Ghosts in the Walls

‘Ghosts in the Walls’ is a collection of eleven scary stories, each written by a different author and each inspired by a Royal Palace. Greatly enhanced by Pam Smy’s atmospheric illustrations, it offers gripping tales with the added benefit of piquing interest in some of the country’s most iconic buildings.

A note from each author can be found at the end of the book, allowing readers to share their inspiration and the development of their ideas. There are many ghosts stories associated with the palaces and although this is a collection of new tales, they are inspired by real people, places and/ or events and are often rich in historical detail.

One of my favourites is ‘Children of the Maze’ by Sam Sedgman. Deliciously sinister, it uses the famous maze at Hampton Court Palace (one of my favourite places!) as the setting for a story which is the stuff of nightmares. Another equally enjoyable story based at Hampton Court is ‘The Prince in the Painting’ by E L Norry- readers will never look at portraits the same way again, but are also sure to be inspired to seek out the painting which features in the story, just to check..!

The setting for Sophie Kirtley’s contribution, ‘In this Still Place’ has made me really want to go and visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and explore the Walled Garden… and these stories are sure to have the same effect on other readers, leading them to explore some of these fabulous locations and, no doubt, finding their own imaginations igniting with possibilities for storytelling!

Definitely spooky and not for the faint hearted, this is a collection for the brave and curious!

Historic Royal Palaces: Ghosts in the Walls

Spooky Stories inspired by Real History

Various authors, illustrated by Pam Smy

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526671196

Kata and Tor

It is 1066 and King Harald Hardrada is planning to invade York with his Viking fleet. His youngest son, Tor, and his companion, Eirik, have been sent ahead to gather information, but an accident wrecks their boat. With Eirik dead, Tor is left to complete his mission alone. Whilst gathering information, Tor meets Katya, an Anglo-Saxon girl, and the two fall in love. As war approaches, each must ask themselves where their loyalties really lie.

Kevin Crossley-Holland is well known as a master story teller, whose passion for history and folklore combined with skilled use of language make any book he writes a must have as far as I am concerned. Set in 1066, readers might expect ‘Kata and Tor’ to be about the Norman Conquest, a well known date and event in English history, but instead it focuses on the events which led to the Battle of Stamford Bridge, just a few weeks before the Battle of Hastings. Perfect for anyone studying the events surrounding the conquest of England, it also offers an engaging ‘human’ story of those caught on opposing sides- a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ style relationship!

Although the son of a King and expected to partake in war, Tor questions many of his father’s decisions, not relishing the violence and chaos of conflict and conquest, not wanting to fight. Kata also feels trapped into a path which has been decided for her- marriage and a life of farming or perhaps life sequestered in a nunnery. When they meet, a different future seems possible. Kata and Tor might be fictional characters, but story is rich in historical detail and also encourages readers to consider the choices people make, or are forced to make, and how these shape lives.

The use of kennings, alliteration and evocative descriptions create a powerful background to a dramatic, immersive story which is a compelling read.

Kata and Tor

Kevin Crossley-Holland

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406399059

Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past

Nate Riley is an amateur myrmecologist and has his own ant farm, ruled by Queen Elizabeth III- or Betsy as she is affectionately known. With his mums, he has recently moved to Liverpool and unlike him, the ‘parentals’ (as he calls them) are very keen for him to take the opportunity embrace his Chinese heritage in this city’s vibrant Chinatown. Another thing he is less keen on is starting a new school. However, during a ‘bringing history to life’ talk, Nate comes across an old shell casing engraved with a Chinese dragon and, when he touches it, he meets Jirou, a ghost who needs his help. With his new friends, Missy and Ryan, Nate must help Jirou remember why he has appeared and help him find peace.

‘Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past’ is absolutely brilliant. Rich in detail, it blends cultural details, facts about ants and friendship whilst shining a light on an overlooked moment in history to create an absorbing and satisfying story.

Nate is a lovely character. Having been adopted by his two mums, he has very little knowledge of his Chinese heritage and often feels like an outsider- different from his adoptive parents and those around him, yet not feeling connected to Chinese culture. One of the reasons his wonderfully supportive parents have moved to Liverpool is to allow him to grow up in a more multi-racial environment, but he isn’t sure that he wants to involve himself with this and it is easy to empathise with his feelings. Overwhelmed by the move from a small village to a huge city, he also has to contend with trying to make new friendships and encountering people’s preconceptions about his background. As he learns more about himself, Nate shows great resilience and determination as he strives to help Jirou find peace with the past.

Through the story, readers learn about the Chinese Labour Corp and their experiences during the First World War, an area of history which is seldom, if ever, mentioned in history books. The contribution they made to the war effort has been completely overlooked, making books like this one even more important for raising awareness, starting conversations and encouraging children - and adults- to discover more. Maisie Chan has done an excellent job of sensitively conveying the appalling way members of the CLS were treated, making it appropriate to the target age of readers, the analogy of the worker ants helping to deepen understanding.

Each chapter begins with a new ant fact, one of the many ways in which detail enriches the story. Readers cannot fail to learn so much about the amazing life of an ant colony alongside information about the Beatles and details about Chinese- or Lunar- New Year. With so much to explore and enjoy, the story would make an excellent class story or text for guided reading sessions. A must have for all bookshelves!

Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past

Maisie Chan

Piccadilly ISBN: 978-1800787896

Published 12th June 2025

You can read my review of ‘Danny Chung Does NOT Do Maths’ here and ‘Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu’ here.

