Cover Story: Historical

The Door of No Return

Kwame Alexander

West Africa, 1860. Kofi is an 11 year-old with the same things on his mind as many boys his age- why school is so stupid sometimes and how he can spend more time swimming with his best friend. Then his whole world is turned upside down as he is torn from his happy family life and sent on a terrifying journey into the unknown. Told in accessible verse, this is the first of a trilogy about the experience of many Africans 150 years ago. 

9781839133077 Andersen Press: 2023 ebook available 

The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair

Hannah Foley

1887. When Emma’s brother James’ behaviour deteriorates the family flees from London to avoid the scandal and threat of an asylum. In the present day, Rosie and Jude are friends thrown together by similar circumstances who discover a connection to these siblings from the past, and the power of Kersbrook – a little house in the Devonshire countryside. Two stories, over a hundred years apart, weave together in this enchanting novel about mental illness, friendship and connecting with the past.

9781803289823 Zephyr: 2023 ebook available

Wild Song

Candy Gourley

Luki has lived a tribal life in the Philippines since her birth, but the expectation that she will become a wife and mother just doesn’t appeal to her. When her tribe is invited to an event in America, she jumps at the chance to escape the traditions of her ancestors. But will America be welcoming to Luki? An insightful look into the history of the Philippines and how native communities were treated.   

9781788452076 David Fickling Books: 2023 

Warrior of the Wild

Tricia Levenseller

Banished from her village after failing the trial that would have made her a fully-fledged warrior, Rasmira is facing an uncertain future avoiding flesh-eating monsters in the wilds. Her only hope of returning home is to complete the challenge that she has been given- kill the cruel god Peruxolo who terrorises her village. But how can you defeat a god who can kill people with just a look? Viking-inspired fantasy adventure.  

9781782693741 Square Fish: 2023 

The Last Whale

Chris Vick

In this action-packed novel, we follow generations of the Peterson family as they fight to protect the whales surrounding their home. While on holiday in Norway with her grandmother, Abi used an AI computer to translate whale songs, starting a love for the creatures that spans her lifetime. Thirty years later and her daughter is searching for any signs of the majestic creatures they are desperate to save. But are there any whales left for her to find?  

9781803281629 Zephyr: 2023 ebook available 

The Agency for Scandal

Set in the 19th century, this historical novel is the perfect mix of romance, mystery and suspense! Izzy works at a detective agency, specialising in investigating the scandalous upper classes. When the Duke that Izzy has a secret crush on is embroiled in her newest case, she must untangle the web of secrets and discover the truth. Will she solve the case or will her feelings for the Duke get in the way?  

9780702303241 Scholastic: 2023