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Topic: Victorians

Chapter book

The unforgettable tale of an orphan in Victorian London, based on the boy whose plight inspired Dr Barnardo to found his famous children’s homes.

When his mother dies, Jim Jarvis is left all alone in London. He is sent to the workhouse but quickly escapes, choosing a hard life on the streets of the city over the confines of the workhouse walls.

Struggling to survive, Jim finally finds some friends… only to be snatched away and made to work for the remorselessly cruel Grimy Nick, constantly guarded by his vicious dog, Snipe.

Will Jim ever manage to be free?

Chapter book

1899. All Nansi knows is that her mother disappeared on the day she was fished out of Cardiff docks. She can’t remember anything else. Now, with no other family to turn to, she works for Sid at the Empire Theatre, sometimes legally, sometimes thieving to order, trying to earn enough money to hire a detective to find her mother. Everything changes when Constance and Violet join the theatre, both with their own dark secrets. Nansi is forced to be part of Violet’s crooked psychic act. But it’s when Constance recognises her, and realises who her mother must be, that Nansi’s world is turned upside down forever. She is soon on the run for her life and she will have to risk everything if she’s going to find the truth.

Chapter book

Voices: Son of the Circus – A Victorian Story explores the life of a young mixed-race boy, Ted, living with his mother and poorly older brother in Victorian Bradfield.

When a stranger, a man the boys don’t remember ever seeing before, appears in their kitchen, Ted is hit with a shocking revelation. This man is his father – the first black circus owner in Victorian Britain, Pablo Fanque.

Before Ted can recover from his shock, he is sent away with Pablo to learn the tricks of the circus trade. Pablo is determined for Ted to follow in his footsteps.

But can Ted adapt to this terrifying new life amongst strangers?

And will he ever see his beloved mother and brother again?

Fresh new voice, E. L. Norry, continues this exciting new series that explores authentic and moving accounts of the life of British immigrants throughout history. Norry shows us a fascinating and rarely seen world that’s sure to hook young readers.

Chapter book

Step into the past to discover a thrilling mystery about a sinister plot to shape and control the future, in this spine-tingling historical adventure from award-winning author Christopher Edge.

Penelope Tredwell is the feisty thirteen-year-old orphan heiress of the bestselling magazine, The Penny Dreadful. Her masterly tales of the macabre are gripping Victorian Britain, even if no one knows she’s the author. One day, a letter she receives from the governor of the notorious Bedlam madhouse plunges her into an adventure more terrifying than anything she has ever imagined.

Why are the patients of Bedlam waking every night at twelve minutes to midnight? What is the meaning of the strange messages they write? Who is the Spider Lady of South Kensington?

Penelope is always seeking mysteries to fill the pages of her magazine. But this isn’t any ordinary story, it’s the future.

And the future looks deadly…

Spine-tingling historical adventure series with a supernatural twist! From the acclaimed author of The Many Worlds of Albie Bright and The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day.

Graphic Novel

A selection of the works of one of the world’s greatest writers, retold in accessible comic-strip style.

Charles Dickens is not only the author of some of the best-loved stories in the English language, but also the creator of some of its most memorable characters. Meet them all between the pages of this splendid book, which retells, in lively comic-strip style, five of Dickens’s most popular stories: Oliver Twist , Great Expectations , A Tale of Two Cities , David Copperfield and A Christmas Carol .

Chapter book

How to Train Your Dragon meets Robinson Crusoe in this high-flying dragon adventure from Lindsay Galvin!

Syms Covington has landed the job of a lifetime – cabin boy and fiddler on Charles Darwin’s Beagle – but when he is separated from the crew during a storm, his life takes a truly extraordinary turn.

Shipwrecked on a Galapagos island, he makes a discovery that could change the world – and make his fortune. But should he share his find, or will it lead to the extinction of a legendary species?

There’s one person who could help, but he’s busy writing a book …

Based on a true story and Charles Darwin’s real journal!

Perfect for fans of Cornelia Funke’s Dragon Rider or Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon series.

Effortlessly blends exciting adventure with a rip-roaring historical story and non-fiction elements.

Chapter book

Step into a world of secrets, folklore and illusions, where nothing is as it seems and magic is at play…

Madame Augustina Pinchbeck , travels the country conjuring the spirits of dearly departed loved ones… for a price. Whilst her ability to contact ghosts is a game of smoke and mirrors, there is real magic behind her tricks too – if you know where to look.

Through a magical trade, she persuades children to part with precious objects, promising to use her powers to help them. But Pinchbeck is a deceiver, instead turning their items into enchanted Cabinets that bind the children to her and into which she can vanish and summon them at will.

When Pinchbeck captures orphan Leander , events are set into motion that see him and his new friends Charlotte and Felix , in a race against time to break Pinchbeck’s spell, before one of them vanishes forever…

Non-fiction

This vibrant mini-hardback celebrates the reign of one of Britain’s most iconic rulers. Filled with beautiful illustrations, early photographs and details from throughout her reign. She guided Great Britain through a period of immense change and invention. This book explores the lasting legacy Victoria and her devoted husband, Prince Albert, had on the world.

The latest in the popular V&A Introduces series which celebrates icons of the art and design world.

Chapter book

London, 1876. Hetty Feather is a tiny, fiery-haired baby when her mother leaves her on the steps of the Foundling Hospital.

Sent to live with a foster family in the country until she is big enough to go to school, Hetty plays vivid imaginary games with her foster brothers. Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus, and Hetty is mesmerised by the show – especially the stunning Madame Adeline and her performing horses.

But Hetty’s happiness is threatened when she must return to the Foundling Hospital to begin her education. The cruel matrons’ strict regime is a terrible struggle for Hetty, and she desperately misses her beloved foster brother, Jem. But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be Madame Adeline? Or will the truth be even more surprising?

An original, compelling and utterly fascinating tale from one of the most beloved writers of our time, and now a major CBBC series.

Victorians Topic Booklist

Known as an age of invention and industrial development as well as an era of poverty, child labour and crime, the Victorian period really was a time of great contrasts. We’ve put together a list of the best children’s books about the Victorians – watch out for a colourful cast of characters including charlatans, pickpockets and travelling showmen as well as resourceful street children, brave orphans and inspiring innovators…

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