Shrapnel Boys

Two days before Britain’s Declaration of War, Ronnie, his younger brother, Micky, and best friend, Lugs, watch many children from their school set off as they are evacuated to the countryside. Ronnie’s mum cannot bear to be parted from her boys and Ronnie considers himself the man of the house since she kicked their father out. When war is declared, his mum decides to have an Andersen shelter built in the garden and a neighbour recommends a certain Johnny Simmons to do the job. Although Ronnie takes an instant dislike to him, everyone else succumbs to Johnny’s charm and when Ronnie turns down the chance to earn some money doing odd jobs, Micky is quick to agree. This leads to a divide forming between the brothers as Micky becomes increasingly secretive and Ronnie increasingly concerned about what his little brother has become mixed up in.

‘Shrapnel Boys’ is a huge change of pace from the humorous, heart-warming stories readers have become used to from Jenny Pearson; however, it simply shows that she is a superb storyteller, able to turn her hand to hard-hitting adventures with as much skill as anything else.

Full of historical detail, it is obvious that a great deal of research underpins this adventure story, making it a gripping, exciting read, but one which also offers readers information about the war and the lives of families affected by it. It would make an excellent key text to support a history topic through study and discussion, or as a class read to enjoy alongside work.

Ronnie is a real cheeky chappie, often in trouble at school, but with a heart of gold. His loyalty to family and friends is endearing and he strives to keep them safe against all odds. The contrast between his rough and ready personality and the charming, manipulative Johnny, who is so quick to use others to further his own ends, works really well and may well offer a starting point for some much-needed conversations about coercive control and how people may not always be as they seem.

At times, the story is not an easy read- I found it quite uncomfortable in places- but it is challenging, thought-provoking and powerful. One not to be missed.

Shrapnel Boys

Jenny Pearson

Usborne    ISBN: 978-1805312963

Westfallen

Although Henry, Frances and Lukas are no longer best friends, they meet up for the funeral of their pet gerbil. Whilst digging the grave, they make an amazing discovery- a radio which allows them to communicate with another group of three children who live in the very same place, only eighty years in the past.

Sharing information about their lives, Henry and his friends learn that the sweet shop which Alice, Lawrence and Artie go to in 1944 burns down so to prevent this accident, they get their new friends to take action to save it. However, they quickly learn that the slightest alteration can have far reaching consequences and as one change leads to another, they find they have changed history in the worst way possible.

I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy this one- but how wrong I was! ‘Westfallen’ is a compelling and addictive read which I could not put down. The story moves between events in the past and present, building tension and suspense as Henry, Frances and Lukas find themselves trapped in a real-life nightmare.

As the story opens, Henry, Lukas and Frances, childhood friends, have drifted apart with Henry feeling left behind by the others. Sporty, Lukas has moved on with the popular crowd and Frances has dyed her hair and found new friends. The excitement of their discovery and its subsequent events bring them back together again, rekindling the bond they had previously. As the children are plunged into the horror of a future where Nazi ideology is ruling America, Lukas, who is Jewish, finds himself suddenly doing menial labour tasks, rejected by those who in his other life were his friends and Henry, who is biracial, is labelled a ‘mischling’, assigned to ‘work learning’. The story captures a chilling sense of constant fear as those not considered Aryan suffer under the brutal regime.

The story also offers plenty to think about. It poses questions about what people become under certain conditions, how evil flourishes and how people can be destroyed. It is far from comfortable reading in places, challenging readers to think ‘what if...?’ and reflect on how every choice and decision has a consequence.

An excellent read!

Westfallen

Ann Brashares and Ben Brashares

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526685490

Deep Dark

Cassia Thorne lives in the Fleet with her father, who is in prison for debt. She does what she can to support them by selling ballads in the streets and giving music lessons. When the younger brother of her friend goes missing, Cassia is determined to find him and with the help of Teo, a pickpocket and Felix Bradshaw, a well-to-do young man, she discovers a sinister plot, involving missing children and rumours of a fearsome beast lurking beneath the streets of London.

‘Deep Dark’ combines historical detail, fantasy and a sinister mystery to create a compelling adventure.

Set in Victorian London, the story includes plenty of real history. The threat of the workhouse, the evils of debtors’ prison, the lives of mudlarks and costermongers all help to build a vivid picture of Cassia’s world as she strives to make more of her life. Trapped in the Fleet due to her father’s misfortunes, she is determined to free herself from the poverty and limitations of her life whilst painfully aware that she is only one step away from life in the workhouse. The excitement and wonders St Bartholomew’s Fair offers a stark contrast to these realities, capturing the bustle and energy of those enjoying its sights and sounds.

A note at the end of the book adds some historical detail and context, offering suggestions for further investigation and research should readers wish to discover more whilst a map at the beginning allows them to follow Cassia’s adventures and realise that many of these places are still there in today’s London.

Cassia is a really strong, well-rounded character. Although ambitious and determined, she also experiences moments of doubt about the enormity of what she is trying to do and the realities of her situation. A loyal friend with a big heart, it is impossible not to like her and feel invested in her success as she takes on a seemingly impossible challenge, locating and freeing the missing children, caring when others so not. The contrast between Teo and Felix underlines the lack of social equality which existed (and continues to do so). Each boy is full of personality, each endearing in their own way.

