The Impossible Gladiator is the third thrilling adventure in the fantastic Time Keys series by M.G. Leonard. Blurring the lines of what's possible, this incredible time travelling series will have readers listening out for doors to the past, hoping they, themselves, might be a time key. Merging music and mystery with unique characters who show… Continue reading The Impossible Gladiator by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Manuel Sumberac
A trip to Jorvik Viking Centre in York is a museum visit you'll never forget. This fascinating historic site is the inspiration for The Accidental Vikings. Karen McCombie captures all the unique features of this amazing place. I first visited Jorvik when I was 9 years old and still remember travelling back in time in… Continue reading The Accidental Vikings by Karen McCombie & illustrated by Annell Bray
The Blitz Sisters is a lovely story of how three sisters try to make sense of life and do their best to carry on through all the challenges of the Second World War. With gas masks to contend with, fear of evacuation and new hardships as war is declared, Lydia, Peggy and Teddy are forced… Continue reading The Blitz Sisters by Judith Eagle
Every December, it’s such a joy to take time to look back over all the books I’ve been privileged to read and review on Scope for Imagination. I’d like to share my favourite books of this year – ones that have challenged me, inspired me, made me laugh, and even made me cry. There have been some… Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2025
February 2026 A Girl's Guide to Spying is a complely captivating First World War mystery for readers age 9+ that shares and celebrates the history of Girlguiding. The resilience, strength, courage and intelligence of young girls takes centre stage in a time of uncertainty and fear. I see the legacy of these types of girls… Continue reading A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb
Ghosts in the Walls is the perfect short story collection for the spooky season. Super scary with a good dose of history, it will have readers checking over their shoulders and thinking twice before hanging around in dark museum corners. Written by top children's authors including Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Alexia Casale, Joseph Coelho, Larry Hayes, Jim… Continue reading Historic Royal Palaces: Ghosts in the Walls
Tomorrow's Ghost is the captivating story of two girls brought together across time and space to become a part of each others stories in the most incredible way. It's the sweltering summer of 1976 when Anna is sent to stay with her great aunt Em in her isolated cottage in the countryside. Her new surroundings… Continue reading Tomorrow’s Ghost by Tanya Landman
The North is calling! Journey through time and place to the land of Vikings with Sim, Jeopardy & Nelson - children with unique abilities to open doors to the past, fight off enemies and solve problems no one else can. In the outstanding sequel to the first Time Keys book, The Hunt for the Golden… Continue reading The Legend of Viking Thunder by MG Leonard
If you choose one new book for Remembrance Day this year, make it this one. War Dog, written by master of children's historical fiction, Tom Palmer, and illustrated by the incredibly talented Carolina Rabei, is a beautiful account of the true story of Judy the dog. Published just ahead of the 80th anniversary of VJ… Continue reading War Dog by Tom Palmer & Carolina Rabei
Outstanding writing, depth of story and breath-taking history combine in this unique account of the First World War. Based on the true story of Khudadad Khan, an Indian gunner who fought for the British Army and received the Victoria Cross for his courage in Flanders, it follows four different stories interwoven in the heart of… Continue reading My Soul, A Shining Tree by Jamila Gavin
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