easily” – The Bookbag "Harrowing in places and still chillingly relevant, this is an absolute must read for all YA fans" – In Need of a Read, Blog

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Book SynopsisCircus Maximus, the greatest sporting stage of the ancient Roman world, where the best horses and charioteers compete in a race to the death, and one girl dreams of glory. Ben Hur meets National Velvet in the ultimate 9-12 adventure story by debut children's author, Annelise Gray. Twelve-year-old Dido dreams of becoming the first female charioteer at the great Circus Maximus. She's lost her heart to Porcellus, a wild, tempestuous horse she longs to train and race. But such ambitions are forbidden to girls and she must be content with helping her father Antonius – the trainer of Rome's most popular racing team, The Greens – and teaching the rules of racing to Justus, the handsome young nephew of the Greens' wealthy owner. When her father is brutally murdered, she is forced to seek refuge with an unlikely ally. But what of her dream of Circus triumphs and being reunited with the beloved horse she left behind in Rome? And the threat to her life isn't over as she faces a powerful and terrifying new enemy... the emperor Caligula. 'I loved this adventure – full of brilliant horses, and a determined heroine following her dreams against all the odds. Looking forward to discovering what's in store for them next' Pippa Funnell, MBE Trade ReviewThis thrilling debut is the first in a new historical series full of dazzling action, rich detail, fabulous horses and an unforgettable heroine -- Fiona Noble, The BooksellerCircus Maximus swept me away to ancient Rome and I didn't want to come back. What a thrilling historical adventure! -- A.M Howell, author of The Garden of Lost SecretsThis is an action-packed adventure that will take you on a ride... There is fast-paced drama in each chapter, which keeps you gripped to the story. I love the historical element which feels authentic' -- The Teacher BookwormFull of great characters – both horses and humans – and Dido is a terrific heroine... Annelise Gray has written a story that is both historically convincing and heart-stoppingly exciting. I hope there are more to come' -- Gillian CrossFantastic new historical novel that I'm reading to my daughter. She's loving it... We are hoping there's a sequel!' -- Dan SnowLovers of history, horses and heart-stopping adventure will be gripped by this action-packed and fast-paced read which will sweep you off your feet, leave you breathless and wanting to know more of the history behind the fiction * Armadillo Magazine *Rich in period detail, with a few real historical characters – its principal invention the idea that a woman might have been a charioteer – this is an involving, well characterised tale that feels original * Sunday Times *A gripping novel set in ancient Rome, centred on the world of chariot racing... The story wears the historical detail lightly but very convincingly. 8+ but really just as exciting for teens' * Five Books *Younger readers will be obsessed * Stylist *A cracking, page-turner of an historical adventure * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisThis heart-warming and heartfelt debut picture book from multi-award-winning author, Patrice Lawrence, will help ensure that the struggles and achievements of the Windrush generation are never forgotten.One day, Ava is asked to dress as an inspirational figure for assembly at school, but who should she choose? Granny suggests famous familiar figures such as Winifred Atwell, Mary Seacole and Rosa Parks, and tells Ava all about their fascinating histories, but Ava's classmates have got there first - and she must choose someone else. But who?And then Ava finds a mysterious old suitcase - Granny's "grip" - and Granny begins to share her own history, and how she came to England on the Empire Windrush many years ago. She tells her story through the precious items that accompanied her on the original voyage, each one evoking a memory of home, and as Ava listens to how Granny built a life for herself in England, determined to stay against the odds and despite overwhelming homesickness, she realises that there is a hero very close to home that she wants to celebrate more than anyone - her very own brave and beloved granny."This book is a heart-warming intergenerational account of the Windrush experience, told with love and attention to detail by Patrice Lawrence and stunningly brought to life with Camilla Sucre's beautiful artwork. An absolute must-have for any collection." - Dapo AdeolaEvery Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free 'Stories Aloud' audio recording - just scan the QR code and listen along!

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Book SynopsisThe Everyman edition reprints the classic black and white illustrations of C. Walter Hodges which accompanied the first edition in 1954.Around the year 117 AD, the Ninth Legion, stationed at Eburacum - modern day York - marched north to suppress a rebellion of the Caledonian tribes, and was never heard of again. During the 1860s, a wingless Roman Eagle was discovered during excavations at the village of Silchester in Hampshire, puzzling archaeologists and scholars alike. Rosemary Sutcliff weaves a compelling story from these two mysteries, dispatching her hero, the young Roman officer Marcus Aquila, on a perilous journey beyond Hadrian's Wall to find out what happened to the discredited legion in which his father served, and to salvage, if he can, its Eagle and its honour.All the essential elements of a classic adventure are here - the daring quest, the uncovering of the secrets of the past, and a nerve-racking escape across the mountains, pursued by vengeful tribesmen. But it is the human element which triumphs, and one of the most memorable scenes in the book is Marcus appealing to a crowd baying for blood to save a young British gladiator from certain death during the Saturnalia Games. Proud son of a Brigantian chieftain, Esca becomes his slave, then his freedman, and the indispensable companion of his travels. The Eagle of the Ninth is partly the story of their growing friendship, crossing the divide created by conquest and colonialism; and partly Marcus's journey of self-discovery as he learns of his father's fate and comes to terms with the end of his own military career. At the end he embraces a different, more hopeful future - not in Rome but 'under the pale and changeful northern skies' - acquiring a farm in the Downs, and marrying the girl next door.The Eagle of the Ninth has all its author's hallmark qualities - a mature and complex story, a wealth of historical detail, cultural sensitivity, wit and compassion. Above all, Sutcliff is able to conjure up the atmosphere of a distant age in a totally convincing way. It is hardly surprising that her work would set the standard for all historical fiction to come.Trade ReviewThose books are colossal. They are fantastic. -- David Mitchell on The Eagle of the Ninth trilogyI found myself caught up in [The Eagle of the Ninth] all over again, when the film version appeared in 2011. Fifty years on, I found its you-were-there deciption of Roman Britain and gripping plot as beguiling as ever... Re-reading Sutcliff, I realise just how un-condescending to younger readers her style and vocabulary are ... More important, the bok taught the younger me about friendship, courage and integrity. Sutcliff's heroes are models of how to be good people, but never priggish or unbelievable... -- Sally Hawkins * The Sunday Times *Decades later, I can still hear echoes of The Eagle of the Ninth in my head: the chink of mail, the tired beat of the legionaries' feet. * The Independent *These tales of Roman Britain have yet to be surpassed for their non-patronising prose and adult dangers. Sutcliff makes Classics and archaeology uniquely thrilling for children. -- Amanda Craig * The Times *

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Book Synopsis The critically-acclaimed first novel from historical fiction star Lucy Strange - a perfect gift for readers aged 9 and up. CHOSEN AS ONE OF AMAZON.COM'S BEST MIDDLE-GRADE BOOKS OF 2017 CHOSEN IN THE TELEGRAPH'S TOP 10 BOOKS OF 2016 'Perfect in so many ways.' EMMA CARROLL 'Tender, funny, devastating and just about word perfect.' NATASHA FARRANT, winner of the Costa Book Award 'Outstanding' THE BOOKSELLER 1919. Mama is ill. Father has taken a job abroad. Nanny Jane is too busy to pay any attention to Henrietta and the things she sees – or thinks she sees – in the shadows of their new home, Hope House. All alone, with only stories for company, Henry discovers that Hope House is full of strange secrets: a forgotten attic, ghostly figures, mysterious firelight that flickers in the trees beyond the garden. One night she ventures into the darkness of Nightingale Wood. What she finds there will change her whole world ... A beautifully told debut with a classic feel, incorporating themes of family, loss and childhood loneliness. Ideal for fans of Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay. A perfect gift for readers aged 9 and up.

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Book SynopsisA gripping new Bletchley Park Mystery novel, from Rhian Tracey, author of I, SPY and HIDE AND SEEK. Mary has a gift for languages and codes that has brought her to the attention of the adults working at Bletchley Park.

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Book SynopsisSeth learns some important life lessons when he's transported back to Ancient Egypt in this absorbing time-slip adventure from bestselling author Karen McCombie. While awaiting punishment in his headmaster’s office for his latest piece of mischief, prankster Seth picks up an Egyptian amulet from the desk and is whisked back in time to Ancient Egypt. In a village by the Nile, Seth finds a place for himself, working for the local tradesmen and playing with the local children. One of his new friends, Mery, has a pet hyena that Seth grows to love, so when he hears that the hyena is going to be roasted as part of a feast for the visiting pharaoh, Seth decides to save him. But what consequences will Seth have to face for stealing the pharaoh’s lunch? An absorbing time-travel adventure from bestselling author Karen McCombie.Trade Review"A fun (and cleverly educational!) adventure … McCombie’s all-action and highly imaginative time-slip romp speaks volumes to children about the importance of character building and addressing learning challenges." – Lancashire Post "Funny and full of fascinating facts" – Irish Examiner "A fun, action-packed and fact-filled romp through Ancient Egypt … Exciting, imaginative and accessible storytelling, complimented by Anneli Bray’s humour-filled illustrations that bring alive Seth’s adventures and misadventures, will have readers turning over the pages faster than Seth can swim away from a crocodile … Perfect for history buffs, mischief-makers and time-travellers!" – A Word About Books, blog

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets comes a thrilling adventure about the power of friendship, set in a Welsh valley in the 1970s, for readers of 9+. Jason lives with his big brother, Richie, trying their best to make ends meet so they can stay together. They've got supportive neighbours and some great friends, but there's always the threat that someone will think they can't manage on their own since their parents died. It’s February 1974 and working-class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less work, and less money to get by on. Richie is doing his best, but to make enough money, he’s been doing favours for the wrong people. An urban legend about a beast in the valleys catches Jason's eye in the local paper. A wild cat is said to roam the forest, far up the river from their bridge. A reward is offered for proof of The Beast’s existence. Jason's friends are desperate to help him, and they convince him that this is the answer to his and Richie’s money problems. And so a quest begins. Four best friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them … forever. With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure is packed with irresistible characters and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this another timeless story from one of our finest writers of historical fiction for kids. 'What a story. What a writer. Simply stunning' - Emma Carroll Selected as The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week 12 March 2023Trade ReviewWhat a story. What a writer. Simply stunning * Emma Carroll *A luminous love letter to brotherhood & friendship. It sits effortlessly alongside Stand By Me & Ostrich Boys. And like everything Lesley writes, it radiates a big, beautiful heart * Phil Earle *A poignant, funny adventure for 9+, rich in bittersweet, evocative detail. -- Imogen Russell Williams * Guardian *With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure gives us the most exquisite characterisation and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this utterly timeless and one of the finest historical fiction stories in the market today * The Bookseller *Entrancing -- James Lovegrove * Financial Times *Beautifully told. This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded * Sunday Times on THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS *An assured, thoughtful historical novel with a richly evoked post-war Welsh setting * Guardian on WHEN THE WAR CAME HOME *