The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, yet there is obviously more to come for Cassia, leaving readers keen for the next book to appear! ‘Deep Dark’ would make an excellent story time read for a Y6 class with plenty of tension and excitement to keep them on the edge of their seats as they root for Cassia every step of the way!

Deep Dark (A Cassia Thorne Mystery)

Zohra Nabi

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398532922

Wink, Murder

Mary is reluctantly leaving Bletchley Park, following orders which take her to Bedford and top-secret lessons in Japanese. The only girl in the group, she finds herself befriended by her American study partner, Spencer. Suddenly summoned back to Bletchley, Mary finds herself heading off on assignment to London where she is to pose as a waitress and listen in on the conversations of prisoners dining at the Ritz Hotel. To her surprise, Spencer has also been posted on this assignment and the two work together on the case. But odd things constantly remind Mary that she should ‘Trust no one’, making her question everyone…

This is the third ‘Bletchley Park Mystery’ which features friends, Robyn, Ned and Mary and their experiences whilst based at Bletchley Park during WWII. They are cracking stories, full of excitement and adventure and historical detail. This book focuses on Mary, a mixed-race girl from Liverpool and is just as excellent as the first two.

There are so many elements to this book, all skilfully combined to create a really fascinating story. Not only does it offer a look at the world of espionage, its technology and agents, during the second world war, but it is very rich in background information about life at this time. Mary is caught on a bus during a bomb raid and she helps out with the WVS (The Women's Voluntary Service), allowing the reader to learn more about these things. The book also does not shy away from the racism and sexism she experiences, nor from the way immigrants were treated.

‘Wink, Murder’ would make an excellent class text, either for a thoroughly enjoyable class read or an equally enjoyable focus book to use to support learning about WWII. Additional notes at the end of the book support understanding of some of the elements in the story with plenty of links to enable those interested to explore further. Readers are sure to be inspired to visit Bletchley Park which is truly fascinating. I really hope there are more ‘Bletchley Park Mystery’ books still to come as each one is even better than the last!

Wink, Murder: A Bletchley Park Mystery

Rhian Tracey

Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1800789593

You can read about my visit to Bletchley Park here.

Rebel Heart

In 1645, England is a country torn by war, with families and friends divided as they fight either on the side of the King or Parliament. While Merriweather Price’s father is away fighting for King Charles I, her home, Compton Blaize, is besieged by Cromwell’s men. Fearful that her step-mother is going to surrender to the enemy, Merri disguises herself as a boy and sets off in search of help.

‘Rebel Heart’ is historical fiction at its finest. Full of action and adventure, the story is also rich in the level of detail which creates a sense of atmosphere and period so essential for a story of this kind.

Merriweather is such an engaging character. Courageous and loyal, she is determined to live up to her family motto, ‘Fearless and True’, and save her family home. On her way to find help, she encounters both ruthless people exploiting the chaos of civil war as well as those who truly believe that they are fighting on the ‘right’ side, making her revaluate her own beliefs and question things which she has simply accepted.

The story highlights the harsh realities of war with Merri witnessing the horrors of the Battle of Naseby as well as the suffering of those not fighting, but caught in the brutality of civil war. It also reflects the role played by many women who were left to defend their homes, defying the conventions that society placed on them. Detailed notes at the end of the book offer much valuable background information as well as encouraging readers to explore this period further.

Books like ‘Rebel Heart’ are essential for broadening children’s knowledge and understanding of periods of history beyond those taught in the primary curriculum, sparking interest in and awareness of the many layers of history which are everywhere. As with her other books, Ally Sherrick has a talent for bringing the past to life and writing really memorable stories full of adventure.

Rebel Heart

Ally Sherrick

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1915026996

Published 13th March 2025

You can read my review of ‘Vita and the Gladiator’ here.

Blitz: One Family’s War

Martin Impey is well known to teachers for the wonderful series about Ben and his best friend, Ray, and their wartime experiences which he created with Hilary Robinson. The richly detailed illustrations combined with the accessible text makes them perfect for sharing with children and deepening their knowledge and understanding of events during WWI. In ‘A Song for Will and the Lost Gardeners of Heligan’, the same team worked their magic once more, creating a book based on the true story of the gardeners of Heligan who went to fight in Great War. In ‘Blitz’, Martin has created another masterpiece of illustration and storytelling which is not only a compelling read, but also a real gift to anyone teaching this period of history.

Inspired by his childhood stories, Martin has created a powerful, engaging and brilliant book which reflects the level of precise, careful research Martin brings to all his work. Through the experiences of the family living at number 2, Dane Street in Bow, readers get a real sense of how their lives changed from before the war to the point at which two of the children are evacuated. A sense of immediacy is created, allowing readers to share their hopes and fears as they continue their daily lives amid the chaos and uncertainty of the Blitz.

I have no wish to imply that this is not a book for families to share and discuss nor for independent readers to thoroughly enjoy; however, as a teacher, it is impossible not to see the incredible value of a text like this in breathing life into lessons. At a time when much of the creativity and inspiration sadly seems to be being leached from the school day, books like this are essential!

There are many points at which role play, hot seating, freeze framing and other drama techniques could be used to explore the thoughts and feelings of those in the story, developing empathy, comprehension, prediction and perhaps leading to children creating narratives from different viewpoints. There are opportunities for writing diary entries, letters and poems as well as various types of factual writing, many inspired by Martin’s amazing illustrations. The book also lends itself to historical research techniques and using first and second hand sources.

There are so many details to notice in the illustrations which may lead children to pose questions for further investigation: Why is the train taking evacuees labelled ‘Pied Piper’? Is there really a road called ‘Sugar Loaf Walk’? Did people really spot unexploded bombs? Natural curiosity might lead to much additional discovery.

Evocative storytelling and stunning illustrations combine to make ‘Blitz’ an incredibly special book- and I can’t wait for the story to continue in ‘Evacuees’.

Blitz: One Family’s War

Martin Impey

Harbour Moon Publishing ISBN: 978-1916062535

You can read my review of ‘A Song for Will’ here, the Ben and Ray books here and ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ here.

Blog Tour: Aliya Aboard the Time Train

Welcome to the third stop on the time travelling Silver Express on an exhilarating journey through Egyptian history and culture with Laila Rifaat, author of the Aliya series.

Letter 3: Read like a Ptolemaian (The Ptolemaic era, Ancient Alexandria)

Dear Geddo,

By now you might have received a chronogram with the news about Professor Fayruz. Poor old sphinx…It was so horrible seeing him lying there stiff and cold. We found him just as we were heading back to the train after our excursion to the Old Kingdom. Some travellers are saying that he was murdered! The whole matter is so disturbing, but please don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine and anyway, there’s no way of turning the train around now that we’re in the time tunnel.

In line with our present stop in the Ptolemaic era, the dining coach has been redecorated to fit the style, with the genie waiters, musicians, and coach attendants all wearing draped tunics with colourful sashes, leather sandals and headbands made of gold and leather. In an attempt to brighten the mood, the guests were given Ptolemaic headdresses to wear. Victoria got a ‘Crown of Isis,’ which had a sun-disk between a pair of cow-horns. I could tell she wasn’t sure whether to be proud or embarrassed to wear it. Aion and I got lotus-crowns which were really pretty. Soliman told us that the lotus flower which was sacred in ancient Egypt. Charlotte, our chaperone, got a headdress with cobras which I thought suited her well. She’s always hissing at us.

I hadn’t expected Ptolemaic fashion and food to be so like the one we had from Ancient Egypt. Soliman explained that this was because the Ptolemies, who came from Greece, took on a lot of the Egyptians’ way of life when they drove out the Persians and settled in Egypt. They seemed a bit divided about Egypt though, because while they liked to present themselves like Egyptian pharaohs, they refused to speak anything but Greek and only put their own people in positions of power. Soliman said they never really assimilated to Egyptian culture. Still, they liked to style themselves as Pharaohs.  Maybe they liked the outfits, or was it to win the Egyptians’ favour by adopting their culture? I’m not sure.

After dessert we headed for the outfitting coach to get dressed for our visit to the Ptolemaic era. I got to wear a purple-striped tunic, and a cloak with a hood. It was really comfortable, and quite stylish too. Arsione, who is from that time, helped dress mine and the other girls’ hair with gold bands and headdresses.

The first portal took us to a spot on a hill, overlooking the ancient town of Alexandria. It felt so strange standing there, looking out over the city I know so well from my own time. But this was sometime around 330 BCE! So, no traffic jams or hotels lining the coastline. It did look impressive though, with a great harbour, countless temples, and a massive lighthouse.

Soliman told us that the city was founded and named by Alexander the Great who drove the Persians out of Egypt in 332 BCE. Ptolomy, founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty, was one of his generals who took over when Alexander died. He’s went on to make Alexandria an important port and an intellectual hot spot. The Ptolomies founded the Library of Alexandria and built a famous lighthouse, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and one of the highest buildings of the ancient world. Only the pyramids of Giza are higher.

Next, we headed to the library, to a complex known as the Mouseion which housed a research institute, an astronomical observatory, gardens, and even a zoo. While passing through we ran into scholars, scientists, and philosophers from all over the world that had come to Alexandria to study, experiment, and debate the hot topics of the day.

The Ptolomies who were the patrons of the library were really crazy about books, even more than you. They would go to great lengths to get hold of them, or the scrolls on which they were written, and would collect everything from cookbooks to maps to philosophical treaties. They would even send special agents to steal or barter for manuscripts. Once a Ptolemy ruler tricked some famous philosophers, saying he would ‘borrow’ their original texts to copy them for his library. He ended up sending them the copies and keeping the originals. I can’t imagine going that crazy over some old scrolls of philosophy to the point that you want to steal them!

The library was really cool though, I’ve got to admit. I visited last year during the assessments, remember? It would have been a fond memory, but now it’s tainted by the fact that the most evil magician in the travel world was there with me.

Anyway, before heading back to the train we got to see some of Alexandria’s wide, straight roads and massive grand temples, palaces, and monuments that mixed Greek and Egyptian styles. Soliman told us that the city often came alive with festivals, parades, and celebrations honouring the gods and goddesses of both cultures. So, the Ptolomies were party animals as well as intellectuals.

I got to go now. Charlotte’s making us take baths to wash off ‘dangerous ancient germs.’ I’ll write again as soon as I get a chance. Please don’t worry.

