Children’s Books on the subject of neurodiversity or featuring neurodivergent characters

This post contains my selection of books, published for children, that I have read and reviewed, which have a neurodiversity theme or neurodivergent main protagonist. Several of the included titles are written by authors with lived experience of neurodivergence. My criteria for deciding which content to include here is guided by reading the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ website. In a post here, the following is stated:

Neurodiversity is usually defined as the range of differences in brain function throughout the human population, whereas neurodivergence is variation from ‘typical’ function…potentially includes people with learning disability, autistic/ADHD traits, other neurodevelopmental conditions like dyspraxia, dyslexia and Tourettes syndrome…

There is useful information and further resources on the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website too.

Please click on the book title to read a review of the book, all book review opinions are my own.

Books for children of 3-6

Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs, published by OUP Children’s, 6 February 2025, ISBN: 978-1382054904. A picture book about an endlessly imaginative young boy who has difficulties concentrating. Written and illustrated by Greg Stobbs who has lived experience of ADHD.

How to Make a Story by Naomi Jones, illustrated by Ana Gomez, published by OUP Children’s, 2 February 2023, ISBN: 978-0192779045. A vibrant picture book about a young boy called Milo who is struggling to get the fantastically creative ideas in his brain onto paper when he is asked to write a story. It models the process of writing in a way that is completely relatable for children in Key Stage 1 and the input that adults can provide to help youngsters, especially those showing dyslexic tendencies.

Books for children of 6-8

Dinosaur Pie by Jen Wallace, illustrated by Alan O’Rourke, published by Little Island, 18 April 2024, ISBN: 978-1915071491. The author Jen Wallace has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism and this book was inspired by a story she made up for her children to encourage them to eat their dinner. The humour and imagination are likely to be enjoyed by all young readers, there is an undercurrent of kindness to the way that Rory’s friends, family and headteacher deal with the fantastical situation he experiences.

Books for children of 8-12

Paws by Kate Foster, published by Walker Books, 4 August 2022, ISBN: 978–1406399240 A search for friendship, the bond between a boy and his pet dog, and the power of kindness are key themes in this big-hearted book for middle grade readers. The main protagonist, 11-year-old Alex is autistic, and through his voice readers gain an insight into the daily challenges he faces and the effect that small acts of kindness make on the lives of others.

Everdark by Abi Elphinstone, published by Simon & Schuster, 7 January 2021, ISBN: 978-1471194702 One of the most brilliantly imaginative current children’s authors, Abi Elphinstone, who is dyslexic herself has written this book featuring a dyslexic main protagonist who models the power of dyslexic thinking in a fast-paced fantasy adventure. In addition to the brilliant story, the book has been printed in a dyslexic-friendly font and the author’s endnotes encourage all children to believe that they are capable of extraordinary things.

All Brains are Wonderful by Scott Evans, with expert input from Dr Rachel S.H. Williams, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond, published by b small publishing, 3 February 2025, ISBN: 978-1916851245. This is a marvellous non-fiction book for KS2 children, written by neurodivergent teacher and reading champion, Scott Evans. It explores the workings of the human brain, discusses neurodivergence and encourages acceptance and inclusion.

Always Anthony by Terri Libenson, published by Harper 360, 23 May 2024, ISBN: 978-0063320925 is the eighth graphic novel in the very popular Emmie & Friends series. This story features a central pairing of shy, bookish Leah and ‘too popular for words’ golden boy Anthony, who is struggling with Grade 7 assignments because he is dyslexic. The supportive relationship they develop is revealed very well in the graphic novel format and a chapter where Anthony reads his essay about his struggles with dyslexia to his class will encourage recognition and empathy in readers. I think this book is probably best for readers of 10+.

The Boy with the Butterfly Mind by Victoria Williamson, published by Kelpies, 19 March 2019, ISBN: 978-1782506003 This dual narrative story about blended families features one main protagonist who has ADHD. We see the journey of acceptance that step-siblings and step-parents encounter through the compelling narrative, as insights into the thinking and behaviour of a child with ADHD. The author of this book has extensive experience of teaching children with special educational needs. I think this book is probably best for readers aged 10+.

