From the author of Safiyyah's War – winner of the Indie Book Award, the Week Junior Book Award, the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize and The Diverse Book Award. 'Historical fiction at its finest - vibrant, vital, deeply moving, and brimming with wisdom for the future' - Sophie Anderson'A richly told and immensely moving Partition story that spotlights a moment in history of colonial empire that changed the lives of millions' - A M DassuThree best friends are born on the same day under miraculous circumstances. But by their twelfth birthday, Jahan, Ravi and Lakshmi’s lives are about to change forever. The British announce Indian independence and draw lines of Partition that tear apart the country, and the friends. One of them flees, one of them disappears, and the other is left wondering, could a miracle bring them back together?Cover art by Hazem Asif Read more

In Gita Ralleigh's second magical middle grade adventure set in a parallel colonial India, land-pirate Sam Singh sails to an isle teeming with spirits and secrets on a perilous journey to find the truth.'We are kings of the forest,Let them tame us if they can!'Sam's older brother, Moon, has been missing for three long years. Moon is a skilled thief, but Sam fears Moon's luck has finally run out. It's rumoured he's held in the Octopus, a notorious prison on the Isle of Lost Voices, from which no one has ever escaped alive. Leaving his tribe of land-pirates behind, Sam sets sail with the shady Professor Bogusz and his faithful parrot, Suka. With help from a young forest guide called Lola, they trek deep into the island's interior, a place where spirits dwell and the Octopus casts a deadly shadow.With a storm brewing and the clock ticking, Sam is in a race against time to break into the prison, save Moon and find a brighter future for them all. Read more

An upstairs downstairs mystery adventure for ages 8-12 from the award-winning author of The Adventurers Series.Edwardian London, a forbidden friendship and a house filled with secrets ...A robbery rocks the entire household of No.6, and everyone is a suspect. Twelve-year-old trainee housemaid Alice and reclusive young aristocrat Theo are determined to solve the case. As they investigate upstairs and downstairs to track down the culprit, the mystery deepens and danger looms closer.Join them in an adventure spanning the grand streets of Belgravia to the Docklands of the East End in their headlong race to uncover the truth.Highly commended runner-up in the 2024 Bookbrunch Children's Selfies Awards.Long-listed for the 2024 Historical Association's Young Quills Awards. Read more

Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior is the first book in this blockbuster series by Chris BradfordAugust 1611. Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan - his beloved father and the crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates. Rescued by the legendary sword master Masamoto Takeshi, Jack's only hope is to become a samurai warrior. And so his training begins. But life at the samurai school is a constant fight for survival. Even with his friend Akiko by his side, Jack is singled out by bullies and treated as an outcast. With courage in his heart and his sword held high, can Jack prove himself and face his deadliest rival yet?'A fantastic adventure that floors the reader on page one and keeps them there until the end' - Eoin Colfer***You can learn more about Chris Bradford and his books at www.youngsamurai.com.*** Read more

"Botchan" is a novel written by Natsume Sōseki (real name: Kin'nosuke Natsume) in 1906. Among the classics of modern Japanese literature, "Botchan" is probably the most frequently read novel and the most often anthologized work in Japan. Its action is set in the 1890’s, during the Meiji Restoration, when Japan was making its cataclysmic metamorphosis from a cloistered feudal state to a major modern world power. The novel focuses on a few months in the experience of a neophyte teacher nicknamed Botchan (young master). Born and educated in Tokyo, he has accepted a job teaching mathematics at a middle school in provincial Shikoku. Botchan’s personality, values, and Tokyo manners clash with those of his new environment, and out of this conflict Sseki spins a comic tale that satirizes contemporary Japanese mores. The novel is narrated in the first person, and a substantial portion of its humor stems from Botchan’s verbose and vigorous Tokyo dialect, which, by all accounts, Sōseki has brilliantly captured... Read more

'Ever since I can remember, people have stared at me and my family. Dad tells me it's because we're 'special'. But if we're so special, how come nobody ever looks like us in the books at school? Not even the books about world wars ...'As the only Singaporean boy not just in his school, but in the tiny English he calls home too, Leo witnesses - and feels - the impacts of racism every day. But on a class trip to a nearby cathedral, Leo's attention is drawn to a marble slab high above the doors of the hall. Right there, bang in the middle of a list of WWII war heroes, Leo finds himself staring at something incredible: his own name. Desperate to know who this other Leo was, and with Sangeeta asking why women are missing from the history books too, the two friends embark on an epic search. One that will help uncover missing s/heroes from the past, who each deserve to take their rightful place in the pages of history. Touching on themes of historical racisms and eradications, The Lion Above the Door shines a light on the millions of s/heroes still missing from our history books, and the power that lies in all of us to rectify past wrongs.The first edition of this book also contains a special collection of historical photos and stories of real life forgotten heroes from World War Two. Read more