Your granddaughter,

Aliya

Useful links

• Ptolemaian fashion: https://rawi-publishing.com/articles/ptolemaic_fashion

• History of the Ptolemaic era: https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Dynasty/

• Library of Alexandria: https://www.worldhistory.org/Library_of_Alexandria/ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Library-of-Alexandria

About Laila Rifaat

Laila moved to Cairo, Egypt, in her twenties to explore her father’s native country. She fell in love with the country and has lived in Cairo for over 30 years now. It remains a main source of inspiration for her stories. She has an MA in English and Comparative Literature and has worked as an ESL and IGCSE teacher. Nowadays she’s a full-time writer and stay-at-home mum to her four kids. Find out more at www.lailarifaat.com

Aliya Aboard the Time Train

The spectacular sequel to Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy Aliya to the Infinite City. 

When sinister magic threatens Aliya’s world once more, she is sent away on a school trip for her own safety aboard the time-travelling Silver Express. But what is supposed to be an educational journey through Egyptian history becomes a deadly race to save it from evil time-twister and master of disguise, Dorian Darke. Find out more at

https://www.chickenhousebooks.com/schools/laila-rifaat/

My review will follow soon…

Fallout

Marcus is a Pritchard. His name marks him out as a troublemaker, a ‘bad lot’, not to be trusted. Labelled by teachers and the rest of the village alike, he feels trapped and that he may as well act as others expect him to. His life at home is also troubled. with Carl, the brother he is close to, is in Borstal, Marcus is subjected to constant bullying from his other brother, Gavin, who is his mother’s favourite and indifferent, judgemental treatment from his parents, who expect him to be part of the family ‘business’. Having fallen out with his best friend, Jezza, Marcus is very alone.

However, things start to change when he is treated with kindness by Mick, an elderly neighbour, who listens to Marcus and sees beyond the Pritchard name. Marcus also makes friends with Emma, part of the local peace protest group, and gradually finds himself responding positively to their belief in him.

When tragedy strikes at the local carnival, Marcus is once again the focus of suspicion and negative attention with only Emma believing in his innocence and working with him to clear his name.

Once again, Lesley Parr has delivered a story full of heart and hope. There is so much to recommend this wonderful story.

It’s a bit of a shock to see something set in the 80s considered ‘historical fiction’ as to me that period does not seem that long ago, but the story vividly captures the clothing, the music and the mood of the period. The village is a tight-knit Welsh community where everyone knows everyone else-and quickly judges them.

There are children like Marcus in every school and community. Haunted by their family reputation, they are marked out as troublemakers, often assumed to be responsible for issues before any investigation has taken place. It’s no wonder that they find themselves in a self-fulfilling prophecy. Through Marcus’s eyes and experiences, the reader develops great empathy for his situation, willing him to clear his name and escape the life he is being forced to endure. Lesley Parr’s characterisation is second to none as she captures Marcus’s sense of frustration and fatality perfectly. Other characters are equally well developed. Mick- considered an oddball by the community- is also an outsider, who is both patient and understanding, recognising Marcus’s need for an escape from his family and encouraging him to develop skills he didn’t know he had.

‘Fallout’ is a truly exceptional story, with its very title reflecting how cleverly its many elements are woven together. Poignant, thought-provoking, compassionate and compelling, there are not enough adjectives to convey just how much I enjoyed it! One to put at the top of your TBR pile!

Fallout

Lesley Parr

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526648013

Published 18th July 2024

The Brontë Girl

‘I am just going to write because I cannot help it.’

                                                                     Charlotte Brontë

When her mother and twin brothers die from the Haworth ‘miasma’, Kate finds herself struggling to keep what’s left of her family together and out of the Workhouse. She takes a cleaning job at the Parsonage, working for the Brontë family under the watchful eye of their servant, Tabitha Aykroyd. Her dreams of writing seem fruitless as she has little time and no encouragement from her father, sister or Luke Feather, the young farmer who wants to marry her.

However, when Charlotte Brontë discovers Kate’s passion for reading and learns of her ambitions, she supports Kate, challenging her to question ideas about equality and follow her dreams. But day to day life in Haworth is hard so how will Kate ever escape?

People visiting- and living- in Haworth today are used to a picturesque little town with a cobbled main street full of quaint, interesting independent shops. It is a place full of charm- and the appeal of its link to the Brontë family. However, Miriam Halahmy has done an excellent job of introducing the reader to life and conditions in the ginnels - the passageways - of the town in the 1840s when poverty and illness were common and many who lived there struggled to survive.

Kate is bright and determined, desperate to pursue her dreams and leave the grinding poverty of her everyday life for something better. Marriage seems like her only escape, but although Luke Feather seems like he should be the answer to a better life, Kate is unsure whether she actually loves him and is frustrated by the fact that he doesn’t recognise her dreams or think that she needs them. Women should be fulfilled by marriage and children as far as he is concerned. With encouragement from Charlotte, Kate is influenced by the ideas of the Brontë sisters and seeks her own future.

Although the novel gives a tempting glimpse of the lives of the Brontës, the story does not focus on their lives, but offers a thought-provoking, often poignant story, clearly exposing the inequalities of gender, wealth and circumstance which stunted the development and success of so many poor women of this time. Thoroughly enjoyable, ‘The Brontë Girl’ is an engrossing and challenging read.

The Brontë Girl

Miriam Halahmy

ZunTold ISBN: 9781915758064

You can read my review of ‘Always Here for You’ here.

Little People, Big Dreams games

The long Easter weekend offers plenty of time for playing games whilst eating plenty of chocolate. This year, we enjoyed playing two games based on the very popular ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ series.

