Review: Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton

Hidden Treasure is a stunning, historical mystery adventure set in London during the Great War, a story of loss, of family and friendship and the healing power of memories.

Searching for items to sell on the banks of the River Thames, young mudlark Bo hears the call of the river and finds a precious treasure which, when held, shows her a vision of the past. Bo is not the only one the river has spoken to on that day and she soon meets Billy, an orphan who the river has sent to meet her. Could these two children’s destinies be linked by the treasures the river has given to them?

When Bo’s older brother goes off to to war, she knows that selling the precious object would help her family but Bo cannot part with it and keeps its discovery a secret from her family. Only Billy and her best friend are aware of what Bo has found so she is shocked and frightened to be confronted by a man who demands that she return his treasure to him.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Bo and Billy learn more about the magical power of the object, as they discover its other half and the ballad that tells a story of a past tragedy. But there are others intent on getting the treasure no matter the cost. Can Bo and Billy reveal the secrets of the river treasure and have one of the most precious things they have ever lost returned to them? Can they learn the real meaning of the treasure before others take it from them for their own gain?

I absolutely loved this intriguing, heartfelt mystery and loved the twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the increasing danger and the discovery of the secrets of the river’s treasure which has waited many years to give up its poignant truths to the river girl. This is also a story of loss and grief and the importance of memories in keeping loved ones with us. I loved the lyrical, at times ethereal, quality of the writing which made this such an evocative, touching story.

Bo and Billy are incredibly sympathetic young children who have both lost parents. The river brings them together to help them find what they have both lost. The strong bond of friendship and trust that develops between them is gorgeous and I loved how they are there for each other when they both most need a friend.

This is an enthralling historical adventure flowing with magic, intrigue and friendship, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: Becoming Grace written by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Keith Robinson

Becoming Grace is the beautifully told, captivating and heartfelt story of the childhood of Victorian heroine Grace Darling and the incredible courage she shows in rescuing survivors of the Forfarshire shipwreck.

Grace is the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, growing up happily as part of a large, loving family on the Farne Islands surrounded by the wild beauty of the sea, watching eider ducks and seal pups. But she is also all too aware of the dangers of stormy seas as she has helped look after survivors brought home by her father and brothers following shipwrecks.

I really enjoyed learning about Grace’s life, spending time with her brothers and sisters, undertaking her studies through home-schooling and helping with duties at the lighthouse including polishing mirrors and milking the goats. There is a real sense of teamwork and I loved when the family welcomed another member to their team: a black puppy called Happy who becomes a much-loved member of the family.

This is a story that ebbs and flows with the ups and downs of family life, with happy times and sad times and with the inevitable changes that occur as years pass. One of the big changes for Grace was a move to a new lighthouse further out at sea on Longstone Rock where more ships were likely to see the light and avoid the treacherous rocks. But, in September 1838, disaster struck when paddle steamer, The Forfarshire was wrecked on Harcar Rock. Looking out of the lighthouse window, Grace saw people on the rocks and alerted her father to their plight, and so began a father and daughter dangerous rescue mission …

Grace’s courage in helping her father row the coble through a stormy sea is all the more incredible as she has a fear of drowning due to an accident as a child so she is able to empathise with the frightened and panicked survivors of the shipwreck. Her quick actions and determination to alert her father and help him in the rescue mission saved the lives of nine people. This selfless act of bravery brought young Grace Darling to the attention of none other than Queen Victoria and has made her a famous figure in British history.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and really capture both the bleak beauty of island life and the strong family bonds as well as bringing to life the strength and courage of this incredible young heroine.

A captivating story of courage and family bonds and a wonderful testament to the life of an incredible young heroine, Grace Darling.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Blog Tour Review: Birdie by J P Rose

*Written by J. P. Rose*
*Cover Illustration by Keith Robinson*
*Published by Anderson Press*

Birdie is a powerful, heartfelt story of friendship, belonging and identity set in the 1950s: an unforgettable, incredibly affecting story that completely captured me.

Birdie Bagshaw has grown up in Fitzwilliam’s Children’s Home, a home for mixed race children, on the outskirts of Leeds. She adores its kind-hearted owner, Mrs Dudley so is reluctant to leave when her great-aunt sends for her. She does not want to leave the familiarity of the home, nor her friends and found family. Although frightened of starting a new life, Mrs Dudley convinces her to make the train journey to the Yorkshire Dales to live with her great-aunt, Mrs Winterbottom.

