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Published by Orion Children’s Books, with illustrations by Ian Benfold Haywood. When Hal looks in the mirror, he feels that half of himself is missing. He has never known his father, and knows just two things about him: that he's black, and that he once gave Hal's mother a bag of marbles. Deep in trouble at school and at home, Hal is sent to Ryton-on-Sea, to stay with a great-aunt he hardly knows. Suddenly, his father seems to be everywhere - in conversations he overhears, in the sand figures he makes on the beach; even, it seems, in the flesh. But is his dad really any more substantial than the Sandfather, blurred and dissolved by the incoming tide? Orion Children's Books
Pacy writing, multidimensional characters and a story that will have resonance for many of today's young people. ~ The Bookseller, Highlights Subtle, absorbing and compelling, it's just what you'd expect from Newbery. ~ The Bookbag … brilliantly captures the highs and lows of a boy leading into adolescence. That said, girls will devour it too. ~ Lovereading4kids IBBY HONOUR BOOK 2010 (INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE) FOR WRITING SHORTLISTED, ESSEX BOOK AWARDS SHORTLISTED, COVENTRY INSPIRATION BOOK AWARDS NOMINATED, CARNEGIE MEDAL 2010
Published by Orion Children’s Books, with illustrations by Ian Benfold Haywood. Tizzie’s changeable life with her difficult mother has brought her to Roven Mere, a mysterious, rambling house, deep in the countryside. She’s curious to meet Lord Rupert, the owner, and his daughter Greta, who Tizzie hopes will be the friend she longs for. But the house seems like a museum, and no one knows when Lord Rupert and Greta will come home. At least the hermit-like Finnigan is willing to answer Tizzie’s questions – but only by telling stories. As she explores the house and unravels its secrets, Tizzie makes a startling discovery about why she’s been brought to Roven Mere … Orion Children's Books The entire story takes place in and around Roven Mere and its garden and grounds. I wanted to take the reader on a tour, in effect, so the chapters have names like THE BOAT-HOUSE, THE OAK WARDROBE, THE CELLAR STEPS, THE TURRET ROOM. I'm delighted with Ian's beautiful chapter-head illustrations, which add so much to the atmosphere of the story. The boat-house shown here is my favourite of them all - you can almost smell the water.
Roven Mere itself is based on Snowshill Manor in the Cotswolds, which is a National Trust property open to visitors. A fascinating place!
“Although just published, it has the air of a classic, the sort of literary pedigree that makes it a classy read.” ~ The Guardian “Studded with stories told to Tizzie by the mysterious Finnigan, the house's hermit-like custodian, NEVERMORE has a magical, fairytale feel to it that should delight and entrance Newbery's many younger fans.” ~ Celia Rees, Armadillo “…the complex cast of beautifully drawn characters all seem to have secrets and the reader desperately wants to uncover them. Tizzie imagines all sorts, but nothing to compare with the actual resolution. A pacy, intriguing read.” ~ Carousel magazine “A lovely, old-fashioned book, requiring a fireside, crumpets and a storm outside.” ~ Mail on Sunday It's a time of change for everyone in Josh's family - a relatively new stepdad and a brand new baby sister. For Josh's younger brother Jamie, the family upheaval is deeply disturbing: he refuses to speak, and after a vivid, frightening dream develops an obsession with wild cats. With his parents so preoccupied, it's up to Josh to be the peacemaker, the healer - and to unravel and find a cure for his brother's strange behaviour ... SILVER MEDAL WINNER, NESTLÉ CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE SHORTLISTED, LINCOLNSHIRE YOUNG PEOPLE'S BOOK AWARD SHORTLISTED, CALDERDALE BOOK OF THE YEAR Orion Children's Books “An engaging story that blends reality and the supernatural to compelling effect.” ~ The Scotsman “This beautifully told story is haunting and memorable.” ~ The Independent
Man on the Moon, Swinging London, ambitions, disappointments and surprises in the heady summer of 1969 ... Three new titles are published by Usborne in the Historical House series: MARY ANN AND MISS MOZART, by Ann Turnbull, set in 1764; CECILY’S PORTRAIT, by Adele Geras, set in 1895, and ANDIE’S MOON, 1969. There are now six stories about the girls who lived at No. 6, Chelsea Walk, at different times. The books are linked, but each one can be read on its own. “Dramatic stories with a real sense of atmosphere.” The Guardian
[Click
on each cover to see a larger version]
“Polly has an adventurous spirit, and her dream is to become an explorer. But in 1914 women didn’t have many rights, let alone career choices. Polly discovers this when her new neighbours turn out to be suffragettes, fighting for women’s right to vote. Polly’s parents are scandalized but Polly is intrigued, and the more she thinks about their cause, the more determined she becomes to join the suffragettes’ protest march. But will she dare to defy her parents and do what she thinks is right? Polly's march - Shortlisted for the Calderdale Book of the Year
Usborne Children's Fiction "Secrets, lies, dreams, rumours - where is the truth?" Matt is startled to see his own initials – M.L. – on a roadside shrine. A boy of his own age was killed there in a tragic accident, and Matt feels a strong connection with Martin Lloyd, the victim. Then he meets Robbo and Tig, who blame Will Jones, the old man Matt has seen roaming the hills with his sheepdog. Tig is determined that Wil should be punished – and Matt is persuaded to join in. But when the confused old man mistakes him for another lost boy, things become complicated. How many lost boys are there? Why does Matt feel haunted by Martin Lloyd, and what does Martin want him to do? “With its imaginative melding of present-day concerns, good storytelling, lush descriptions of the landscape and even a faithful dog, this novel will ensnare readers.” ~ Starred review, Publishers’ Weekly, US. “Moving ... compelling. Linda Newbery is adept at creating stories alive to young people’s contemporary concerns.” ~ Times Educational Supplement Orion Children's Books
Now reissued in paperback with a new cover Henry has never been confident. When he and his parents leave London for a Suffolk village, he doubts that he'll ever make friends, especially with grouchy Grace from two doors down. But the first real friend he makes is an unlikely one: Dottie, Grace's great-aunt. As soon as he hears her laugh, Henry feels he must have known Dottie all his lfe - and she seems to recognise him, too. Puzzle after puzzle absorbs Henry's thoughts - especially when he sees a shadowy figure waiting at the orchard gate. Who is he waiting for? Why do so many planes fly over by night, and why does Henry seem to be the only person who hears? How can a promise, broken years ago, every be kept? What's the message the Scrabble board seems to be spelling out - and what must Henry do when he finds an answer? NOMINATED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL "A haunting, well-written tale that makes compelling reading." ~ The Bookseller Orion Children's Books
BLITZ BOYS [A & C Black] Reissied with new cover artwork by Roy Knipe
“A moving story about larger issues such as the true nature of bravery.” ~ Carousel ISBN 0713678062 [paperback] Available from Amazon.co.uk
ISBN 1903015359 Available from Amazon.co.uk
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THE
SANDFATHER
NEVERMORE
From
E to You, a novel in email which I co-wrote with my friend Chris
d’Lacey, has been reissued by Barn Owl Books.
Chris and I wrote the book entirely by sending emails to each other as
if from our two characters – Annabelle (Chris) and Guy (me) –
and we didn’t speak to each other, even by phone, throughout the
whole time of writing. Guy and Annabelle have never met, but become intrigued
by each other and by their parents’ pasts.