Do You Know Me? published by Scholastic, 2 April 2020, ISBN: 978-0702300950 is co-written by teacher/author Rebecca Westcott and teenager Libby Scott who is autistic. The power of Libby’s voice which is expressed through the diary entries of main protagonist Tally, calls out to all readers to empathise with neurodivergent individuals. The setting for the story is a Year 7 residential trip, which provides familiar territory for all readers in the top form of primary school or first year of secondary school.

Check Mates by Stewart Foster, published by Simon & Schuster, 27 June 2019, ISBN: 978-1471172236 A first-person narrative in the voice of Felix Schopp, a year 7 boy who frequently finds himself in the withdrawal room at his secondary school because his ADHD causes him to be disruptive in class. It is a deeply sympathetic portrayal of the frustrations felt by an individual with ADHD and also a beautiful story about a deepening relationship with a grieving grandparent, which grows during his grandfather’s attempts to teach Felix the game of chess.

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll, published by Knights Of, 4 June 2020, ISBN: 978-1913311056 An important #ownvoices or #livedexperience book about autism which highlights the value of being true to yourself and also of providing allyship for neurodivergent or indeed any individuals who are labelled as being ‘different’. The author has gone on to write a number of prize-winning middle grade and young adult novels, but I think that this debut novel is outstanding and its success paved the way for many other #ownvoices authors in the children’s books domain. I would recommend this book for readers in the top form of primary or first and second years at secondary school.

Books for Young Adults

Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner, published by Hot Key Books, 3 January 2013, ISBN: 978-1471400445 The author is herself dyslexic and the dedication in this prize-winning novel is “For you the dreamers, overlooked at school, never won prizes, you who will own tomorrow” It is a brilliant example of ‘what if’ dystopian fiction with a dyslexic main protagonist, Standish Treadwell. It is possible to buy an edition printed in the Open Dyslexic font and there is also a stunning interactive edition which I purchased on Apple Books. I read this book long before I started blogging, but it has lived long in my heart as one of the most powerfully moving and original novels of any genre that I have read. There are some scenes of graphic violence, so I would suggest that it should be read by a Young Adult/Adult readership.

I will add to this blogpost over time when I discover books which I think should be included.

I have also compiled other book lists which contain children’s books featuring characters with physical health conditions and mental health conditions.

#Review: How to Train Your Dragon School – Doom of the Darkwing by Cressida Cowell

Proof copy covers, publication date 8 May 2025, published by Hachette Children’s Books, ISBN: 978-1444981926

How utterly joyous to revisit the Isle of Berk and catch up with Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, through his newly discovered short adventure stories! Publishing in May, ahead of the new live action movie due for release in the summer, I can see this book Doom of the Darkwing (and future titles in the series) being a huge hit with young readers. It combines huge dollops of humour (and smaller dollops of dragon poop), a wonderful cast of Viking and dragon characters and loads of illustrations. The shorter format (my proof copy has fewer than 170 pages) is likely to appeal to young readers who are building their reading stamina. The exciting plot, laugh-out-loud jokes and unusual school setting are hugely engaging, making this a story that children will want to read for pleasure.

For anyone unfamiliar with the original novels, there are portraits of the main characters, a map of The Barbaric Archipelago and a guide to Viking tribes at the start. As the story progresses, each character is introduced with sufficient back story for newcomers to catch up with the movers and the shakers in the Viking world inhabited by Hiccup and his cute dragon Toothless. For Hiccup, starting his first day at the Viking and Dragon Training School, the pressure to succeed is almost unbearable. How can he possibly live up to the expectations of his father, Stoick the Vast, when trainer Gobber the Belch will not listen to the battle ideas he has gleaned from reading ‘The Art of War’? Despite all the mocking attention from the other young warriors-in-training and the threat of gaining an amoeba level grading for his Battle Training module, Hiccup is the only member of the Hairy Hooligan tribe who seems capable of thinking logically when a distress message is received from the neighbouring Bog Burglar tribe. Can peace-loving Hiccup, and his friend Fishlegs really sail their rickety boat, The Hopeful Puffin Mark 4, through a force 9 gale and into the chaos caused by a Thunderdeath Darkwing to rescue their pal Camicazi? I suspect that young readers will not want to put this book down until they have discovered the answer!