‘Who Am I?’ is based on the game ‘Guess Who?’ and features historical figures from the books. One player chooses to be blue and one yellow before setting up their board, secretly selecting one of the cards to be their character. This they hide in their ‘shield’ card so the other player can’t see it. However, unlike traditional ‘Guess Who?’, this game encourages children to learn more about the personalities shared in the game. Under each picture there are icons- for example, a medal, a microphone, a football- giving clues to that person’s achievements, making it easier for the players to eliminate people. The booklet contains a list of question prompts and a brief biography of each historical figure which includes the aforementioned icons.

The game was a huge success with our visitors recognising some of the figures and enjoying learning about others. The questioning prompts worked really well, supporting everyone from 6 to much older with the game! The pieces are sturdy, standing up to plenty of usage, and everyone was keen to play more than once.

‘Amazing Women’ is a pairs game which can be played in two ways. With the cards facing up, pairs can be matched and then players can discover more about each in the accompanying booklet. Alternatively, the cards can be placed faced down and two turned over at a time. If the cards make a pair, the player keeps them and play continues; if not, the cards are turned over again. This was the version which we enjoyed most! The cards show the amazing woman in two different poses- one a ‘portrait’ and the other showing their ‘Big Dream’ and this inspired a lot of conversation and fun finding out. This game disappeared with our visitors when they went home as it could be enjoyed as a car game, home game, quickly put away and quickly got out…

Both games were a real hit and kept everyone entertained whilst learning about some fascinating historical figures.

Little People, Big Dreams: Who Am I? A Guessing Game

ISBN: 978-0711290310

Little People, Big Dreams: Amazing Women A Memory Game

ISBN: 978-0711287037

What Rosa Brought

Rosa lives in Vienna. Whilst her parents work in their shop each day, she is looked after by her grandmother. With the arrival of the Nazis, things change for Jews like Rosa and her family until new rules mean they can’t own shops or run businesses. Resourceful and intelligent, Dad starts to make trunks which he sells one at a time to their departing Jewish neighbours, even creating one with a false bottom to hide a precious Torah. Desperately waiting for a visa which will allow them to flee the country, Rosa imagines what each of her family might take with them, but when the visa finally comes, there isn’t one for Grandma so what she actually takes with her is her Grandmother’s love.

Drawing on the experiences of his own family, Jacob Sager Weinstein has used his mother’s memories and historical sources to create this deeply moving and tender story. According to the author’s note, Rosa- his mother- is now an eighty-seven year old woman and the inclusion of family photographs makes the story all the more poignant.

Text and illustrations combine perfectly to tell Rosa’s story. Relatively short, simple sentences effectively capture her rapidly changing life whilst the pictures add unspoken details of the dark events unfolding around her. The bright, happy spreads which depict life before the Nazi invasion form a stark contrast to the ominous, darker ones which follow. There is much to discuss here, much to contemplate and much to empathise with. The love of this family shines clearly through, offering a sense of hope. The final image of Rosa, darkness behind her, clutching her Grandmother’s love to her heart, surrounding by the shadow of her grandmother whilst looking over the side of a ship towards the Statue of Liberty in the light is quite stunning. Even the endpapers are carefully composed.

Heart-rending and unforgettable, ‘What Rosa Brought’ is a wonderful read.

What Rosa Brought

Jacob Sager Weinstein, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0063056480

Published 14th March

Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo

After the success of their French mission, Rosie Raja is keen to avoid being sent to boarding school by her dad. However, a new mission to Cairo with her father posing as an Egyptologist sees Rosie back in action on the trail of a British traitor. But with the stakes higher than ever, everyone seems to be harbouring secrets, making their mission to Cairo full of peril.

Once again, Rosie shows herself to be a determined and resourceful heroine as she navigates the dangers of this mission. Her observant, reflective nature allows the reader to appreciate many of the social and cultural details of the period and as well as being an exciting- and different-WWII story, the plot raises moral questions around the ‘ownership’ of archaeological treasures, like the Rosetta Stone, offering plenty of food for thought.

The author’s note draws attention to certain liberties which have been taken with history for the story, something I wish happened more in historical fiction. This ensures children, whilst thoroughly enjoying the story, understand the framework used to create it and potentially encourages them to discover more about the setting and period in the narrative.

The plot builds to an exciting conclusion, with tension mounting as (being very careful with what I say so as not to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet!) the traitor is exposed. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and look forward to finding out where Rosie’s next mission takes her!

Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo

Sufiya Ahmed

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801990103

You can read my review of ‘Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy’ here.

Wild Song

Things are changing in Luki’s village; the ways and beliefs of the occupying Americans are creeping into everyday life. One thing which has not changed, however, is the ancients’ expectations for a young woman. Caught hunting once too often, Luki is told she should marry her friend, Samkad. Determined to be free, Luki decides to take an offer to go to America to be part of the World Fair in St Louis. However, it soon becomes obvious that this wonderful adventure is not all it promised to be and she finds herself living in little more than a human zoo where the ‘Igorot’ are seen as savages, exhibits to be gawped at. Will she ever be able to find her way home?

Returning to the characters of Candy’s previous novel, ‘Bone Talk’, ‘Wild Song’ is an incredible book. Although not a sequel as such, it continues the stories of Samkad and Luki, highlighting how the lives of the Bontok people were affected by the Philippine-American War.