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Book SynopsisTheodosia Throckmorton has an extraordinary ability: she can sense ancient magic. This is most useful, as she spends her life fighting curses in the London Museum of Legends and Antiquities, where her father is head curator of a vast collection of Egyptian artefacts and mummies. When Theo's mother returns from an archaeological dig bearing the Heart of Egypt, a legendary amulet from a long-lost tomb, Theo soon realises it holds a powerful curse which could threaten all of Britain with war. Worse, there are sinister forces who wish to capture the amulet's power for themselves. Theo must summon all her courage and cunning to fight the rising chaos and restore the amulet to its rightful place...Trade Review"A sure bet for Harry Potter fans, as well as Joan Aiken's and Eva Ibbotson's readers. This imaginative, supernatural mystery will find word-of-mouth popularity" * Booklist, starred review *"There are surprises aplenty in LaFevers's spirited debut, a sort of Indiana Jones for girls and a perfect blend of mystery and humour" * Publishers Weekly, starred review *"Vivid descriptions of fog-shrouded London and hot, dusty Cairo enhance the palpable gothic atmosphere, while page-turning action and a plucky, determined heroine add to the book's appeal" * School Library Journal *"Intrepid Theodosia, age 11, narrates a fantasy steeped in invented and authentic Egyptology, clashing secret societies and pre-WWI European intrigue" * Kirkus *"With Theo Throckmorton ... girls have a truly independent role model" * Time Out New York *

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Book SynopsisA SPECIAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF THIS AWARD-WINNING TALE ABOUT THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE BY THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OFA LONG WALK TO WATERTrade Review‘Delightful... I read the novel with enormous pleasure and admiration.’ -- Philip Pullman‘The novel has the deceptive simplicity of a folk-tale… Reflective readers who surrender to the quiet rhythms of the prose and the plot will surely find pleasure both in the crafting of the pots and in the receptive awareness of Tree-ear.’ * Books for Keeps, ***** *‘Park moulds a moving tribute to perseverance and creativity in this finely etched novel set in mid-to-late 12th century Korea. . . Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices.’ -- Publishers Weekly, starred review‘Tree-ear’s story conveys a time and place far away and long ago, but with a simplicity and immediacy that is both graceful and unpretentious. A timeless jewel.’ -- Kirkus‘This book not only gives readers insight an unfamiliar time and place, but it is also a great story.’ -- School Library Journal, starred review‘Readers will feel the hunger and cold that Tree-ear experiences, as well as his shame, fear, gratitude, and love. A well-crafted novel with an unusual setting.’ -- Booklist, starred review‘Park's story is alive with fascinating information about life and art in ancient Korea.’ -- Horn Book Guide‘This finely crafted novel brings 12th-century Korea and these indelible characters to life.’ -- SLJ Best Books of the Year‘A great read about skills, workmanship, friendship, hardship, different cultures, bravery and perseverance.’ -- Independent Book Reviews

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Book SynopsisAlex and Ruby are back in their SECOND time-slip adventure, tumbling back into a Victorian Christmas! From multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls comes another brilliant action-packed adventure for 7+ readers, beautifully illustrated by Rachael Dean. When Alex and Ruby fall through the mirror in their aunt's house, they find themselves in a different historical period, each time with a different task to perform before they can return to the present. From Edwardian crime capers to Victorian Christmasses, their time-slip stories are always exciting and beautifully told.A Victorian Christmas is lovely - all the food and candles and games and singing - unless you're poor, motherless Edith who is condemned to be sent to a cruel boarding school on Boxing Day. Can Alex and Ruby persuade her strict father that home is where the heart is instead?Full of action and humour and featuring exciting black-and-white illustrations throughout, this is another superb time-slip story which brilliantly brings history to life as part of an adventure.'A clever vehicle for introducing the differences between then and now in an accessible way, with a fast-paced plot and a lovely spooky ending' - The Times on A Chase in TimeHave you read Alex and Ruby's other adventures: A Chase in Time, An Escape in Time and A Secret in Time?Cover illustration by Isabelle Follath.

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Book SynopsisAs World War ll drags on, Susan sets out on a mission to cheer up her mum in this heartwarming wartime tale from award-winning historical fiction writer Tony Bradman. Susan is worried about her mum. She’s struggling with long hours at her job in the factory and it’s a long time since they’ve heard from Susan’s dad, who’s on the front line in North Africa. Everything is in short supply in London, but Susan decides she’s going to cheer her mum up by getting her a treat, and what could be more rare at that time than a sweet, delicious banana? But what lengths will Susan have to go to find one? Let Operation Banana commence!Trade Review"This beautifully told and moving story, given extra poignancy by Tania Rex’s delightful artwork, is full of Bradman’s attention to rich and authentic historical detail … an emotion-packed tribute to the brave and resilient wartime generation, and a powerful reminder of the realities of life on the home front." – Lancashire Post "A cracking, heart-warming tale of a young girl embarking on a mission to simply cheer her mum up … Tania Rex’s illustrations bring alive life in wartime London … a delightful piece of historical fiction." – A Word About Books, blog "The illustrations within this World War II London-based story are tip-top … Such a simple concept, so effective. Children can be so in tune with their carer’s state of wellbeing. An act of kindness can be incredibly healing. Beautiful story." – The Kids Book Curator, blog

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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 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 SynopsisAn atmospheric, chilling page turner from rising star Martin Stewart, reminiscent of Stand by Me and Stranger Things.Sep, Arkle, Mack, Lamb and Hadley: five friends thrown together one hot, sultry summer. When they discover an ancient stone box hidden in the forest, they decide to each make a sacrifice: something special to them, committed to the box for ever. And they make a pact: they will never return to the box at night; they''ll never visit it alone; and they''ll never take back their offerings.Four years later, a series of strange and terrifying events take place. Someone broke the rules, and now everyone has to pay.But how much are they willing to sacrifice?Trade ReviewAn atmospheric coming-of-age story with brilliantly executed elements of horror and comic relief * Publishers Weekly *Stewart is a master at weaving vivid and visceral images in the minds of his readers and this book has no shortage of truly terrifying moments that will stay with you long after you have finished it. Definitely one to read with the lights on and far away from any childhood toys * Scotsman *From the delightfully strange imagination of Scottish writer Martin Stewart comes a creepy and engrossing horror story * Buzzfeed *This creepy thriller is one for fans of Stephen King and Stranger Things * MTV *The comparisons to Stranger Things are apt and well deserved. This is one of the most original and unique books I've ever read -- Katherine Webber, author of Wing JonesAn expertly written horror laced through with joyful comedy, Martin Stewart's follow-up to the award winning Riverkeep is a suspenseful and gruesome tale of friendship, family and faith - perfect for fans of Stranger Things or Stephen King * Scottish Booktrust *Moody and atmospheric, with sardonic humor; a meaty slice of horror * Kirkus Reviews *Stewart is masterful. He weaves a chilling, supernatural plot with a playfulness and brings the darkest chapters back from the edge. I suspect Stephen King would be impressed * Bookality *This eldritch escapade is certainly an option for kids too old to go trick-or-treating * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisA thrilling World War II adventure set in occupied France, featuring an Indian RAF pilot. Great for fans of Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne, and those who want diverse historical fiction. Thirteen-year-old Joelle Breton stumbles across Indian-born RAF pilot Mohinder Singh when his plane crashes in occupied France and it''s up to her and her parents to hide him from the Nazis. After all, her parents are brave members of the French Resistance and will do everything they can to help get Mohinder back to Britain. But when they are betrayed and tragedy strikes, Joelle and Mohinder will have to act fast if they are ever to evade the enemy. Flashbacks offer dramatic stories set in key moments of history, perfect for introducing children to historical topics.Book Band: Dark RedIdeal for ages 10+Trade ReviewShort, and driven by compelling characters, engaging dialogue and an onward-marching pace, this is perfect for reluctant readers who may struggle to keep focus. It’s also excellent for prompting discussions around WWII and broader ethical issues. -- LoveReading4Kids * Book of the month *Rai’s style is spare and immediate, immersing the child reader instantly in the peril and the grief of a wartime struggle for survival with enemies on every side, and the charismatic Mo is an enormously warm and personable hero. -- Imogen Russell Williams * TLS *Bali Rai’s writing is a perfect balance between simplicity and truth for children to grasp the realities of these events during WWII. -- Blogger * www.scarlettreadsbooks.com *I really enjoyed Mohinder’s War [...] there’s plenty of drama and action and it makes for an exciting and tense read. -- Get Kids into Books * getkidsintobooks.com *Fans of stories based during World War II such as Friend or Foe will love this gem. [...] It is pretty much perfect for a class read. -- The Great British Bookworm * thegreatbritishbookworm.wordpress.com *A fantastic insight into life under German occupation which shines an important light on the role of Indian soldiers fighting for the British. -- Chrikaru Reads * chrikarublog.wordpress.com *This is what’s important. You learn, if you didn’t already know, that Indians fought for Britain in the war, flying from England. [...] I could do with more stories like this one. -- Bookwitch * Bookwitch.wordpress.com *A WWII story told from a different perspective; a tale of bravery and perseverance, of sacrifice and humanity, of honesty and faith. [...] A gem of a book that needs to be read! -- Anna's Adventures in Book Land * annasadventuresinbookland.blogspot.com *A thrilling World War II adventure set in occupied France, featuring an Indian RAF pilot. Great for fans of Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne, and those who want diverse historical fiction. -- Donna's Book Blog * donnasbookblog.wordpress.com *I found Mohinder's War to be a really powerful and brilliant book and it does a wonderful job of demonstrating just who was fighting under the British flag and what that meant. -- Let Them Be Small * www.letthembesmall.com *Mohinder's War gives an understanding of the harshness of war [...] There are moment of great sadness as well as great joy. Joelle and Mohinder defy all odds to try to get to safety in Britain - such an exciting near ending! This is a quick read which will not only appeal to those 9+ year-olds who are interested in WWII history, but also Michael Morpurgo fans. -- ReadingZoneBloomsbury Education’s Flashbacks series promises strong characters and thrilling plots that bring the past alive. Confident readers in UKS2 – perhaps those who have already devoured Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne – will be gripped by Mohinder’s War. * Teach Primary *

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Book SynopsisA rip-roaring Roman adventure from the acclaimed author of Princess BMX, Marie Basting! 'Perfect funny escapism with added Roman mythology ... Charming and mischievous!' LOUIE STOWELL, author of LOKI 'Full of fun and adventure, this time-travel tale will show you the Romans as you’ve never imagined them before.' THE WEEK JUNIOR I’m Silvia Fortuna Juno De Luca: half-schoolgirl, half-goddess. Yes – actual Roman goddess. But it all starts with Dad. He was messing about, re-enacting battles at Hadrian’s Wall, when – pow! – he’s transported to . . . Ancient Rome. I go after him because someone has to. And now, the fate of my whole family rests on me . . . The Romans as you’ve never seen them before! A laugh-out-loud funny family caper full of excitement and heart: perfect for fans of Loki, Horrible Histories and Who Let the Gods Out? Readers will go on a time-travel adventure – with a LARPing twist – as Livi and her family are catapulted back to Ancient Rome Perfect for ages 8 and up; sure to be a hit with KS2 readers, as Romans are a staple on the curriculum PRAISE FOR PRINCESS BMX: ‘Daft and delicious’ GUARDIAN ‘Quirky characters [and] a hilarious plot’ BOOKTRUST ‘Lots of adventure mixed with some very funny moments’ PRIMARY TIMES

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Book SynopsisEmma Carroll''s books have sold over half a million copies! The future has a lot to learn from the past in this time-travelling adventure that explores the before and after of global warming.On one side of the underwater street is the remains of a house . . . It''s beautiful here, and eerie, a lost kingdom, a ghost village . . .It's the near-future and Britain is having yet another heatwave. Of course, the government have put in the normal curfews for this kind of weather, and shops are forced to shut again. For Polly, it's the sort of heat that makes her do wild, out-of-character things just to cool down.Like face her fear of deepwater. Essential when she and her brother have been sent to their aunt's eco lake-side house for the summer.But Truthwater Lake is beginning to dry up. As the water level diminishes, a lost village emerges. Swimming over the rooftops at midnight, Polly dives down and is suddenly able to breathe, to hear church bells and bird song . . . Polly has discovered an underwater gateway . . . to the past!Absolutely gorgeous.' Hilary McKayGripping.' Guardian, Best Books of 2022Spellbinding.' School Reading ListGorgeously told.' Nicola Penfold, LoveReading Book of the MonthExhilarating.' FT

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Book SynopsisAs the world commemorates the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day,Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman have teamed up with the BritishLegion to tell a new story inspired by the history of the poppy.

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Book SynopsisCritically acclaimed Elizabeth Wein returns with a thrilling, female-led aviation adventure set against the backdrop of Hitler’s Germany and the last days of the Nazi regime. Nazi Germany is a dangerous place for a girl with a stammer – and although her father tries to keep her safe, Ingrid can’t help feeling like she’s let him down. But in the air, soaring high as she pilots her beloved glider planes, Ingrid is free and incredibly talented. When she gets the chance to fly in a propaganda tour alongside her hero, Germany’s daring female test pilot Hanna Reitsch, Ingrid leaps at the chance. But through Hanna, she will learn some dangerous truths about Germany’s secret missions and the plans that could change the course of the war to secure victory for the Nazi regime. When everything is at stake, Ingrid must decide where her loyalties lie …Trade Review"Readers will be on the edge of their seats" – LoveReading4Schools "Carefully researched and brilliantly portrayed by Elizabeth Wein" – Francis Durkin, author "Intense and thrilling … This book is incredible, full of heart and courage, and will have students gripped" – My Shelves are Full, Blog "Sharing books like The Last Hawk only increases a love of learning about the past" – The Great British Bookworm, Blog

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Book SynopsisReaders can discover all the foul facts about England, includingwhich monk tried to pinch the devil's nose with a pair of tongs,why some people in the Middle Ages ate dove droppings and which Englishking was accused of being a werewolf.

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Book SynopsisFollow London's newest detective, Enola Holmes, in her action-packed seventh adventure - from the series that inspired the films, starring Millie Bobby Brown. Read them all before the next film lands!When Miss Letitia Glover arrives at Sherlock Holmes's door, desperate to uncover the truth about her twin sister, Flossie, it is Enola who steps up to solve the case.Letitia is convinced Flossie's husband is lying about her death. And indeed, Enola discovers that this is not the first time a wife of the Earl has met an untimely end. Could Flossie's fate be tied to a mysterious black barouche that arrived at the Earl's home in the dead of night? Enola is determined to unravel the secrets within Dunhench Hall . . . '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 do anything if you

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Book Synopsis_____Boston was nothing like South Carolina. Up there, colored folks could go anywhere they wanted. Folks didn''t wait for church to dress in their fancy clothes. Fancy was just life. Mama was a city girl . . . and now I was going to be one too. It''s 1944, and in a small, Southern, segregated town, eleven-year-old Ella spends her summers running wild with her cousins and friends. But life isn''t always so sunny. The deep racial tension that simmers beneath their town''s peaceful facade never quite goes away, and Ella misses her mama - a beautiful jazz singer, who lives in Boston. So when an invitation arrives to come to Boston for a visit Ella is ecstatic - and the trip proves life-changing in more ways than one. For the first time, Ella sees what life outside of segregation is like, and begins to dream of a very different future. But her happiness is shattered when she returns home to the news that her classmate Trade ReviewSo many things about this book were brilliant. A beautiful, funny, dangerous tale of growing up in Jazz Age America, How High The Moon is essential reading, full of voices that must be heard. One of the best stories I've read in a long while * Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse and Secrets of a Sun King *Parson's sparkling debut grabs us by the heart and leads us by the hand into a painful past filled with revelations, hope, and homecoming. Absolutely glorious! * Rita Williams Garcia, author of One Crazy Summer and Clayton Byrd Goes Underground *Parsons is great at unfurling the pleasures of the freer northern states through biracial Ella's eyes, but also adept at handling the subtleties of layered storytelling. -- Kitty Empire * Observer *[An] impressive debut * Mail on Sunday *A talented, engaging new voice. A brave, compassionate, and lovable heroine * Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Ghost Boys *As compelling as Brown Girl Dreaming, as character-driven as One Crazy Summer, and as historically illuminating as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry... A riveting read, this novel masterfully presents Southern and Northern conflicts through the perspective of a no-nonsense kid who is trying to find her place in the world. Ella's realistic voice and passionate responses to injustices make her a credible, flawed, and likable character who sees the truth in front of her but often doesn't recognize it. A captivating novel that sheds new light on black childhood * Kirkus (Starred Review) *In How High the Moon, Karyn Parson brings the same verve, timing, and emotive brilliance that she brought to the screen. Equal parts mystery, historical fiction, and coming-of-age, this is a story full of warmth and light and drama that will captivate you. That will haunt you. And that will ultimately enlighten you * Kwame Alexander, author of The Crossover *A tender and compelling story about loving and belonging. Parsons masterfully takes us on a journey where the political is personal, where the most heartbreaking moments are also profound and beautiful. Ella is a character readers will care about, cry with, and cheer for. How High the Moon is a stunning debut that promises to have readers wanting more and more from Parsons * Renée Watson, author of Piecing Me Together *A stirring, emotionally resonant debut, How High the Moon opens a fresh and sensitive window on a terrifying time, even as it introduces us to a lovable new heroine * Tony Abbott, author of Firegirl and The Great Jeff *