My proof edition did not contain the finalised artwork, but the rough sketches indicate that there will be plenty of black and white illustrations throughout the book, again contributing to its appeal for emerging readers. I think that Doom of the Darkwing will be a fantastically popular addition to primary school libraries, and classroom ‘reading for pleasure’ collections throughout Key Stage 2.

Disclaimer: I am very grateful to Rebecca at Hachette Children’s for sending me an early proof for review. All opinions are my own.

#MGReview: The Blockbusters! by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steve Lenton

Cover art by Steve Lenton, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, 15 May 2025, ISBN: 978-1035033874

Holy Moly! I’m not going to lie, the storytelling in this book is epic! Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s writing shines brighter than an LED and his latest middle grade novel, The Blockbusters! is more entertaining than a multiplex full of Oscar winners! This author has a unique talent for combining jokes, wisdom, and human relationships with a warmth and kindness that bring a smile to your face, new ideas to your brain and a glow to your heart.

The story opens with a cutting from the Hollywood Reporter. Breaking news from the Oscar ceremony: child acting sensation Beatrice Bonnie’s (BB’s) award for best supporting actress was accepted by an imposter!

Then we cut to Rafa Rush, recounting the ‘actual story’ not the ‘movie version’ of how he and the nurture group from Star of the Sea primary school found themselves on a film set thanks to their smart talking, Shakespeare loving, teacher, Ms Greenwood. Having taken the small group to visit a local Shakespeare theatre, she is not deterred by the barriers erected by the film studio who have turned the theatre into a movie set. Before you can yell ‘action’ Rafa steps into the role of body double for famous child star BB and the accidental school trip transports teacher and pupils from their ordinary lives in Birkenhead to the glitzy, pampered world of Hollywood stardom, with hilarious consequences.

This story is a love letter to films and the film industry, a creative medium in which this country (and this author) excels. I listened to Frank Cottrell-Boyce discussing his desire to encourage children to consider careers in the film industry during his guest-edited edition of the Today programme on Chistmas Eve last year. He does this brilliantly in The Blockbusters! introducing many of the roles which contribute to film-making through memorable characters who will engage children’s imaginations. The nurture group are a wonderful central cast: Blunt Mabel who has decided to always tell the truth regardless of consequences; Alvin Popcorn who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of blockbuster movies; the endlessly questioning Quiz and the quietly heroic Ms Greenwood. Rafa himself is a character that everyone will warm to; temporarily living with his elder brother Cillian at Uncle Miles’ flat while their mum is trying to sort out their housing problem, he is bright, friendly and determined to make the best of his opportunities.

The narrative is structured as scenes rather than chapters, with Rafa guiding the reader as to how particular episodes would be presented in the filmed version. The plot and dialogue are perfectly pitched for maximum enjoyment by both adult and child readers; this is a book which demands to be read as a bedtime story or a class read aloud. This story is noticeably shorter than previous books by this author, which I am sure will also make it appealing for children aged 8-12 to select to read independently. Once they get started, the vivid plot and laughs on every page will likely bedazzle them. In this shorter length story, not a word is wasted, from the opening page little clues are planted which foreshadow later revelations, and all the strands mesh together to form a heartwarming picture of family and friendship.

I loved the portrayal of Ms Greenwood. She brilliantly represents so many caring, passionate and intelligent educators working in our schools. Her quirky speech patterns, heavily influenced by her devotion to The Bard, add a unique flavour to the book and gently introduce young readers to language that they will recognise in later years when they start their GCSE courses. Some of the plot twists, especially around mistaken identity and subsequent misunderstandings are also Shakespearean in nature. In my opinion, her assertion early on that the children in her care would never end up in someone’s junk folder, set her up as a heroine worthy of any Shakespeare play.

