Today I’m hosting a brand new title from Vivian French – The Runaways of Haddington Hall. And if you’d like to know the five books Vivian would take with her to a desert island, read on!
‘After a series of misfortunes, Minnie O’Sullivan is whisked away to Haddington Hall: a nightmarish home for wayward girls. Bad becomes worse when the hall’s ruthless founder, Mrs Haddington, takes an instant dislike to brave, determined Minnie, and she’s in danger of losing everything… But Minnie has never backed down from a fight in her life, and she’s not about to start now!’
My 5 Desert Island Books by Vivian French
(You can find them in your library!)
Mud by Emily Thomas
I absolutely love this book. It’s the story of a teenage girl who has to live on a boat with her father, his girlfriend, and their joint families. It’s brilliantly observed, poignant, very funny, and should have won a zillion prizes.
Once Upon a Tune Stories From The Orchestra by James Mayhew
With the most wonderful illustrations. Everything James does comes from a warm and loving heart, and this is no exception.
Blood and Gold by Mara Menzies
Mara is an inspirational storyteller; if ever you get the chance to listen to her, don’t miss it. This story of a girl with a dying mother is wrapped round stories from Mara’s Kenyan heritage, and combines myth, memory and magic… but is SO relevant for today’s world. It’s truly fabulous.
Everyone Sang: A Poem for Every Feeling collected by William Sieghart, illustrated by Emily Sutton.
This is one of the best illustrated collections of poetry ever; there really is something for every mood and feeling… and Emily Sutton is a genius!
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
How is this not a classic? It is in my eyes. Such a brilliant story about power, and the visual imagery is extraordinary.
From the second I cracked open the pages of this brilliant tale, I was whisked straight into the sudsy Dickensian world of Minnie O’Sullivan. Minnie is the perfect heroine – determined, loyal, and not afraid of a fight! And she’ll need to draw on all her courage if she’s to foil the dastardly schemes of Reverend Obidiah Marpike. Truly the stuff of pantomime villains!
A fantastic romping adventure with a roguish cast of characters who you’ll be rooting for! 9+
Library Girl.
*Many thanks to Walker Books for sending me this title to review*