When she arrives in Barrington Dale, she has to find her own way to her great-aunt’s cottage where she is given a cold welcome. Confused by this treatment, she makes her way to school where she is subjected to appalling racism by both pupils and the teacher. Birdie feels rejected and is made to feel like an outsider by both her great-aunt and most of the villagers she meets.

When Birdie is faced with cruelty from some of the older boys, she runs to escape from them, and finds herself at the local coal mine where she meets the last remaining pit pony …

And so begins a story that broke my heart … and healed it again! The special bond that forms between Birdie and Mr Duke is just incredible and felt completely believable as their love, loyalty and trust in each other resonates throughout the story. They give each other strength to keep going in terrible circumstances – and hope that life can get better.

When Birdie discovers that Mr Duke is in terrible danger, she is determined to rescue him, no matter the risk to herself, but will she be able to save her best friend’s life?

Oh my goodness! Birdie is just the most incredible, inspirational young girl. Growing up in a home for mixed race children, she has not experienced, or has been protected from, racist abuse. My heart ached for her as she comes to realise that the reason she is being treated so horribly by others is because of the colour of her skin. But Birdie does not let this prejudice affect who she is at heart: an empathetic, caring girl whose kindness radiates from her. She is someone who enters people’s lives and changes them for the better, bringing a community together and healing those who have been lost in grief.

After reading Fablehouse, I had already learned more about the history of ‘Brown Babies’ born to relationships between African-American GIs and white British women during the Second World War, and the racism and stigma which forced many of these mothers to give up their babies in order to be ‘socially acceptable’ members of society. This story also addresses the impact of the aftermath of the Second World War on families who are grieving for those who did not come home from the war. And, of course, there is the deployment of pit ponies in the mining communities, the ‘unsung heroes’ of the coal mines, something that I found incredibly poignant and really difficult to fathom as ever being acceptable. The author’s Historical Note makes for fascinating reading and would form the basis for some wonderful classroom discussions following reading the story.

A tender story of family, connection and remaining true to yourself with the most beautiful friendship between human and animal at its heart. This is a story I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+, and a definite Book of the Year for me.

Author Information

J.P. Rose was born in Manchester but was raised in Yorkshire after her adoption. Growing up she suffered extreme racism, though she continued to be proud of her diverse and rich Jamaican, Nigerian and Anglo-Irish heritage. She trained as an actress but eventually moved into writing, and she is now the author of numerous novels for adults. She owns several horses, dogs and cats and lives in London with her family.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jprosewriter
X: https://x.com/jprosewriter

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Anderson Press for providing me with a copy of Birdie in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below:

Blog Tour Review: The Last Boy by Eve McDonnell

*Written by Eve McDonnell*
*Cover design and illustration by Holly Ovenden*
*Published by Everything With Words*

The Last Boy is a heartachingly poignant story inspired by the true story of George Brewster, a young Victorian climbing boy. A compelling, compassionately-told story that completely gripped me as I took this young boy, who is an awe-inspiring beacon of hope, strength and courage, into my heart.

George Brewster is six years old when he is sold by his older brother to a cruel Master Sweep. Six years later, and he is still the property of Master Wyer, who has taken him to Birr Castle to clean the music room chimney. Whilst climbing the chimney, he gets stuck in a narrow flue, but is able to free himself, and climb to the top, when he sees something that his incredible mathematical prowess has allowed him to predict: a storm of stars. He makes a wish upon these stars that brings him hope: a wish to be the last climbing boy.

When his incredible skill with numbers comes to the attention of a powerful lady, he may just have found a way to make his wish come true, but only if he can fulfil her secret wish, a wish that should be impossible …

And so begins an inspirational story that weaves history, science and magic into a tapestry of words that enveloped my heart bringing tears, anger, hope and awe. I was immediately immersed in this vividly drawn historical period where the locals’ superstitions about the meteor storm bring panic and fear of a return to famine; where astronomy is being used to explain a natural phenomenon; and, where society still accepts, or turns a blind eye to, young children’s suffering as they live the horrendous life of climbing boys. Can a young mathematical genius, with his sights turned towards the heavens, be a catalyst for change and a harbinger of hope?

I loved the blend of history and magical realism which made this such a captivating read. Whilst this is rightly and most definitely George’s story, I was also fascinated by Lady Rosse’s story. Both George and Lady Rosse have made wishes they desperately want to come true, and both have deeply personal reasons for making those wishes. I really enjoyed the way their stories become entwined and the connections they have – but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers!

I absolutely could not put this book down, and read it in one sitting, as ‘just one more chapter’ turned to becoming completely and utterly lost in its pages. I won’t deny that this was a heart-breaking read that brought many tears, but it was also an inspirational one as the goodness, endurance and courage of this incredible boy shines through and lights the story with empathy and hope. It shows that change is possible, and that one person can be that catalyst and, my goodness, do we need that in the world today.

George Brewster is an extraordinary young boy who will now live in my heart forever. When his mother dies and his older brother cannot afford to keep him, he is sold to a Master Sweep who treats him like a possession and subjects him to the most terrible cruelty as he endures the harsh life of a climbing boy. Despite this cruel life, George has a heart filled with a great capacity for empathy and an unwavering determination to ensure that he will be the last boy to endure the unbearable life of a climbing boy. He has some wonderful friends in the other climbing boys, including a young girl, Elsie and it is for these friends, and all climbing boys, that he risks everything to fulfil his wish upon the stars.

An incredibly powerful, moving story of a young boy wishing upon the stars to be the last boy: the last boy to suffer at the hands of a cruel master, and the last boy who must risk everything to bring an end to something that should be unimaginable. I cannot recommend this highly enough to readers of 9+ and firmly believe it is a book that should be in all school libraries.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour for this extraordinary book, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: The Houdini Inheritance by Emma Carroll

*Written by Emma Carroll*
*Cover Illustration by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini*
*Published by Faber & Faber*

The Houdini Inheritance is a spectacular showstopper from the Queen of Historical Fiction: a gripping historical mystery where a transatlantic voyage takes two young friends to Coney Island’s amusement parks to protect the secrets of the world’s greatest escapologist … and discover some of their own.

It’s summer 1926 and 12-year-old Glory and her best friend, Dennis are watching a master of escapology, none other than the great Harry Houdini, as he performs a death-defying stunt. As he jumps off Sidford-by-the-Sea’s pier locked in chains, he holds the crowd entranced …

When Glory and Dennis learn that Houdini is putting on an extra show at their local theatre, they are determined to see him perform again. After returning a missing dog to its grateful owner, they are made special guests at the show. As soon as an opportunity arises during the performance, Glory offers Houdini her Grandfather’s Boer War handcuffs to escape from: a decision that is the catalyst for an incredible adventure as Houdini entrusts her with his priceless trunk containing all his secrets.

And so begins the most wonderfully thrilling, action-packed mystery as Glory and her older sister Effie, with Dennis and his Granny Vic, find themselves on a transatlantic journey to Coney Island, New York to return the trunk to its rightful owner. Can they keep the trunk safe, or will its secrets fall into the hands of a merciless adversary who will stop at nothing to take what is kept within?

This is a real rollercoaster of intrigue with suspects to be investigated, suspicions to be confirmed, secrets to be unravelled not to mention threats, danger and death-defying acts. Absolutely superb and utterly unputdownable!

I loved the 1920s setting, in both England and America, which are richly described and really immersed me in the adventure. This is a story that juxtaposes the excitement of theatrical shows and stunts and the glamour of transatlantic crossings with the prejudice shown towards others, with bitter rivalry, and with the hurt and emptiness felt by loss.

Glory and Dennis are wonderfully likeable protagonists who have a strong and loyal bond of friendship; they work brilliantly as a team who trust and support each other. Glory is a curious, impetuous and fearless young girl who wants nothing more than a dog in her life. Dennis is more gregarious and is drawn to anything theatrical, whether that be magical shows or attending a séance. Both children show determination and courage when faced with difficult decisions and dangerous situations. I really liked that Glory and Dennis also had support from their family and thought that both Effie and Granny Vic were brilliant – and such strong characters.

As I read, I really appreciated the title of this book as the theme of ‘inheritance’ is threaded throughout. I enjoyed seeing how it related to each family and how it affected and shaped them, but also how it leads to a realisation of the importance of living your own life, of having your own dreams. The ending was incredibly heart-warming – and just perfect!

