Overview

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.

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9781804251317

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Reviews

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

I loved it! It's a rip-roaring adventure. Meg and Archie are great characters. Maggie Craig The intensely personal perspective of our Reluctant Rebel brings the oft-told tale beautifully to life, and I fully expect this novel to become a fixture in upper primary classrooms around Scotland. This is the perfect springboard to a better understanding of a pivotal point in our country’s history. Alan McClure A breath-takingly exciting plot that is steeped in historical accuracy that can only arise from meticulous research. Ross-Shire Journal A delightful, unique and original book that you won’t want to put down even as an adult. Shelf Life blog

Author Information

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.

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