Once again, Candy Gourlay skilfully weaves historical figures and events into her narrative, creating a powerful story which depicts the shameful event which was the St Louis’ World Fair. The contemptuous treatment of human beings, the lack of respect for, and understanding of, cultural differences and callous exploitation is both shocking and uncomfortable to read- particularly when it is remembered that these attitudes and behaviours are hallmarks of any country guilty of colonisation.

Vividly told, the action is seen through the eyes of Luki, recalled as if she is speaking to her deceased mother, offering a very personal, immediate feel to the story. The reader shares her frustration with the ancients and the expectations placed upon her because she is a woman, and watches as the realisation dawns on her that Truman Hunt is manipulative and has little care for those he has persuaded to travel to America for the Fair. As she experiences loss, humiliation, fear and prejudice, her belief in herself and the ways of her people, their traditions and customs emerges stronger than ever.

‘Wild Song’ is a powerful, poignant and moving story which, like its characters, is unforgettable. Essential reading!

Wild Song Candy Gourlay

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452076

You can read my review of ‘Bone Talk’ here.

Blog Tour: The Wall Between Us

Anja and Monika live on opposite sides of a street in Berlin. They see each other every day and are not just cousins, but best friends, sharing everything, including Otto, Anja’s cat. One night, they wake to find soldiers erecting a huge barbed wire fence down the middle of the street. Horrified, the girls realise they are to be permanently separated and the wire is replaced by a brick wall.

For Monika, life on the East side of the wall quickly becomes frightening, with spies and secret police everywhere. But Anja finds a way for them to communicate and then discovers a way to slip across the wall to see her cousin. When she finds herself trapped on the wrong side, what seemed like a harmless adventure becomes terrifying real…

I remember when the wall fell and have visited Berlin, seeing the remains and some of the memorial sites associated with the division of a city which lasted for almost thirty years; however, I am ashamed to say that prior to visiting, I knew little of the events which led to the building of the wall or the impact it had on its citizens. Actually seeing how the city was sliced, it was evident how families and friends had been ripped apart and lives changed forever- a dark and terrifying time when many lives were needlessly lost. Dan Smith has taken this very significant historical event and has used it as the back drop for an accessible and gripping story, which allows readers to discover more about this time.

And what a story it is! Through the use of ‘official documents’, newspaper cuttings, Anja’s diary and letters from Monika, Dan Smith skilfully builds a story in which the reader understands this could have happened to anyone. The girls are very ‘normal’ children, living very normal lives- lives separated by twenty-three paces from each side of the street- and yet lives altered so drastically by this event. Twenty-three paces into the East and Monika’s life has taken a far darker turn, allowing the experiences of those living on each side of the wall to be contrasted.

By using a range of sources to tell the story, the reader feels as if they are piecing the events together much as an historian does as they build a picture of the past. The sense of tension is palpable in places, evoking feelings of the hostile presence of soldiers, the threat of faceless spies, the ominous sensation that your every move is being watched. Dan Smith does not shy away from the harsh realities of the period yet the story is perfectly pitched for its target audience.

This is historical fiction at its best where meticulous historical research, clever storytelling and compelling characters come together to engross the reader, pulling them deep into the lives of others. It may well encourage children to discover more, it might help to bring to life something being studied at school, it might inspire a trip to Berlin… Above all, it offers an excellent, satisfying read.

The Wall Between Us Dan Smith

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626762

You can read my review of ‘Nisha’s War’ here.

Blog Tour: Call of the Titanic

I love historical fiction and so was delighted to be invited to take part in the Blog Tour for ‘Call of the Titanic’. Having really enjoyed each of Lindsay’s other books (see reviews below!), I was really looking forward to this new one- and as you can tell from what follows, I was not disappointed!

Young cabin steward, Sid, is proud to be working on the Titanic, the greatest ship ever built.

Clara dreams of adventure too, but she's a stowaway in the hold of a much smaller boat, Carpathia. Here she meets the biggest, best dog she’s ever known: Rigel, who is on his way to be reunited with his owner.

None of them could have imagined how they would need each other one ice-cold terrible night – or that an extraordinary sea creature might also answer their call ...

(Blurb from book)

To my mind, an excellent historical novel is one which immerses the reader in the period, accurately depicting the time/events, making history come alive. In skilled hands, it (amongst other things) teaches about the past effortlessly, allowing the reader to absorb details almost without realising whilst thoroughly enjoying the story. Lindsay Galvin has captured all of this and more, adding her own characters and mingling folklore with the facts to create a unique and gripping story.

The tale is cleverly presented through a range of text types, allowing events to be seen from differing viewpoints. This adds the feeling that the story has been pieced together from various historical sources, gathering evidence to create a picture of the past, just as historians do. This alone offers much to discuss and consider!

Everyone has heard of the Titanic and there are many excellent books for children on this topic. ‘Call of the Titanic’, however, focuses on the part played by RMS ‘Carpathia’, a cruse ship working at the same time, which played a major role in the rescue of passengers from the sinking Titanic. Tension mounts as all the tragedy and horror of the events of that fateful occasion are played out with the brave Captain and crew of the Carpathia making heroic efforts to save as many as they could.