I read an eARC provided by NetGalley which contained unfinished artwork. However, I have no doubt that illustrator Steve Lenton will depict the situations and characters with his usual panache in the finished book, which is available for pre-order now. I strongly urge you to read it, it will make you happy! And that’s a wrap.

2025 Federation of Children’s Book Groups Children’s Book Award Blog Tour

The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children. It is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians. It has brought acclaim and strong sales to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, Andy Stanton, Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz and Michael Morpurgo, who has won a record four times. The award has often been the first to recognise the future stars of children’s fiction and has the ability to turn popular authors into bestsellers.

I am delighted to be part of the blog tour, highlighting the amazing Top Ten books in this year’s Children’s Book Award.

Today, it is my great pleasure to introduce The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman, a book that I found so engrossing it appeared to make time stand still while I read!

Unfortunately, due to a busy book tour, Sam Sedgman was unable to write a guest post for the CBA blog tour. We will see him at the awards ceremony in June.

Children across the UK are encouraged to get involved. Copies of the books can be purchased at a discount from our partner supplier Heath Books here [link https://www.heathbooks.co.uk/federation-of-childrens-book-groups-childrens-book-award-2025/] and online voting will be opened at the conclusion of the blog tour. The deadline for voting is Friday 9th May and category winners and the overall winner of the most popular children’s book published in 2024 will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 7th June, attended by representatives from all our local groups and live-streamed on the FCBG YouTube channel.

Many thanks to the FCBG for inviting me to participate in this tour. Please do read all the posts about the other nominated books and look out for the announcement of the winner in June.

#PictureBookReview: Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs

Cover image by Greg Stobbs, published by OUP, 6 February 2025,
ISBN: 978-1382054904

From the press release:

Cloud Boy is the debut authored picture book from street artist and illustrator Greg Stobbs. It celebrates the power of neurodiversity and is inspired by Greg’s own lived experience as he was diagnosed with ADHD during the creation of the book. Cloud Boy is the story of Bobby and the many distractions which demand his attention and send him floating off into the clouds. A compelling story of one boy’s acceptance of the ways in which he thinks differently.

Greg says about Cloud Boy: “I’m told it might be a book about ADHD, and it can be a book about ADHD, or just a book about somebody with a wild imagination. It’s really a book about accepting, embracing, and celebrating all the different kinds of brains. It’s for all of those people that know a Cloud Boy or Girl and want to understand what it’s like to be them.”

My review:

I was extremely grateful to be sent a PDF version of this book to review, because I am always on the lookout for children’s books with health-related themes and it can be difficult to find titles which are suitable for the youngest children. This picture book is truly delightful, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful and brilliantly convey the butterfly mind of young Bobby as his imagination flutters between thoughts. Many of the pictures appear in progressive panels which help children (and adults) travel alongside Bobby on his path through everyday life. I really loved the way that the author conveys what some may see as a negative trait – a lack of concentration – as actually a positive trait – a constantly curious mind. The story is told with a gentle humour, so that this is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone.

We can also see the efforts that Bobby puts in to try to behave like everyone around him; the effects are comical and creative but give a sense of the frustration of not being able to conform to the behaviours of others. The depiction of Bobby’s friends and family trying to tether his drifts of imagination and their subsequent realisation that they should meet him where he is instead of where they want him to be, is relatable and moving; a great example of acceptance. I felt that the inventive typography alongside the insightful illustrations and carefully crafted, sparse text will help adults and children who share this book to understand what life feels like to many children who have ADHD.

I would highly recommend that nursery and early years teachers add Cloud Boy to their classroom book collections and primary school librarians to their picture book collections.

Disclaimer: I am grateful to Liz Scott PR for sending me a PDF copy of Cloud Boy on behalf of OUP. It was my decision to write a review and review opinions are my own.

#MGReview: The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Stephanie Shafer

Cover image by Tom Clohosy Cole, published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 01 February 2024, ISBN: 978-1526665386

The Clockwork Conspiracy is one of the most original mysteries that I have had the pleasure of reading, a book which appeared to make time stand still as I raced through the pages.

It begins with Isaac Turner accompanying his father Diggory up to the top of the Elizabeth Tower to reset the Great Clock, commonly known as ‘Big Ben’. Diggory is the Keeper of the Great Clock in the Palace of Westminster, and is clearly passing on his expertise in horology and his talent for mechanics, to his pre-teen son. However, it is apparent that they are not the only individuals inside the clock tower that night and when Diggory disappears, leaving behind the precious gold pocket watch that he has never before been parted from, smashed and showing the wrong time, Isaac is plunged into a race against time to discover his whereabouts.

Isaac is temporarily re-housed with his godfather, Solomon Bassala who happens the be the Speaker of the House of Commons and therefore lives within the Parliamentary estate. Solomon’s daughter Hattie, a brilliantly sparky character, is home from boarding school, has a penchant for disregarding rules and climbing rooftops, and witnessed a white-haired, cloaked figure on the belfry at the the time that Diggory vanished. She proves to be a perfect crime-investigating partner for Issac; fearless, quick-thinking and feisty.

The mystery revolves around the innovative concept that time should be decimalised and made consistent across the globe. The UK government has passed a bill, bringing “New Time” into law and giving the country five years to prepare for this world-changing innovation. However, shady forces are conspiring to speed up the process for their own devious reasons. Do Isaac and Hattie, have time to solve the cryptic clues that Diggory has left behind, find the traitor in the order of timekeepers, and prevent global disaster?

There are so many clever ideas contained within this story, all explained organically within the plot so that readers are provided with a wealth of incidental learning throughout the narrative. The level of precision even extends to the book containing 60 chapters and the chapter heading illustrations tying in so perfectly with the story. In addition to being entertained by a thoroughly exciting mystery, readers will learn about time and horology, and also about the way our government works in the UK. The author’s notes at the end provide some extra factual background to the concepts explored in the story.

Before I conclude this review, I must mention the crisp, black and white drawings by Stephanie Shafer which appear throughout the book. There is also a brilliant cross section illustration of the Elizabeth Tower and a map of the Parliamentary estate at the beginning of the book, these were both drawn by Thy Bui. Finally, the cover art was created by Tom Clohosy Cole.

This book was my own purchase and I encourage all school librarians to add this title to your collections for 9-12 year-olds.

#AudiobookReview: The Accidental Stowaway by Judith Eagle, illustrated by Kim Geyer, read by Colleen Prendergast

Cover image by Kim Geyer, published by Faber & Faber, audiobook 31 May 2023,
ISBN: 978-1038644978

This is the fourth middle grade, historical mystery written by Judith Eagle and once again this immensely talented author has swept me away to a different time and location and brought an immersive adventure to life on the page. As I have come to expect, a partnership of tween characters are central to the action, supported by a fascinating cast of adults, with a criminal plot to unravel and family secrets to uncover.

The year is 1910, the era of luxurious steamships, competing to provide their passengers with the fastest and (for the very rich) the most opulent means of travel across the Atlantic. Patch, who has spent her childhood being passed from the care of one relative to another, gradually working her way down through the social class system, has now run out of family and thus has been relocated to Liverpool where her absent mother’s best friend runs a school for girls. Whilst exploring the new city, she has a chance encounter with Turo, a very junior steward on HMS Glorious. Their early stage of friendship draws her into a misunderstanding in a shop and, running to hide from pursuers, Patch dashes up a ship’s gangplank and takes refuge in a lifeboat. Of course, she realises too late that the ship has left the port of Liverpool and an Atlantic adventure beckons!

Judith Eagle weaves her authorial magic to bring the sharp contrasts between not only first and third class travel, but also the health-destroying working conditions of the stoker men, without whose labour the passengers and owners of the luxury shipping lines could not enjoy the benefits of transatlantic travel. The closed setting of the ship is a perfect environment for a tense mystery adventure to play out, with Patch constantly having to avoid the attentions of both the chief steward on his mission to capture stowaways, and a murderous criminal family. There is a vivid cast of supporting characters, including the almost piratical figure of Babette, the world’s most famous stowaway. Friendships and family bonds are stretched to the limit as the jeopardy builds!

I listened to this story via the Borrowbox app provided by my local public library, which was brilliantly read by Colleen Prendergast. I am aware that the paperback contains lovely black and white chapter headings drawn by Kim Geyer. I cannot recommend The Accidental Stowaway highly enough for readers of 9-12 who enjoy historical, adventure, mystery-solving fiction.

You can read my reviews of other Judith Eagle novels at the links below:

The Secret Starling

The Pear Affair

The Stolen Songbird

#AudiobookReview: The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle, illustrated by Kim Geyer, read by Katie Sherrard

Cover image by Kim Geyer, published by Faber & Faber, audiobook released 2 August 2023, ISBN: 978-1038648952

The Stolen Songbird is a beautifully plotted, fast-paced mystery set in London in 1959. As with the previous books I have read by author Judith Eagle (The Secret Starling and The Pear Affair), the setting is almost another character, so vividly is it brought to life. Here the action moves between north and south London, with the post-war ruins and rubble around Waterloo, and the green open space of Hampstead Heath featuring heavily in the plot.

When Caro Monday’s mother Jacinta fails to return from performing at the opera house in Manaus, Brazil and her other mother Ronnie Rudd has to dash to the aid of a sick sister, there is no choice for Caro but to go and stay with Great Aunt Mary (Gam) in Hampstead. Despite being told that Gam loathes animals, Caro cannot bear to be parted from her pet rabbit ‘His Nibs’ and smuggles him with her after promising her best friend Horace that she will return to Waterloo daily to meet up with him. However, life in Hampstead could not be more different from the previously carefree life she has known living in a Waterloo pub with Ronnie and Jacinta! Gam is super-strict, will only allow the children (she has also taken in Albie, the orphan son of her god-daughter) outside for an hour a day under adult supervision and definitely loathes animals. Needless to say, Caro and Gam clash over just about everything, and life in the grand Hampstead home where Caro’s mother grew up is less than harmonious.

Meanwhile, the London papers are full of crime reports about a gang of burglars known as the Snakes, who are targeting the homes of the wealthy to steal artworks and antiques. When Caro finds a small oil painting hidden in the suitcase that she borrowed from her mother’s room to transport her clothes, she is determined to discover how it got there. However, with night-time intruders in the Hampstead house, it seems that others might also be on the trail of the painting. Caro, Horace and Albie team up to lure the Snakes out into the open and prevent an innocent person being framed for an art heist. In the process they uncover family mistakes, secrets and pain. Are some resentments too big to be forgiven, or can broken hearts be reconciled? You will need to read this excellent novel to find out.

I whole-heartedly recommend The Stolen Songbird for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy historical fiction and/or mystery adventures. The child characters are all relatable and their friendship develops in a realistic way during the course of the story. There is an interesting range of adult characters too and I particularly liked the nuance in the character of Gam. His Nibs is likely to appeal to many young readers and he is certainly a catalyst for several plot points. I am thoroughly enjoying working my way through Judith Eagle’s MG mystery adventures through Borrowbox audiobooks from my local public library (this one is read perfectly by Katie Sherrard), I am aware that the paperback novels feature superb illustrated chapter headings drawn by Kim Geyer.

#MGReview: The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Book design by Kate Renner, published by Rock the Boat, 10 October 2025,
ISBN: 978-0861549023

The Bletchley Riddle is an intriguing work of middle grade fiction, with a basis in historical facts and containing some real characters as well as the fictional main protagonists. The two authors, Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin have impressive track records and their attention to historical detail and imaginative flourishes make this book an absolute pleasure to read.

The story is written in the form of dual, alternating, first person narratives, told from the perspective of siblings Lizzie and Jakob Novis. Jakob is the older sibling, a mathematics genius who has been recruited from his studies at Cambridge to join the codebreakers at Bletchley Park at the start of WWII. He is unexpectedly joined in Bletchley by teenage Lizzie when she refuses to sail to the safety of life with their grandmother in Cleveland, because she is determined to solve the puzzle of their mother’s disappearance whilst on a mission to shut down the US embassy in Warsaw. As the novel progresses and secrets and ciphers are exposed, their two quests entwine to produce fascinating revelations. There is never a dull moment in this book; the pacing, plotting and intelligence of the story is fully absorbing. The two main characters and their sometimes fraught sibling relationship is fully believable, the secondary characters are all three-dimensional and greatly add to the narrative. I also loved the inclusion of real historical figures, some of whom will be familiar to readers: Alan Turing, Gordon Welch and Dilly Knox, while some will be unfamiliar. It was marvellous that the Polish codebreakers, who contributed so much to the effort to decode the German ciphers, were included: Marian Rejewski, Henryk Zygalski and Jerzy Różycki.

Another standout feature of this story is the encouragement that readers are given to participate in breaking the ciphers. There are passages where Jakob is explaining the history of ciphers, or the way that code-breakers try to crack the puzzles in front of them, which subtly educate the reader whilst also nudging you to try some deciphering yourself. I have lost touch with the primary school computing curriculum, but I know that this element would have been a useful accompaniment to some year 6 computing units that pupils used to enjoy. The endnotes include historical context as well as some decoding challenges.

I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of spy mystery and historical education in The Bletchley Riddle, I have read a good many spy mysteries in my lifetime and I rate this one very highly. I would highly recommend anyone curating collections for tween and teen readers to add The Bletchley Riddle. I borrowed the copy that I read from my marvellous local public library.

#BlogTour: Maggie Blue and the Lost Child by Anna Goodall

Today I have the pleasure of kicking off the blog tour to mark the publication in paperback of Maggie Blue and the Lost Child. This is an update on a blogpost originally written for the hardback edition.

Cover art by Sandra Dieckmann, published by Guppy Books,
November 2024, ISBN: 978-1916558243

Maggie Blue and the Lost Child is the third and final book in the Maggie Blue trilogy by Anna Goodall, in my opinion this is likely to be a book which will be most meaningful to readers who have previously read the first two novels. It plunges the reader straight back to where the action ceased in Maggie Blue and the White Crow, with a bruised and battered Maggie, stuck in the Dark World, clutching a small baby who is covered with white feathers.

In part one of the book, alternating chapters present Maggie’s experience, alongside the actions of her mother Cynthia, Aunt Esme, best friend Jean, Ulrich the warrior-shifter and Hoagy the heroic one-eyed cat, all of whom have escaped back into the real world. They are now searching for a portal back into the Dark World to rescue Maggie. Part Two describes the quest of Ulrich, Hoagy and Oz (Maggie’s cousin from the Dark World, who can tap into the tree communication network) to track down Maggie. This runs parallel to Maggie’s pre-destined quest to return the Great O, who is now taking the form of a baby, to the sacred pool in the Magic Mountains. To do so, she will need all of her allies to help her outwit the Elders, and their fearsome alliance of warriors, orbs and the merciless black serpents known as the Terrible Ones.

I am not going to describe the plot in detail because it is so delicately constructed that I would not want to ruin anyone’s enjoyment of discovering it for themselves. This is contemporary-fantasy fiction of the highest calibre, written for the top end of middle grade readership (11/12-years-of-age) but providing an astonishing reading experience for YA and adult readers alike.

With exquisite subtlety Anna Goodall explores environmental issues and mental health topics in the guise of fantasy; the book can be enjoyed purely as a beautifully crafted fantasy or a prompt to question the experiences of those who suffer from poor mental health, fears of environmental disaster and what relationships might exist between the two. As with the previous books, there are some lighter moments usually featuring Aunt Esme or Hoagy, although this time I found myself laughing aloud at a thought that springs into Maggie’s mind as she travels through the forest:

It was like a bad family holiday, Maggie thought, Butlins meets the apocalypse…

P126

I love the way that the author is able to dispel the tension with these light-hearted moments, which I think will be welcomed by tween and teen readers (as well as older readers). I highly recommend that secondary school librarians add Maggie Blue and the Lost Child to their collections, where I am sure it will be enjoyed by readers of 13/14+.

I am delighted to have been invited to take part in this blog tour by Liz Scott PR and Guppy Books, and grateful to have been sent a review copy of this book . Do read the reviews which will be posted by other bloggers participating in the tour schedule.