During World War I, the Russian Tsar is dethroned and killed. His family, the Romanovs, and other noble families are killed and removed from their homes and palaces. This is a story about Michail who lives with his sisters and mother Princess Olga in the Romanovs' Palace while his father is away fighting in WWI. Suddenly Michail's childhood ends! His family flees to Moscow, then Paris. His sister Irini is born during their flight to Paris. In later years, Irini visits Saint Petersburg for the first time and goes to the palace where her family once lived to meet the people they used to know. The first in a series that mixes a fictional story with historical facts to explore being a teenager in different eras. Includes a glossary.

More than anything, young Blaze wants to be a man of his Sinagua tribe. He dreams of being a great hunter and warrior. But his people of the Great Cliff are a peaceful farming tribe and believe that learning the skills of war will anger the gods and worsen the drought that already threatens all the peoples of the desert. And then, on his first great journey, Blazed discovers the great Hohokam people and their game of guayball, a brutal and exciting sport played by both boys and men. Drawn to that culture which respects fighters above all others, Blaze must decide where his true spirit lies. Enjoy the excitement, passion and danger of the final days of America's great cliff dwellings. In a world threatened by drought and war, one boy strives to grow up, and do the right thing for himself and his people.

Years of bad weather and natural disasters have choked Italy's food supply, and the people of Florence are dying of starvation. Queues for bread are battlegrounds, and young Maria has to fight for her family's every loaf. Adding to the misery, the Black Plague is rapidly spreading through the country, killing everyone in its path. Maria has already lost her mother and sister. Will she be strong enough to save the rest of her family before it's too late?

Salma Mansour is a black belt in taekwondo, a skill she will need to stay alive. One second, she's in the British Museum, the next a thousand years away in a battle between the Saxons and Vikings. And she's supposed to help? Things momentarily brighten when she encounters Sara and Sanjeev, who seem to understand. They don't have much time to plan though; without warning, all three are transported to Xi'an, stronghold of Chan, a wealthy gang leader bent on immortality. Chan has kidnapped world-famous geneticist Lin Dan and assembled fragments of an ancient magic. Chan will stop at nothing to fulfil his dream ... even if it means releasing forces far beyond his control. The Three Hares must work together to defeat Chan and the power that controls him ... or else. Rich in mythology and history, this is a fast-paced, action-packed and immersive middle-grade adventure story for readers 8 face=Calibri>-13.

A stunning, exciting story from acclaimed author Dan Smith - author of the Carnegie Medal-nominated Nisha's War. Berlin, 1961. Anja and Monika are best friends - they even share a cat called Otto. When a huge barbed wire fence is built between their apartment blocks, everything changes; their city and family are divided by the Berlin Wall. In the West, Anja is sure it will be taken down, but Monika is afraid. Her world is changing: neighbours keep disappearing, others become spies and shadowy threats lurk around every corner. Then, Anja discovers that Otto has found a way across. And if he can reach Monika, so can she ... An emotional, atmospheric story from Carnegie Medal-nominated author Dan Smith From the author of Nisha's War, My Friend the Enemy and She Wolf A high-stakes adventure, set during the Cold War, centred on two cousins separated when the Berlin Wall is built Perfect for readers aged 9 and up who may be studying the Cold War at school PRAISE FOR DAN SMITH: 'Action, adventure, wolves, snow ... this story has EVERYTHING. I devoured it so quickly I need to read it again.' EMMA CARROLL on She Wolf 'This book grabbed me from page one - highly recommended' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY on My Friend the Enemy

Be the first to read the next action-packed adventure from the indomitable Gauls by pre-ordering now! Follow Asterix and Obelix as they set out on their 39th adventure on a long journey in search of a strange and terrifying creature. Half-eagle, half-lion, and idolised and feared by ancient peoples, this creature is the griffin. How will Asterix, Obelix, Dogamatix, along with the Druid Getafix, get drawn into the epic, perilous quest to find this fantastical animal? Find out in the next instalment of this multi-million bestselling series.

Marcia Brown's powerful retelling of the story of Paka'a and his son Ku-a-Paka'a conveys the beauty and pomp of ancient Hawaii and recreates a life and culture of days now past. In this legend a brave young boy endeavors to restore his exiled father to his position as royal guardian and personal attendant to the king. How the boy's remarkable courage and ingenuity help his father regain his rightful place as "backbone of the king" is an eloquent, exciting narrative. Through the skillful meshing of authentic chants and taut prose, Marcia Brown gives the reader a memorable glimpse into a little-known folklore that can hold its own with the great legends of the world. Backbone of the King is inspired by "The Story of Paka'a and his son Ku-a-Paka'a," a Hawaiian legend that came to Marcia Brown's attention in the autumn of 1962, when she was visiting the islands. An inveterate traveler and storyteller, it was almost inevitable that she receive as a gift a collection of Hawaiian legends. When she returned to the islands the following year, she spent some twelve months painting and studying Hawaiiana. She also inquired into the background of the Paka'a story.

A fantastical tale rooted in Greek mythology - perfect for fans of Madeline Miller! 'A fast-paced read packed with historical detail, In the Shadow of Heroes is a clever blend of intrigue, polititics, crime, history and a bit of fantasy ... The plot is twisty and inventive ensuring that the reader remains enthralled throughout.' LOVEREADING4KIDS 'A brilliant romp of a tale which seamlessly blends Greek Mythology with the Roman Empire.' STORGY KIDS Fourteen-year-old Cadmus has been scholar Tullus's slave since he was a baby - his master is the only family he knows. But when Tullus disappears and a taciturn slave called Tog - formerly a British princess - arrives with a secret message, Cadmus's life is turned upside down. The pair follow a trail that leads to Emperor Nero himself, and his crazed determination to possess the Golden Fleece of Greek mythology. This madcap quest will push Cadmus to the edge of the Roman Empire - and reveal unexpected truths about his past ... The second novel by the critically acclaimed author of Witchborn; perfect for young fans of Madeline Miller Themes of myth, stories, heroism and truth in a spellbinding classical setting We follow lovable Cadmus as he embarks on an epic journey, featuring fantastical elements but firmly rooted in its historial world

Recommended for Grade 7+. With her whimsical and informative illustrations and timelines Foster has magnificently captured a remarkable age and a remarkable man. Originally published in 1944, Foster earned her reputation by her masterful display of "horizontal history"—telling the story of world events in the geo-political sphere, while giving as much importance to advances in science, medicine, music, literature, and exploration.

Thus, while Abe Lincoln was a boy romping the woods of Kentucky, Thomas Jefferson was completing his eighth year as president, George III reigned in Great Britain and Napoleon was about to meet his Waterloo. Beethoven and Sir Walter Scott were at the height of their creative powers, while Victor Hugo was staging plays at school. By the time Lincoln was old enough to help his father chop wood, other young boys and girls were being prepared for the future parts they would play.

Harriet Beecher was reading anything she could get her hands on, Charles Darwin was collecting toads, crabs and shells, and the impoverished boy Dickens was working in a shoe blacking factory in London. When Lincoln opened his shop in Salem, David Livingstone was opening up deepest Africa, and thousands of Americans were opening up the West on the Oregon Trail. The spirit of freedom was moving around the globe as the abolitionist movement gained power in the States and serfdom saw its demise in Russia. Technologically the world was bursting with the invention of the telegraph, the railroad and the steamboat.

A classic wartime tale of a (real!) cat who saves London's kittens and finds refuge behind the doors of a famous publishing house. 'This time we need to get you - get all of the kittens, safe out of London,' said Morgan decisively . . . 'To have a chance for a better life, well, let's just say, I've got an idea.' Morgan is a young orphan who lives off scavenging - until he finds a cosy home at a famous London publishing house. Over time he learns a trade - and soon becomes the very best book cat in the business. And then the Blitz begins. Morgan finds himself training up twenty odd kittens to be book cats, and then there is the small matter of secretly evacuating them out of London. Happily, Morgan has a plan. Set in war-torn London, charmingly illustrated, and full of heart and verve. 'Charming.' Sunday Times 'A sweet feline twist on the classic evacuee story.' The Guardian 'A delightful book.' Books for Keeps

PICKED BY THE OBSERVER AS ONE OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF 2020. "Long ago" and "far away" were comprehensively nailed by Robin Scott-Elliot in The Acrobats of Agra (Everything With Words). Circus performers are a reliably unruly device in children's fiction, and here apprentice acrobat Bea, her teacher, his tiger and their new friend Ping performed myriad leaps of faith to outfox a siege as the empire began to slip. OBSERVER-From the author of The Tzar's Curious Runaways, this is another breath-taking adventure .' READING ZONE -All in all, this is up there with a trip to the circus for thrills and breath-taking excitements.' Lovereading4Kids -We love the way Scott-Elliot spirits magical fiction from historical fact. This marvellous wee book is nothing short of triumph!' Sunday Post -A magical tale based on the true story of a lost French circus during the Indian rebellion. A breath-taking adventure. School Zone, Librarian's book choice 5/5 star

An hilarious new illustrated chapter book series featuring the hapless adventures of Leif the Unlucky Viking wolf pup, from the creator of the hugely popular Julius Zebra books! Leif is not unlucky. Yes, he does split his trousers at least once a week. And yes, he's always tripping up and falling down a hole. But he’s determined to become a true Viking hero, just like his dad. Can he unravel the riddles of a witch to find a magical shard of rock that has fallen from a shooting star and wield its mystical powers? He will have to journey deep into the heart of polar bear country, outwitting all kinds of mythological creatures along the way. Thankfully, he has Olaf, the annoying duck, Toki, the nincompoop Puffin, and Flora, the incredibly smelly Muskox, for company. He's going to need all the luck he can get!

"Gorgeous inside and out" The BookActivist A gorgeously dreamy coming-of-age romance set against a stunning Gatsby-esque backdrop. Growing up in her sleepy Cornish village dreaming of being a writer, sixteen-year-old Lou has always wondered about the grand Cardew house which has stood empty for years. And when the owners arrive for the summer - a handsome, dashing brother and sister - Lou is quite swept off her feet and into a world of moonlit cocktail parties and glamour beyond her wildest dreams. But, as she grows closer to the Cardews, is she abandoning her own ambitions... and is there something darker lurking at the heart of the Cardew family? this sweeping and evocative romance is perfect for fans of I Capture the Castle and Eva Ibbotson stunning foiled cover perfectly captures the deco time "As elegant and energising as a flute of fine champagne... Exuberantly entertaining, breezily romantic and shimmering with the delicious anticipation of pastures new, this is jubilantly fine fiction in the vein of I Capture the Castle" - Love Reading 4 Kids

For readers of Schindler's List, The Man Who Broke into Auschwitz and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas comes a heart-breaking story of the very best of humanity in the very worst of circumstances.

In 1942, Lale Sokolov arrived in Auschwitz-Birkenau. He was given the job of tattooing the prisoners marked for survival - scratching numbers into his fellow victims' arms in indelible ink to create what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust. Waiting in line to be tattooed, terrified and shaking, was a young girl. For Lale - a dandy, a jack-the-lad, a bit of a chancer - it was love at first sight. And he was determined not only to survive himself, but to ensure this woman, Gita, did, too.

So begins one of the most life-affirming, courageous, unforgettable and human stories of the Holocaust: the true love story of the tattooist of Auschwitz.