WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN USED HOMESCHOOL BOOKS!
HISTORICAL FICTION - THE AGE OF KINGS & QUEENS, MANORS & SHAKESPEARE
PICTURE BOOKS
The Boy, the Bear, the Baron, the Bard (Gregory Rogers) $4 HBDJ VGC (Ex lib) The plot in this wordless picture book unfolds straightforwardly: a contemporary little boy kicks his soccer ball through the window of an old theatre, and when he goes inside to retrieve it, he's pulled into Elizabethan London, landing right on the stage of the Globe. After an angry Shakespeare chases him into the town, the boy finds a friendly, helpful companion in a bear. Still on the run from the Bard, the pair releases a condemned prisoner from the Tower of London. Elizabeth I then appears, with whom the boy, the bear, and, eventually, the Bard interact. High on action and accurate of scene, the full watercolour-and-ink panels give kids the chance to peek into the Elizabethan era which comes to life. Could serve as a good prelude to the study of Shakespeare and his times. 4-9 YO http://www.wheelers.co.nz/books/9781865087221-boy-the-bear-the-baron-the-bard-the/
Will’s Quill or, How a Goose Saved Shakespeare (Don Freeman) $5 HBDJ VGC (Ex lib) A charming picture book telling the story of Willoughby Waddles, a goose in Shakespearean London who longs to be useful. When he befriends a young playwright named Will, Willoughby may have found the perfect way to help out by giving up some goose feathers. Could these feathers and this friendship be just what the playwright needs? 4-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Wills-Quill-Don-Freeman/dp/0670036862
The Goodman Of Ballengiech (Margaret Crawford Maloney) $5 HB EC The story of young King James V of Scotland who resolved to restore peace and justice to his divided country under the identity of ‘the Goodman of Ballengiech'. Lovely picture book 6-10 YO. http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/The-Goodman-Of-Ballengiech-Margaret-Crawford-Maloney/9780773673496-item.html
The King Of Kennelwick Castle (Colin West) $2 PB VGC It is raining and the king of Kennelwick Castle is feeling rather sad and bored. His faithful pageboy, Paul, arrives with a big parcel to cheer his Royal Highness up; then another, and another! A supper serving mother, a butter churning farmer, a cream bringing milkmaid, a big brown cow in the meadow so green and the Queen of Spain herself, all play an important part in this fun and funny rhyming cumulative tale. A good introduction to the royal life for young children. 4-8 YO
King Nonn The Wiser (Colin McNaughton) $2 PB VGC King Nonn the Wiser wants to sit in his castle and read books, but his royal advisor tells him the people want a brave king, so the king takes his nearly blind horse on an adventure. 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.ca/King-Nonn-Wiser-Colin-McNaughton/dp/0749705795
Usborne Story Books “Princes & Princesses” (Christopher Rawson, illustrator Stephen Cartwright) $2 PB VGC Six easy-to-read stories in the Usborne Storybooks series: To the Rescue; The Clumsy Prince; Princess Kurohime; The Proud Princess; The Princess and the Swineherd and Prince Badbod and the Moles. 4-8 YO http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Stories-of-Princes-Princesses/Lesley-Sims/e/9780794504496 (Cover different)
Robber Girl (Margaret Wild) $2 HB GC (Ex lib, inner binding has small split, repaired) The robber girl lives in the forest with her three companions, an old bear, a wolf and an owl. One harsh winter, she ventures out of the forest to a nearby farm to find food. There she sees a baby boy, Josiah, who captures her heart. When Josiah wanders into the forest, the robber girl desperately wants to keep him with her. Rawlins’ wonderful illustrations place Wild’s tale in the deep winter of a pre-industrial Europe familiar to us through many a traditional tale. 5-9 YO http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/margaret-wild/robber-girl.htm
CHAPTER BOOKS & NOVELS
My Story “Highway Girl: An English Girl’s Diary, 1670” (Valerie Wilding) $7 PB EC It's 1670. When Susannah and her brother are orphaned she is forced to live on the charity of distant relations in England while he seeks his fortune in America. But when news arrives that her brother is dangerously ill Susannah will stop at nothing to get the money she desperately needs to save his life. 10+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Highway-Girl-Story-Valerie-Wilding/dp/1407108700
Tudor Chronicles “The King in Blood Red and Gold” (Terry Deary) $4 PB EC (Ex lib) When a mysterious stranger turns up at Marsden Manor asking for help, young Will Marsden and his grandfather jump at the opportunity for adventure. Riding north to Scotland, Grandfather tells Will how his own father fought for Henry VIII at the battle of Flodden Field. Then, as now, there were fierce skirmishes on the Borders between the English and the Scots Reivers - cattle thieves. But neither of them realises what danger the handsome stranger is leading them into. Luckily, Meg, the quick-witted serving girl, steps in. 11+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/King-Blood-Red-Gold-Chronicles/dp/1842551396