The classic tale of a Japanese boy orphaned by a tsunami from the author of The Good Earth, the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. On a mountainside in Japan, two boys enjoy a humble life governed by age-old customs. Jiya belongs to a family of fishermen; his best friend, Kino, farms rice. But when a neighboring volcano erupts and a tidal wave swallows their village—including Jiya’s family—life as they know it is changed forever. The orphaned Jiya must learn to come to terms with his grief. Now facing a profoundly different life than the one he’d always taken for granted, he must decide on a new way forward. Written with graceful simplicity, The Big Wave won the Children’s Book Award of the Child Study Association of America when it was first released. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Pearl S. Buck including rare images from the author’s estate. Read more

Following a fall in the Shanghai market, Chinese Cinderella is whisked away to Grandma Wu's house to recover. As she lapses in and out of consciousness, she is haunted by vivid dreams that seem strange - yet somehow familiar - to her. A tale of slavery and friendship, wealth, poverty and an arranged marriage begins, as Chinese Cinderella recalls a life lived centuries before. But is it real, or all in her imagination . . . Read more

A spellbinding, epic and heart-racing magical adventure from an exquisite new storytelling talent.'Ahmed Pathak is a wonderful new voice; the book took her years to write, and it shows in the depth and care of each beat of the story' - Katherine Rundell'Phenomenal' - Sophie Anderson'One of the best children's books I have read in a decade' - Louie StowellIndia, 1855. The British rule, and all across the country, Indian magic is being stamped out.More terrifying still, people born with magic are being snatched from their homes. Rumour is that they are being taken across the sea - to England - by the all-powerful, sinister Company.When Chompa's home is attacked and her mother viciously kidnapped, Chompa - born with powerful and dangerous magic that she has always been forbidden from using - must travel to the smoky, bustling streets of East London in search of her. But Chompa will discover far more treachery in London than she had bargained for - and will learn that every act of her rare magic comes with a price . . .'Exhilarating, thoughtful and rich . . . Easily one of the year's best books for children' - Guardian'A wonderful writer who paints a thoroughly convincing heroine' - Daily Telegraph'An unexpected gem of a story . . . A stellar setting, a gut-punch of a twist, and an unforgettable heroine. This has all the hallmarks of classic children's storytelling' - Nizrana Farook'Dazzling from start to finish' - Abi Elphinstone'A gripping and spellbinding fantasy woven together with threads of magic, secrets and colonial history . . . An incredible cast of characters and a truly multicultural Victorian London that we don't see often enough' - Rashmi Sirdeshpande'A wonderfully vibrant debut . . . A vivid magical adventure' - Jasbinder Bilan Read more

A 2019 NEWBERY HONOR BOOKA Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of the Century"A gripping, nuanced story of the human cost of conflict appropriate for both children and adults." -Kirkus, starred reviewIn the vein of Inside Out and Back Again and The War That Saved My Life comes a poignant, personal, and hopeful tale of India's partition, and of one girl's journey to find a new home in a divided countryIt's 1947, and India, newly independent of British rule, has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. The divide has created much tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands are killed crossing borders.Half-Muslim, half-Hindu twelve-year-old Nisha doesn't know where she belongs, or what her country is anymore. When Papa decides it's too dangerous to stay in what is now Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark first by train but later on foot to reach her new home. The journey is long, difficult, and dangerous, and after losing her mother as a baby, Nisha can't imagine losing her homeland, too. But even if her country has been ripped apart, Nisha still believes in the possibility of putting herself back together.Told through Nisha's letters to her mother, The Night Diary is a heartfelt story of one girl's search for home, for her own identity...and for a hopeful future. Read more

Drew’s life is falling apartMum and Dad are divorcing. He’s torn from his home to live in a different country. No friends. Bullied at school. Can it get any worse?Then the archaeologists arrive – to work in the shadow of an ancient Scottish tower.And strange things occur. Odd dreams, shadowy figures, weird noises, accidents.Is Drew’s mind playing tricks? Or, as new friend Mairi insists, is it a ghost in the tower?There’s only one way to find out. Drew and Mairi must discover the secret of Coultry Tower.This new adventure from the author of the best-selling Order of the White Boar sequence weaves together strands of Scottish and Irish history into an exciting ghost story for younger readers.Praise for Alex's previous books:'Time Out of Time strikes the perfect balance of a modern sensibility with classic children's adventures by writers like Susan Cooper, Alan Garner and Diana Wynne Jones. Engaging, thoughtful, fun and highly recommended.' Narrelle Harris, author of Kitty and Cadaver'A really gripping historical novel ... well written, vivid and absorbing.' Liz Flanagan, author of Dragon Daughter, on The Order of the White Boar'Brilliant, heart-breaking ... King in Waiting brings the uncertain and dangerous times after the Battle of Bosworth to life.' Wendy Johnson, author of The Traitor's Son'Alex Marchant never ceases to astound.' Pam Golden, author of A Tree through Time'I know it may sound over the top but I truly love Alex’s writing!' Kindle customer, Amazon review Read more

