The Boy, the Witch & The Queen of Scots
The Boy, the Witch & The Queen of Scots
paperback
Published:
11 April, 2024
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Description
No.
Not the Palace.
Anywhere but the Palace.
12-year-old Alexander Buchan was once content, training as a falconer at Strathbogie Castle in Huntly. But when his Earl sends him to Edinburgh to the court of the newly arrived Mary, Queen of Scots, the boy finds himself lured into a world of intrigue, terror and treachery. Alexander knows right from wrong, but how can he hope to outwit the Earl's murderous messenger? Surely no one can defy such a powerful master whose wife is rumoured to be a witch!
Soon, more than the boy's own life is at stake: his friend Lizzie is arrested and the the angry clouds of Reformation Scotland gather around the young Queen.
It seems that Alexander must spy – or die.
Prizes
Commended for Young Quills Award for best historical fiction for readers aged 8-11 2025 (UK)
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9781804251317 |
| ISBN10 | 1804251313 |
| Number Of Pages | 192 |
| Item Weight | 1000 g |
| Publisher / Reseller | Luath Press Ltd |
| Format | paperback |
Media Reviews
The Boy, The Witch & The Queen of Scots is a thrilling, gripping historical adventure. SUSAN BROWNRIGG, Children’s Author
It’s a great way to get history into children and even as an adult I learnt a lot. HELEN BYLES, Blogger
A true gem in children's literature, The Boy, the Witch & The Queen of Scots is a triumph that brings history to life in a way that both educates and entertains. MR RIPLEY, Blogger
The action started straight away which will hook children in. RACHEL BRUCE, Teacher and Historian
A fascinating glimpse into the past – perfect for the primary classroom. STEVEN KENYON, Teacher Educator for English and History
I was completely gripped by this page-turner! Barbara has tapped into a truly unique perspective of one of Scotland’s most fascinating eras! TRACY HARROWER-RENNIE, Teacher and Historian
A fascinating, historical adventure! I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns in the story and I loved that it was rooted in historical accuracy. The book contains many themes which would ignite and inspire children to learn more about this time period. I was kindly sent an early review copy and I found the plot very engaging and the characters were well written. The story telling made you feel like you were there, witnessing the plot first hand with Alexander and Lizzie! CASEY McCORMACK, GoodReads
Full of intrigue, adventure and treachery, it is totally gripping. HELEN, BookSirens
Author's Bio
BARBARA HENDERSON is an Inverness-based children’s writer and Drama teacher. Her energetic school visits take her across the length and breadth of Scotland, and sometimes beyond. As a teacher, she loves to get young people on their feet as they respond to stories. ‘Writing is like magic,’ she says. ‘I see something in my imagination, and I try to capture it by writing it down – nothing more than black marks on white paper. Much later, young people see these black marks on white paper and suddenly they see something too, feel something of their own. I cannot think of anything more special than that.’ Scottish by Inclination is Barbara’s first foray into adult non-fiction. She shares her home with her teenage son, her long-suffering husband and a scruffy Schnauzer called Merry.