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Book SynopsisSophie must play the role of the Clockwork Queen in order to free her father in this page-turning historical adventure from Cogheart author Peter Bunzl. Chess prodigy Sophie Peshka inherited her love of the game from her grandmaster father. But now that he has been imprisoned in the dungeons of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg by powerful Empress Catherine the Great, Sophie must use all her strategic skill and cunning to help him escape. Part of Sophie’s plan involves an incredible chess-playing automaton called the Clockwork Queen, but will the Queen be able to outwit the Empress in a game where the stakes are a matter of life and death?Trade Review"This rollercoaster adventure is a thrill ride not to be missed … Full of all the visual drama and rich imagination that have brought [Peter Bunzl] such success" – Lancashire Evening Post “Imaginative, captivating and heart-warming … Sophie is a character that readers will take into their hearts” – Books for Topics “An absolute cracker … Intrigue and mystery hang firmly in the air and exciting story-telling ensure a genuine page-turner … A superb piece of historical fiction” – A Word About Books "Exciting and moves with pace. The language used by Peter Bunzl is accessible but challenging … When the action moves to St. Petersburg there is a brooding atmosphere of wealth and danger" – Just Imagine “Eighteenth century Russia, Catherine the Great, high-stakes chess and Trojan horse style intrigue combine to create a gripping story you won’t be able to put down” – Scope for the Imagination

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Book SynopsisWin. Lose. Survive. I was the boy with a plan. Now I am the boy with nothing. From the moment 12-year-old Kylan hatches a plan to escape from his Norse captors, and return to Scotland to find his mother, his life becomes a dangerous game. The precious Lewis Chessmen—which he helped carve—hold the key to his freedom, but he will need all his courage and wit to triumph against Sven Asleifsson, the cruellest Viking in the realm. One false move could cost him his life. Barbara Henderson has woven a thrilling origin story around the enduring mystery of the Lewis Chessmen, their creation in Norway, and how they ended up buried in the Hebrides before being discovered on Lewis in 1831. Trade Review'A thrilling tale filled with courage and high adventure.' Dan Smith, author of She Wolf 'A clever, authentic and thrilling origin story about the Lewis Chessman and how they ended up buried in the Hebrides.' Scottish Book Trust

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Book SynopsisDiscover magical princesses, mighty dragons, mischievous monkeys and more in this captivating collection of Chinese stories, specially retold for readers today. The book features stunning traditional-style brush and ink illustrations by Chinese artist Li Weiding, and includes links to websites to find out more about Chinese folk tales and art.Table of Contents1 About the Stories2 About the Illustrations3 The Fox and The Tiger4 The Pearl that Shone in the Dark5 The Frog in the Well6 The Butterfly's Dream7 Great-Aunt Tiger8 The Painter of Dragons9 How the Phoenix got his Feathers10 There is No Silver Buried Here11 The Mouse's Marriage12 The Old Man who Moved a Mountain13 The Golden Slippers14 The Monkey King15 The New Year Monster

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Book SynopsisClassic tales by Laura Ingalls Wilder about life on the frontier and America's best-loved pioneer family.Inside the little house in the Big Woods live the Ingalls family: Ma, Pa, Mary, Laura and baby Carrie. Outside the little house are the wild animals: the bears and the bees, the deer and the wolves. This is the classic tale of how they live together, in harmony mostly, but sometimes in fear The timeless stories that inspired a TV series can now be read by a new generation of children. Readers who lovedAnne of Green Gables,Little Women, andHeidiwill be swept up by this timeless rural coming of age saga. Perfect escapism for readers aged 8+. Beautifully illustrated by Garth Williams.Have you collected all the Little House books?Little House in the Big WoodsLittle House on the PrairieOn the Banks of Plum CreekBy the Shores of Silver LakeThe Long WinterLittle Town on the PrairieThese Happy Golden YearsLaura Ingalls Wilder was born in Wisconsin in 1867. She recorded her adventurous nomad