Escape into an exhilarating rollercoaster of an adventure, guaranteed to get your heart pounding and your mind racing as you discover the secrets hidden in this mesmerising mystery. Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: Delta and the Lost City

*Written by Anna Fargher*
*Illustrated by David Dean*
*Published by Macmillan Children’s Books*

Delta and the Lost City is an absolutely gripping historical adventure that took me on an unforgettable journey to AD79 where both humans and nature threaten the survival of a young wolfdog determined to protect her family from harm … poignant, heart-warming and hopeful … an epic adventure of courage, survival, hope and family.

Young wolfdog Delta enjoys her life inside the walls and grounds of her master, former army general Lucius’, luxurious countryside villa southeast of the coastal cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. She spends her time play-fighting with her mother, Luna, her friend Bellona, the golden eagle, and her favourite slave, Gaia and her son, Neo … but she misses her mistress, Herminia.

Herminia, Lucius’ beloved daughter, no longer lives in the villa as she has married and moved to Rome with her cruel and controlling husband, Marcus. When they return for a night, before moving to Pompeii for the summer, Delta witnesses a terrible crime that culminates in the death of her master, providing a catalyst that changes her life …

Delta is accused of the death of her master and soon finds herself running for her life accompanied by her friend, Bellona, but she remains fiercely loyal to, and protective of, the family she loves and will never desert them. Delta is determined to stop Marcus’ tyranny and save her family from his cruelty. And, when further danger comes from the threat of Mount Vesuvius erupting, she finds herself in a race to locate and protect those she loves before it is too late. Can she save her family from both human cruelty and nature’s unstoppable might?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, action-packed adventure as Delta faces danger, threat and a quaking earth as she fights to reach her family who have been separated from each other by the machinations of a merciless, manipulative master. The tension, danger and sense of urgency are palpable not only as Mount Vesuvius moves inexorably towards eruption, but as Marcus rips apart all Delta loves and holds dear. This is an epic adventure overflowing with heart-pounding, explosive action and with both heartbreaking and hopeful moments.

This is a story that reveals so much about the structure of Ancient Roman society which was patriarchal and hierarchical with a reliance on slaves. But it also reveals a lot about human nature, juxtaposing a master who shows kindness and respect towards those in his household, and one who is self-interested and cruel.

Delta is the most incredible young wolfdog – she has definitely found her way into my heart. She is fiercely loyal and protective of her family and is determined to save them, taking great risks and placing herself in terrifying danger to do so. She is attuned to the natural environment around her and shows empathy towards others which brings its own rewards. She has a courageous heart beating with hope and love for her family. I adored her friendship with Bellona, the golden eagle.

David Dean’s detailed black-and-white illustrations are absolutely stunning, and complement the storytelling perfectly as they really capture both the heart and action of this amazing adventure.

A truly epic, unforgettable historical adventure with an incredible young hero in wolfdog, Delta, who embodies courage, strength and love for family. A perfect adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of Delta and the Lost City in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: The River Spirit written by Lucy Strange and illustrated by Júlia Moscardó

*Written by Lucy Strange*
*Illustrated by Júlia Moscardó*
*Published by Barrington Sto*ke

The River Spirit is a powerful, poignant and hopeful story intertwining history and myth to create a richly atmospheric tale which completely entranced me.

Young chimney sweep Tom Waterman has started seeing strange things that should not be there: a soot monster in the chimney, fairies in the flowers by the river and the ghosts of dead ferrymen in the reeds. When Tom and his friends, Bert and Squirrel, are taken to the river by their cruel master, Mister Crow, for their weekly wash, he sees another supernatural being, a river spirit, but she is different to the other beings as she can be seen by Mister Crow and Tom’s friends.

After saving him from Mister Crow’s cruelty, Elle follows Tom, and is with him when he has to clean chimneys, filthy, soot-laden chimneys that are becoming too narrow for him to climb. His job is a dangerous one, and when Tom puts the safety of a new apprentice above his own, the purpose of Elle’s appearance becomes apparent …

This story does not shy away from the harsh reality of life for young chimney sweeps in 19^th century Britain. Tom and his friends are bought by a Master Sweep and become his property, and are denied their freedom as they are forced into a dangerous job which many do not survive. The children’s appalling living and working conditions portrays the heart-breaking reality of young children forced into child labour as they are poor, orphaned or have had to become money-earners to support their family. This historical background will open up discussions about child labour in 19^th century Britain and encourage empathy both for children in this historical period, but also open opportunities to discuss modern-day child labour.

