The Queen’s Fool is an intriguing historical adventure set at the Tudor court. King Henry and Queen Katherine are on the throne and everyone must bow to their will. Young Cat Sparrow sees the world differently from other people. Her innocent perspective takes readers on an eye-opening journey with love, family and friendship at the… Continue reading The Queen’s Fool by Ally Sherrick
Annelise Gray has penned a pulse-pounding middle grade historical-adventure set in the Circus Maximus, the greatest sporting stage of the ancient Roman world. This is where the best horses and charioteers compete in a race to the death, and one girl dreams of glory. Circus Maximus: Race to the Death is about a girl trying to find… Continue reading Circus Maximus: Race to the Death by Annelise Gray (Blog Tour)
I love historical novels, especially ones based on true stories! This uplifting book by Karen McCombie (author of the brilliant Little Bird series) tells the tale of the adventurous, quick-witted Dolly Shepherd – a real young woman who became a pioneering aviatrix in the early 1900s. She went against the expectations of young women in… Continue reading The Girl with her Head in the Clouds by Karen McCombie & illustrated by Anneli Bray
Edgar and Adolf is a beautiful story published by Oxford University Press in association with Barrington Stoke. It is the perfect combination of a rich, heartfelt story with accessible vocabulary, spacing and font. This story bridges the gap between middle grade and young adult wonderfully and I can already think of so many children with… Continue reading Edgar and Adolf by Phil Earle & Michael Wagg
The True Adventures Series from Pushkin Press is a fresh approach to historical fiction. Inspired by previously untold, true stories, these middle grade novels take readers on gripping adventures revealing incredible heroes of history. Find out about all the books in this series on the Pushkin Press website. The Fog of War: Martha Gellhorn at… Continue reading True Adventures Series – Michelle Jabes Corpora, Kekla Magoon & Devika Rangachari
A life-changing journey on a 19th century ship bound for England, leaving behind everything you’ve ever known, witnessing a murder on a dark night… The Secret Detectives is a gripping Middle Grade mystery with hints of Nancy Drew and The Secret Garden intertwined in its gripping plot. Eleven-year-old Isobel Petty is alone in the world.… Continue reading The Secret Detectives by Ella Risbridger
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the school Christmas break is almost upon us. That means lots of times for resting, relaxing and reading! What could be better than settling down with some fantastic festive stories? Reading together is a special way for families to connect and create memories. With fewer events… Continue reading Fantastic Festive Books for Children
It’s June 1647 in Scotland and strong, out-spoken women who spend their lives helping others are being arrested and tried as witches. We meet twelve-year-old Art who must hide and watch as her mother is carried away by soldiers. Will she be one of the women killed immediately or will she be taken to England… Continue reading The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael
The Valley of Lost Secrets is an evacuee story that focuses on the most important aspect of that endeavour – the day to day lives of the children who were sent from their homes to places so very different from what they knew. Twelve-year-old Jimmy and his six-year-old brother, Ronnie, are evacuated to a village… Continue reading The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr
An Escape in Time is the third book in the exciting time travelling adventure series by Sally Nicholls. This time, Ruby & Alex step through the mirror at their aunt's house to meet an aristocrat fleeing the French Revolution. Once again, the children face gender expectations they aren't used to and the unusual challenges of… Continue reading An Escape in Time; A Chase in Time & A Christmas in Time (series) by Sally Nicholls & illustrated by Isabelle Follath and Rachael Dean
Scope for Imagination 