Book cover of Why the Whales Came

Book description

An exciting historical adventure from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo.

Gracie and her friend Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. But then they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Why the Whales Came as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

There are only a few characters, and a very distinct, small setting (the Scilly Isles), but as always Morpurgo packs a great deal in.

 Family relations, small-minded community prejudice, the effect and impact of war, myth, the power of land and seascape, the meaning of nationhood, all wonderfully threaded into a simple tale that builds and builds to a perfect ending.

 And of course, being a Morpurgo tale, it is beautifully written.

From Chris' list on the power of the ocean.

If you love Why the Whales Came...

Book cover of The Monkey Stones

The Monkey Stones by Michele Sheldon,

Three friends become caught up in a monkey-worshipping cult when a stone circle suddenly appears overnight next to their home.

The cult is headed by famous racing driver Gordon Smash who disappeared in the Amazon rainforest in the 90s after a stunt went badly wrong. Alongside space tech billionaire Micky…

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