Accidental stowaway, Clara, finds herself aboard the Carpathia and is at the heart of the action. It is here she meets the wonderful Rigel, a giant Newfoundland dog, which is being shipped off to its new owner. The two form a deep connection and are central to the events surrounding the rescue. Clara is wonderfully feisty and impulsive, with a heart of gold, whose curiosity and kindness make readers fully invested in her story. Rigel is just adorable! Whilst they are entirely fictional, Sidney Daniels, another voice telling this story, was a real person. He was a young steward aboard the Titanic who escaped the disaster, but was never called to give evidence. The ‘testimony’ he gives here is fictionalised by Lindsay Galvin, adding much to the story. The author’s note at the end of the book makes it clear which of the characters are based on real people, giving more detail about them as well as giving more information about things such as Morse Code and radio codes.

The mysterious sea serpent adds yet another layer to the story, appealing to those fascinated by the mysteries of the deep and adding to the adventure. There is so much to recommend this story, which could easily be used as a key text for classwork or as a guided reading text as well as being enjoyed as a shared or individual story. It is both excellent and enjoyable!

Call of the Titanic Lindsay Galvin

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696696

Many thanks to Chicken House for asking me to take part in this Blog Tour. Make sure you catch the other posts listed on the banner at the top of this one- and make sure you read the book!

You can read my review of ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ here , ‘My Friend the Octopus’ here and ‘The Secret Deep’ here.

Until the Road Ends

When Peggy saves a stray, she and Beau, the dog, become inseparable. However, they are forced apart by the war as Peggy and her brother, Wilf, are evacuated to the safely of the coast, leaving Beau- and Wilf’s grumpy cat, Mabel, behind in the city on the condition that the animals are not put down. Although lonely, Beau is allowed to help Peggy’s father in his Air Raid Warden’s duties, saving countless lives as he scents those trapped by fallen buildings. But disaster strikes and both Peggy’s parents are killed, leaving the animals vulnerable and alone. Determined to be reunited with the person he loves the most, Beau, a very unwilling and uncooperative Mabel, and Bomber, a resourceful and determined pigeon, set off on the journey of a lifetime.

This is the third novel by Phil Earle which is set during World War II and like the others, it should come with a packet of tissues attached. Phil’s incredible skill as a storyteller, his ability to capture poignant moments and his attention to detail makes each of these stories a special read- but this is, I think, my favourite. I am not ashamed to say that I was reduced to a sobbing wreck in places- but this is the power of Phil’s writing and it should be celebrated.

The story is full of historical details, with an afterword by Phil explaining where fact meets fiction, making this an excellent text to share with children who are learning about, or who are keen to find out more about, this period of history. The bravery of the humans and animals who worked as Air Raid Wardens, the destruction and devastation of the Blitz, the needless loss of life are all witnessed through the eyes of the animals, whose voices are unheard and unheeded, yet are key to this narrative. There is also the joy of discovering that there really was someone who cared enough about animals at this time to create a rescue centre in a cinema! Phil Earle captures all of this in a way which children can understand- and learn from.

In part, the story is reminiscent of Sheila Burnford’s ‘The Incredible Journey’ – the devoted bond between pets and their humans which is so strong that nothing will stop them being together- but this book does so much more than that. It’s about love and loss and reunion, valour, determination and belief, kindness, truth and joy. There are many deeply poignant moments as the story unfolds which ring true, provoking genuine emotion in the reader who is deeply bound up in the story of Beau, Mabel and Bomber.

A must-have.

Until the Road Ends Phil Earle

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839133169

Out in June.

Friends and Traitors

Nancy arrives at Stanbrook House to take up her post as a housemaid, just as preparations are being made for the arrival of a girls’ school which is being evacuated from the Sussex coast. She quickly takes a dislike to the ‘young ladies’ who she considers to be spoilt little snobs.

Sidney Dashworth is one of the evacuees and as the new girl, is struggling to fit in with her classmates. When she notices some strange goings-on and decides to investigate, Sidney realises that Nancy also has her suspicions about the Lord Evesham and his activities and the two soon find themselves working together in the face of danger as they try to expose his evil deeds.

‘Friends and Traitors’ is a great read on so many levels. It has all the classic ‘school story’ elements (apart from sporting events!) with Sidney struggling to find her place as the new girl and Lucinda Gore-Withers making her a very dislikeable foe. Despite their removal from their actual school building, the girls still have to endure their lessons, receive order marks or merits, wearing sensible shoes and behaving like young ladies at all times!

The story is also rich in historical detail. Set in WWII, Nancy and Sidney are separated by their social class. Initially, Sidney thinks being a maid must be good fun- Nancy has her freedom and is earning whilst just flicking a duster around. She has no idea of the intense workload of a domestic servant nor that Nancy’s wages are instantly consumed by family commitments. The story seamlessly includes details which add to the historical context- how Nancy’s father was affected by WW1, the internment of friendly enemy aliens, etc- including how those from the upper classes were able to get away with things which ‘normal’ people could not. Lord Evesham thinks more of his priceless collection of china than he does of his servants.

A gripping mystery unfolds as the two unlikely allies discover the secrets of Stanbrook House and find a way of making their voices heard and foiling the plot they have uncovered. ‘Friends and Traitors’ is an excellent read- every bit as enjoyable as Helen’s other books for this age range, ‘The Secret Henhouse Theatre’, ‘The Farm Beneath the Water’, ‘Evie’s Ghost’ and ‘Anna at War’. Perfect as a class read aloud or a guided reading text, this is one not to be missed!

Friends and Traitors Helen Peters

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788004640

Out 6th July!