Just Henry

Born to Dance

Girl in Reverse

The Secret Starling

Bright Before Sunrise

From Twinkle, with Love

Learning to Fall

Uses for Boys

Hollis Family Books

By the author of Goodnight Mr Tom, this is a heart-warming story of a young girl growing up in the immediate post-war era. For Elsie, though, the fighting isn't over. Not only does she have to cope with the indifference of her father, himself adjusting to family life after the war, she also has to run the gauntlet of a vicious bully and cope with being a scholarship girl at the local grammar school. Through her work with the local repertory theatre, Elsie's confidence slowly grows and she finds herself able to confront all her demons.

This is the rich and dramatic story of a young girl who manages to overcome many obstacles in her attempts to lead a normal life. Michelle Magorian's great strength is her ability to understand both the vulnerabilities and the strengths of her characters, and to imbue even the most distressing events with elements of humour and warmth. --Philippa Reece

Discover Your Child's Next Read

Just Henry

Michelle Magorian, 2008

Born to Dance

Jean Ure, 2017

Girl in Reverse

Barbara Stuber, 2014

The Secret Starling

Judith Eagle, 2019

Bright Before Sunrise

Tiffany Schmidt, 2014

From Twinkle, with Love

Sandhya Menon, 2018

Learning to Fall

Sally Engelfried, 2022

Uses for Boys

Erica Lorraine Scheidt, 2013