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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 SynopsisBook Band: Brown (ideal for ages 7+) A page-turning, laugh-out-loud historical adventure by comedian and podcaster Iszi Lawrence, perfect for fans of Horrible Histories. Time flies when you’re having fun. But what does it do when you’re not? Sunil is bored. Very bored. Whilst home alone, he accidentally breaks his grandfather’s most prized possession and must scramble for a way to fix it. Alex, his eccentric next-door neighbour, has an unusual solution to his problem – a time machine! Soon, Sunil is visiting the freezing, icy depths of Antarctica as a stowaway on a stranded ship and the heart of London to meet famous astronauts – all while trying to stay away from a mysterious man with a particularly suspicious pet kiwi… _______________ The Time Machine Next Door is an exciting new series of quirky historical chapter books for readers aged 7-9. Written by comedian, podcaster and children’s author Iszi Lawrence, these books bring lesser-known parts of history to life with hilarious plots, real-life characters, fascinating facts and fantastic illustrations. _______________Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR BLACKBEARD'S TREASURE This is children's fiction at its best ... Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson. * The Lady *I love Iszi Lawrence’s new series, The Time Machine Next Door. Each book gives you several time travel stories for the price of one. Delightfully quirky and full of fascinating historical facts they are enhanced by jolly illustrations where one of the main characters looks a lot like the author! I especially love that the Time Machine sits atop a toilet. Perfect for clever kids aged 7+. * Caroline Lawrence, author of The Roman Mysteries novels *... great fun and eye-opening too... I’m looking forward to finding out where Sunil will travel next. -- Andrea Reece * LoveReading4Kids *PRAISE FOR THE UNSTOPPABLE LETTY PEGG Letty and her friends and rivals are great characters, as are the real life people she comes across at different times in her adventures. Thoroughly recommended. -- Andrea Reece * Books for Keeps *PRAISE FOR BILLIE SWIFT TAKES FLIGHT It is brimming with historical detail and really highlights the heroic nature of some very inspirational women. It would be an excellent class story that would provide children with a tale about a thrilling war-time adventure. * Reading Zone *

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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 SynopsisJohn Boyne is the author of fifteen novels for adults, six for younger readers, and a collection of short stories. His 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and has been adapted for cinema, theatre, ballet, and opera. His many international bestsellers include The Heart's Invisible Furies and A Ladder to the Sky. He has won four Irish Book Awards, including Author of the Year in 2022, along with a host of other international literary prizes. His novels are published in sixty languages.Twitter: @JohnBoyneBooksInstagram: @JohnBoyneAuthorTrade ReviewPat Barker meets Michelle Magorian . . . Comic as well as poignantly enlightening * Independent on Sunday *John Boyne’s children’s novels tackle difficult subjects . . . and this latest book looks at the horrors of trench warfare in World War 1. With the anniversary of that war next year, this is a timely examination of moral, physical and mental bravery and pain * Daily Mail *Beautifully paced and affecting * The Bookseller *Stay Where You Are and Then Leave is beautifully written, as are all John Boyne's books for children. Although it's a book aimed primarily at younger readers, it's equally as satisfying for adults, and should be widely read by everyone * Wondrous Reads *A beautifully paced and affecting tale * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisA beautiful new edition of the first volume in the Surya Trilogy by Whitbread award-winning author Jamila Gavin.India, August 1947: Fleeing from their burnt-out village as civil war rages in the Punjab, Marvinder and Jaspal are separated from their mother, Jhoti. Marvinder has already saved her brother''s life once, but now they both face a daily fight for survival.Together they escape across India and nearly halfway around the world to England, to find a father they hardly know in a new, hostile cultureA powerful story of culture, class, family and faith set against the backdrop of Indian independence and the Partition of India and Pakistan. Perfect for fans of The Bone Sparrow, Morris Gleitzman's Once, and Katherine Rundell's The Wolf Wilder.Jamila was born in Mussoorie, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Her Indian father and English mother met as teachers in Iran and by the age of eleven she had lived in an Indian palace in the Punjab, a flat in a bombed out street in ShepheTrade ReviewVoted one of Booktrust’s ‘Best 100 Books of the past 100 Years’ 2021 ‘Jamila Gavin is one of our greatest writers’ – S.F. Said ‘This beautifully crafted novel has a timeless quality and contemporary relevance, which will make it connect with cross-generational readers.’ Eastern Eye

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Book SynopsisJACK FLETCHER IS ON THE RUN. With no sensei to guide him, he has just his wits and his swords...

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Book SynopsisA stunning story set in seventeenth-century London and the fairy world, from a CARNEGIE MEDAL and COSTA-prizewinning author.The story is told by Coriander, daughter of a silk merchant in 1650s London. Her idyllic childhood ends when her mother dies and her father goes away, leaving Coriander with her stepmother, a widow who is in cahoots with a fundamentalist Puritan preacher. She is shut away in a chest and left to die, but emerges into the fairy world from which her mother came, and where time has no meaning. When she returns, charged with a task that will transform her life, she is seventeen. This is a book filled with enchantments -- a pair of silver shoes, a fairy shadow, a prince transformed into a fox - that contrast with the heartbreaking loss and cruelty of Coriander''s life in the real world. With its brilliantly realised setting of old London Bridge, and underpinned by the conflict between Royalists and Puritans, it is a terrific page-turner, invTrade ReviewWhat a delight! * Fiction Focus *Beautifully written, completely absorbing ... Magical * The Book Magazine *Brilliant descriptions, powerfully evoking the sounds and smells of London in the period and superbly drawn characters combine with a delicately constructed plot to make this book a real pleasure * Good Book Guide *A beautifully written tale of suspense and intrigue * The Historical Novels Review *Spellbinding * Haverhill Echo *A very unusual, poetic tale * The Northern Echo *An extraordinarily beautiful and gripping tale * The Times *Enchanting * The Children's Bookseller *Richly written, highly visual and full of accurate historical detail * Children's Education *Gripping ... as vivd as Pepys' diary ... strikingly original ... a very special book indeed * School Librarian *'completely engaging' -- Jennifer Taylor * THE BOOKSELLER *An original and enigmatic novel * The Spectator *'a beautifully written story. Sally Gardner has clearly researched the times and customs very well indeed for she had me transported back to that far off time. I would definitely recommend this book, told with such care and feeling.' -- Muriel Barking * NEW BOOKS *'Beautifullly written, completely absorbing story... the author evokes the streets of London and the political upheavals of the day with compelling ease. -- Christine Kidney * THE BOOK MAGAZINE *'will captivate readers with its riveting and detailed parallel storylines, its intriguingly drawn characters, and, above all, its engrossing first person narration' -- Marla Arback * YABOOKSCENTRAL.COM *'the skillful writing sweeps through mid-seventeenth century London.' * SCHOOL LIBRARIAN *'a thrilling story that mixes historic realism, credible characters and the dreamy, sometimes violent, dimension of a netherworld. The two blend seamlessly in this gripping and orginal story that abounds with gritty suspense. An excellent read.' -- Mary Arrigan * SUNDAY TRIBUNE *'a book filled with enchantment and difference. You won't read many novels as beautifully written and as enthralling as this rich, spellibinding, new-off-the-black fairy tale.' -- John Millen * SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST *

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Book SynopsisOne of TIME magazine''s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All TimeA #1 New York Times bestseller and a sumptuous, epic tale inspired by A Thousand and One Nights.''A riveting Game of Thrones meets Arabian Nights love story'' US WeeklyEvery dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a terrible surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi''s wit and will get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she may be falling in love with a murderer.Shazi discovers that the villainous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither aTrade ReviewThis inventive young adult retelling of The Arabian Nights walks a delicate line in its depiction of a monstrous man, but puts the power in the hands of a courageous heroine who is determined to stop the senseless brutalities inflicted upon so many women * TIME Magazine, 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time *An exceptional story, beautifully writtenA beautifully written book, The Wrath and the Dawn is a story I could not put downDon't be surprised if the pages melt away and you find yourself racing through warm, golden sands or drinking spiced wine in cool marble courtyards. This is an intoxicating gem of a story. You will fall in love, just as I did. * Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend series *Lushly imagined and powerfully characterized, it's a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance * Publishers Weekly *Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and a simmering revolution, this is a carefully constructed narrative of uncertain loyalties, searing romance, and subtle magic in a harsh desert city * Booklist, starred review *Dreamily romantic, deliciously angst-y, addictively thrilling * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisFrom the Costa Award-winning author Hilary McKay, comes a moving World War II story of family and friendship on opposite sides of a devastating conflict. The Swallows' Flight is the stunning companion novel to The Skylarks' War.'It’s not necessary to have read The Skylarks’ War (though many beloved characters make reappearances) to be instantly and joyfully lost in this evocative, moving novel, showing McKay at the very top of her game.' – Imogen Russell-Williams, The Guardian'Funny, poignant, wise and emotional. Full of achingly real characters (and also an excellent dog) . . . I eked out the final pages, not wanting it to end.' – Fiona Noble, The BooksellerErik and Hans are German boys. Ruby and Kate are English girls. They grow up in worlds that would never meet, until war tumbles their lives together.Then one September afternoon there are choices to be made.How is courage lost, and found?Who is really the enemy?And what does friendship truly mean, in the middle of a war?Meanwhile Rupert and Clarry work secretly for peace – and a brighter future for them all . . .'. . . a resounding success. . . McKay refuses to dumb down the history, writing with such clarity and understanding that you can’t fail to be caught up in the cares of her loveable cast.' – Alex O'Connell, The Times Book of the Week'McKay is a glutinously atmospheric writer, and this dense, action-packed saga – written during lockdown – is every bit as satisfying as its predecessor.' Emily Bearn, The Telegraph'Separately and together, The Skylarks’ War and The Swallows’ Flight are pinnacles of children’s literature.' –Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times Book of the Week'Meticulously researched, intelligent, warm and witty — this is McKay at her peerless peak.' Sally Morris, The Daily MailTrade ReviewHilary McKay's The Swallows' Flight is a triumph. The beautiful clarity of her storytelling is masterful and she deserves every prize going. I admire it very much -- Philip Pullman‘An incredible, clever, compassionate story from one of our very finest writers’ -- Emma CarrollA novel possibly even better than its predecessor: funny, poignant, wise and emotional -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *A wonderful story full of big, wonderful characters – more than a book about war – a story about our common humanity, which feels like both a hug and a fierce warning. -- Natasha Farrant on The Swallows' Flightaction-packed [and] every bit as satisfying as its predecessor. -- Emily Bearn * Telegraph *The sort of simple, humane storytelling we all need right now . . . a treat -- Sally NichollsHilary McKay has the ability to create characters so real that they live with you long after the last page, having made you laugh, cry - and love them. The Swallows’ Flight is no exception; it soars like the swallows of the title as it leads its characters through the WW2 years, and ends with a glorious feeling of hope. -- Vivian FrenchHilary McKay writes characters so warm and real, you want to step into her books and be friends with them all. The Swallows’ Flight is a heartbreakingly beautiful page-turner. * Lauren St John *The Swallows’ Flight is a complete delight . . . a generous, warm, honest, witty and wise novel. It’s a gem -- Richard LambertWarm and delicious and richly textured -- Katherine RundellHeaven -- Anna FargherCharacters are what Hilary McKay does best and, as always, she delivers in spades -- Mary HoffmanA wartime follow-up well worth the wait... a resounding success * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *Separately and together, The Skylarks’ War and The Swallows’ Flight are pinnacles of children’s literature * The Sunday Times *McKay is a glutinously atmospheric writer, and this dense, action-packed saga – written during lockdown – is every bit as satisfying as its predecessor. * The Telegraph *In a series of short chapters, told from multiple viewpoints including those of two young German airmen, McKay weaves a brilliantly intricate tapestry of wartime emotions and loyalties. -- Sally Morris * Daily Mail *

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