The China that we know today was shaped by three big religious beliefs: Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. This book will not just differentiate the three through definitions, but it will also include historical truths to facilitate deeper understanding. Unearthing ancient history will help you to better understand China and its people today. So what are you waiting for? Get a copy now! Read more

‘What did you do?! Did you touch it?’ she shouted at him over the noise. Jack shook his head, rooted to the spot and looking very pale.When the valuable Koh-i-Noor diamond vanishes in mysterious circumstances during their school trip, Emmie and Jack must navigate thieves and deception in Victorian London to discover what has happened to it.Soon it becomes clear that the fate of the upcoming coronation rests in their hands – will they find the diamond and their way back in time? Read more

A Newbery Honor Book! A New York Times bestseller! An Al Roker's TODAY Show Book Club Pick! A Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection!​ A Reader’s Digest Best Children’s Book of All Time​!This stunning fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore is a companion novel to Starry River of the Sky and the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to Silver In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer. Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.Don't miss: Starry River of the Sky When the Sea Turned to Silver  The Year of the Dog The Year of the Rat Dumpling Days Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foodsand coming soon:The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon Read more

The battle of Sekigahara has just ended, as armies of rival samurai clash across Japan to be the next Shogun. All this seems far removed from Kami, a boy who quietly goes about his everyday life in his farm village until one day he trips over the unconsious body of a warrior hidden in the long grass.That discovery will lead him on an adventure across the warring kingdoms, facing assassins and enemy soldiers as he journeys to the capital to face the new Shogun. Through his travels he aspires to become a samurai, and in his many challenges he eventually comes to understand what it means to be one. Read more

Perfect for fans of Rita Williams-Garcia, Thanhha Lai, and Rebecca Stead, internationally bestselling author Nadia Hashimi’s first novel for young readers is a coming-of-age journey set in modern-day Afghanistan that explores life as a bacha posh—a preteen girl dressed as a boy.Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune, and her aunt has an idea to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of four sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets another bacha posh, everything changes. Their transformation won’t last forever, though—unless the two best friends can figure out a way to make it stick and make their newfound freedoms endure.Nadia Hashimi’s first novel for adults, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, was a bestseller that shares a bacha posh character with One Half from the East. Read more

Ten-year-old Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her family and friends close by. But when the Vietnam War reaches the gates of her home, Hà and her family are forced to flee.The journey onboard a refugee ship bound for America is hard - but nothing can prepare Hà for the strangeness of the country that greets them on the other side. The language is impossible, the food is strange - and not all the locals are friendly. But amongst her struggles, Hà finds joy, friendship - and most of all, the power of hope, love and family. Read more

The disaster felt around the world . . .Visiting his dad's hometown in Japan four months after his father's death would be hard enough for Ben. But one morning the pain turns to fear: first, a massive earthquake rocks the quiet coastal village, nearly toppling his uncle's house. Then the ocean waters rise and Ben and his family are swept away-and pulled apart-by a terrible tsunami.Now Ben is alone, stranded in a strange country a million miles from home. Can he fight hard enough to survive one of the most epic disasters of all time? Read more

The next instalment in the internationally best-selling and award-winning Dragonkeeper series.The year is 325. The powerful Han Dynasty is a distant memory and tribes of barbarian soldiers fight over what was once the Empire. It is a dangerous time. Kai is 465 years old – a teenager in dragon years. He is searching for the person predestined to be his dragonkeeper. Kai’s search has led him to a Buddhist novice named Tao. But Tao is certain he is not the one; he has no interest in caring for a difficult dragon. He believes his path lies in another direction. But Tao must learn to listen to the voice within himself and that no journey ever reveals its true purpose until it is over. Read more

Kami was born a commoner, but has risen to the rank of samurai and is now solely responsible for ruling his master's estates. With the continued absence of his master Shimayazu, Kami has no help when samurai from the surrounding area start to covet his lands.This is the start of a journey for Kami along dark and dangerous paths as he seeks to free his master from Osaka castle, leading Kami to be drawn into the secretive and deadly games of the ninja clans. He has to learn the secrets of the ninja to help him, but in doing so he threatens to lose the very sense of honour and duty that have made him a samurai.By the journey's end, Kami will have learned some of the darkest secrets of the ninja, and their plans for him and his clan. Is Kami destined to become the honourable samurai his master trained him to be, or does another, darker destiny beckon? Can he walk the hidden paths of the ninja's apprentice? Read more