Description

A historical time-slip adventure for middle grade readers, from the Carnegie Medal-winning author of Apache and Buffalo Soldier.

Alfie Wright? Alfie Wrong, more like. Alfie has never really fitted in anywhere – he doesn’t have any friends, and even his mum seems embarrassed of him. So when he’s evacuated to a farm in rural Devon run by kind old Aunt Bell and her gentle giant of a son, Alfie can’t believe his luck. The War seems a long way off, and among the cows and pigs and geese Alfie’s happier than he’s ever been – especially when he makes friends with one of the local boys, Snidge. But Snidge, for all his friendliness, is not all he appears. And the mystery that surrounds him seems to be connected to the Midwinter Burning, an annual ritual held at the Standing Stones, high up on the cliffs. Aunt Bell says it’s all just a bit of harmless superstition, but when Snidge goes missing, Alfie finally discovers who his friend really is – and relives the true horror of the legend…

Publisher Review

Landman is a natural storyteller, always engrossing. * The Times * "This exhilirating, historical time-slip adventure has moments of real terror as well as joy, and is perfect for fans of Phil Earle, Clive King, and Philippa Pearce." -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller * Landman has created her own genre with this book - part historical fiction, part fantasy, part mythology. It's totally different to anything I've read before and Landman uses dual narrative beautifully to interweave two separate, but connected, storylines. * NetGalley * Tanya weaves a fascinating tale of two worlds and how they interact, how friendship can overcome adversity, and how even the littlest of us can succeed. * Big Bearded Bookseller * For any fans of Phil Earle, Lesley Parr, Goodnight Mr. Tom or Sophie Kirtley [...] I loved the immersive WW2 experience of the countryside coupled with the time travel fantasy element as it felt very unique. When past and present collide during that gripping climax, I gasped several times. I can't wait to share this with my Y5 class next week as they'll love this. * Check 'Em Out Books *