My heart ached for Tom as he daydreams of a life before his freedom was taken from him when he was six, bought from the Poor House, and forced to work as a climbing boy by a harsh master who cares nothing for his apprentices’ wellbeing. Tom, a ferryman’s son, never forgets where his true home is and the importance of his name, and feels close to home when he is washing in the river where he first meets Elle. He longs for the freedom of the river, yet is trapped in exploitation by a terrifyingly cruel owner. Tom is such an empathetic young boy, showing kindness, friendship and protection towards others. Tom’s decision to protect a new apprentice is a catalyst for change, and his courage brings hope of a better life for others.

The illustrations are stunning and perfectly capture both the ethereal elements of the story and the heart-breaking reality of life for young chimney sweeps.

The River Spirit is a heart-rending novella portraying the dreadful working and living conditions faced by young children in 19^th century Britain, but it is also a story of friendship, kindness and hope.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: Mysteries at Sea: The Royal Jewel Plot

*Written by A.M.Howell*
*Illustrated by Marco Guadalupi*
*Published by Usborne*

The Royal Jewel Plot is the second adventure in the Mysteries at Sea series which started with Peril on the Atlantic. This is another terrifically thrilling, twisty historical mystery that kept me utterly enthralled throughout.

It’s August 1936, and 12-year-old Alice is boarding the Lady Rose, a luxury steam yacht which she and her older brother Sonny have inherited from their grandfather. She is excited that she will be sharing the voyage with none other than King Edward VIII who has chartered the yacht to take a trip around the coast of Yugoslavia with his friend, Mrs Wallis Simpson.

Whilst exploring her new home with Sonny and the captain’s son, Don, they meet another guest: a poisonous octopus, Olive, who is guarding a priceless black opal. But when both the octopus and opal disappear, Alice and Sonny find themselves thrown in at the deep end of another mystery. And this time, their new home and the jobs of its crew are at risk if they don’t find the opal in time to hand it over to its owner.

So begins a fantastically enthralling, exciting mystery as Alice and Sonny work together, in a race against time, to discover the identity of the thief and their motive for stealing the opal. Their list of suspects grows ever longer – and even includes the king – as their investigation leads to uncovering secrets, discovering possible motives for committing the theft, and unravelling a trail of truths and lies. I absolutely loved following the intriguing clues as suspicion falls on different people, as danger increases, and as their investigations lead to some wonderfully unexpected revelations. Can these daring sleuths unmask the culprit before time runs out?

I loved the setting of the Lady Rose, a luxury steam yacht sailing around the coast of Yugoslavia and also enjoyed that Alice and Sonny get to disembark to explore Dubrovnik – somewhere I definitely now want to visit. I really enjoyed the 1930s historical context of the story with reference to the impending war, the king’s later decision, the role of women in society and the relationship between the paparazzi and the Royal Family.

I really liked being back with Alice and Sonny as they get to know each other as siblings. These children are incredibly likeable as they work together, and grow deeper bonds, as they investigate the crime aboard the yacht. Alice sees the Lady Rose as her new home and is eager to sail into adventures whereas Sonny, who has spent much of his life at sea, is keener to try living on land where he can have more pets than Rocket, his adorable mouse. Alice is curious, tenacious and willing to break rules whereas Sonny is more cautious, but their shared determination, resourcefulness and courage make them a perfect sleuthing team.

All aboard for another marvellous mystery at sea, guaranteed to lead young adventurers of 9+ on a terrific treasure-trail full of twists and turns. I am now eagerly anticipating the next mystery at sea in The Hollywood Kidnap Case.

Author Information

A.M. Howell has always been inspired by the stories around her, and how imagination can unlock the secrets of the past. Her thrilling historical mysteries have garnered great critical acclaim, winning both the Mal Peet Children’s Book Award, and the East Anglian Book of the Year Award, as well as being shortlisted for lots of other prizes. A.M. Howell lives in Suffolk with her husband and two sons.

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of The Royal Jewel Plot in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below: