The Secret in the Tower

by Andrew Beattie, Elena Dall'Aglio (Illustrator)

Overview

A historical fiction book based on the famous story of The Princes in the Tower - perfect for children aged 9-14 years.

1485. Richard III is King of England. Henry Tudor’s invasion looms.

Jack Broom thinks that war and politics have nothing to do with him. He is a simple apothecary’s boy dreaming of becoming a surgeon – until soldiers mistake him for a boy of noble birth.

Narrowly avoiding being dragged to the Tower of London, Jack sets out on a perilous mission to find out who he truly is. With the help of his new friend Alice, he uncovers conspiracies, treason, and the deadly lengths people will go to for power.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781802635539
Publisher:	Sweet Cherry Publishing
Publication date:	09/24/2024
Series:	Tales from the Middle Ages , #1
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.05(w) x 7.80(h) x (d)
Age Range:	9 - 14 Years

About the Author

Andrew Beattie is a London-based author, editor and archivist. Whilst The Secret in the Tower marks his debut as a writer of children’s fiction, he has previously written a number of stage plays for children which have been performed by schools and youth theatre groups in England, the United States and Australia. He has also written a number of books on history, travel and the environment.

Elena Dall’Aglio works mostly digitally, with a quick sketch and bright colors characterizing her style. She loves illustrating full-page scenes and covers. Elena also loves drawing funny animals in wool sweaters and rain boots. When she is not working, Elena is probably drinking too much tea or walking her dog. She loves taking long walks through nature to clear her thoughts and find new inspiration.

Editorial Reviews

2024-07-04
A lowly 12-year-old apprentice aspiring to become a surgeon in 1480s London is an oddity; even stranger is one who resembles an imprisoned royal.

Amid the ongoing Wars of the Roses, King Richard III has entered London with his troops, prepared to keep Henry Tudor from claiming the throne. Jack Broom, who lives with his apothecary aunt, Old Mother Broom, overhears adults speaking of chilling terrors. Many believe that Richard stole the throne from the deceased King Edward’s sons—two boys he locked in the Tower of London. Jack becomes acutely aware of the controversy when Richard’s soldiers, mistaking him for one of the princes, threaten him in a terrifying encounter: With his gray eyes and shock of blond hair, he’s a double for Richard Plantagenet. Even though people of his class don’t usually study with famed surgeons, Jack had previously hoped to enter the Tower to apprentice with Dr. Argentine. Now, as a child who knows nothing of the parents he can’t remember, he seeks entry to uncover the truth about both Edward’s sons and his own lineage. Jack’s goals align when courageous new friend Alice asks for his help with treating an unnamed patient in the Tower. Well-drawn characters populate this tightly plotted, strongly paced page-turner, which features intriguing reveals about secret identities and plentiful details about the deadly intrigues of the time.

Gritty and exciting: Readers will be hooked by the ruthless historical elements and compelling mystery. (map, historical note)(Historical adventure. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews