BooksforTopics Reading for Pleasure Recommendations
Today we feature part of a new series called ‘Voices’, which celebrates the experiences of BAME figures in British history. ‘Diver’s Daughter’ is based in the Tudor period, bringing a fresh perspective to the available children’s books set around this time. Review Panel member Claire tells us more …
Book Title: Diver’s Daughter: A Tudor Story (available here)
Author: Patrice Lawrence
Illustrator: Alette Straathof
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: May 2019
Most Suitable For: Years 5/6
Reviewed By: Claire, Headteacher
Written as a first person narrative, Diver’s Daughter gives a uniquely fascinating perspective into life in Tudor times.
Eve, our narrator, and her mother start the story in South London. Eve’s mother was stolen from Mozambique as a child and so the story offers insight into the lives of black families in England during this time, something that is rarely mentioned in either historical fiction or non-fiction texts about the period and something that, in the notes at the back of the book, the author further discusses.
Patrice Lawrence paints a vivid picture of life within the cramped and dirty London streets, which transports the reader into Tudor times. The action moves from London down to the South Coast and brings in the story of the sinking of the Mary Rose, as well as the fascinating lives of the divers who went to search for its treasures.
It is a gripping story to enjoy, with intrigue and so much suspense, and offers so many opportunities for discussion about the Tudor period. The author has included lots of Tudor vocabulary, which can be investigated within the topic.
The book would be highly recommended as a class novel or to use as a guided reading text within upper KS2, although could also be enjoyed by confident readers within Year Four and Five.
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You can order Diver’s Daughter online or from your local bookshop or library.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book and to Claire for reviewing it.