Tudor Flashbacks ‘The Boy King’ (David Belbin) $5 HB EC (Ex lib) Edward VI became king at the age of nine and was dead at 15. Power, intrigue, betrayal and excess, see the boy king fighting his way through the adult world. This is a fast-paced gritty tale from Edward's point of view. 10+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-King-Flashbacks-David-Belbin/dp/0713663170
Tudor Flashbacks ‘Robbers On The Road’ (Melvin Burgess) $5 HB EC (Ex lib) This readable tale gives children an accessible flavour of life in Elizabethan times. It's the story of Will Biglow, innkeeper's son, an easy-going and easily led wimp, and Francis Enterley, nephew of a rich merchant, arrogant, manipulative and determined. Francis is sent by his uncle to Will's school - apparently a bit of a come-down for one of his station in life, but Francis's parents are mysteriously absent and their whereabouts secret - something to do with Catholics, the Crown, spies and treasure. Thus the audience is given a glimpse into the atmosphere of the times. 11+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/melvin-burgess/robbers-on-road.htm
A Tom Marlowe Adventure "Death And The Arrow" (Chris Priestley) $4 PB EC (Ex lib) As the sooty, coal-ridden smog blankets London in 1715, 15-year-old Tom Marlowe becomes embroiled in a deadly mystery when his best friend, pickpocket Will Piggot, is murdered by the same person who is killing others around the city and leaving his "Death and Arrow" calling card. As Tom and his friend Dr. Harker investigate, they find an odd connection between the local crimes and an alleged Indian ambush of a silver shipment travelling across the colonies. As they get closer to the killer, they almost become the next victims. The mystery has enough excitement and intrigue to keep even reluctant readers turning the pages. The historical background and intermingling of the untamed British colonies with more urban London is well done and easy to follow, and the writing is rich with descriptions of the sights and smells of the city. 10 + http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jRcN1zOuE_U/SAxSFsXI0QI/AAAAAAAAANk/fWaYyuX9ktU/s320/deatharrow593.jpg
A Tom Marlowe Adventure “White Rider” (Chris Priestley) $4 PB EC (Ex lib) London, 1716. The streets are full of spies and buzzing with intrigue. Jacobite rebels are being rounded up and hanged at Tower Hill, and on the outskirts of London the roads are haunted by a mysterious Highwayman known only as The White Rider; a robber so fierce that he kills his victims simply by pointing at them! Tom Marlowe, caught in the fascinating heart of events, is resolved to get to the bottom of them. With the help of his mentor, Dr Harker, Tom is determined to discover who is behind the White Rider's gruesome mask. Highly atmospheric, with a gripping plot this historical adventure will fascinate and engage readers. 10+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/p/chris-priestley/white-rider.htm
The Mail-Coach Driver (Elizabeth Renier) $5 HB EC Matthew dreams of becoming a mail coach driver but, working as a mere garden-boy on Sir Walter’s estate, he knows his dream is impossible. One night, however, Matthew makes a daring rescue and his reward – a ride on a mail coach – proves to be the turning point of his life. 6-10 YO
The Prince Of Rags And Patches (Terry Deary) $4 PB GC (Ex lib) Introduces children to a colourful cast of characters living near the end of Elizabeth I's reign. It also blends with the story of Richard III's rise and fall as told by the great-uncle of the family. These two intertwined narratives each build to a thrilling climax, and reveal Terry Deary as a magnificent storyteller. Packed with colourful vignettes of life in Tudor times, the novel races along with the vitality and compulsive readability that have made his Horrible Histories a hit with children everywhere. Lively line drawings, including maps and plans, punctuate the text throughout. 11+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/terry-deary/prince-of-rags-and-patches.htm
The Lady Of Fire And Tears (Terry Deary) $4 PB VGC (Ex lib) In the north of England, a silver cup has been stolen from Marsden Hall. . . Meg the serving girl will hang for it, unless she agrees to spy on her friends at the Black Bull Tavern. Her friend Will Marsden is desperate to save her. As Meg and Will struggle with the dilemma, Will's mother tells them a story she has kept secret for years: how she herself, as a young lady-in-waiting, was forced to spy on Mary Queen of Scots. Two stories of spies and double-dealing intertwine in Terry Deary's exciting tale of adventure set in Tudor times. 11+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lady-Fire-Tears-Tudor-Chronicles/dp/1842551493 (Cover different)
The Mantlemass Chronicles "The Sprig Of Broom" (Barbara Willard) $4 HBDJ GC (Ex lib – tape residue) In sixteenth-century England, a boy of humble birth searches for his identity while Plantagenets plot to reclaim the throne from the Tudors. Set during the time of the War of the Roses, this is the story of Medley Plashet, a young man whose father disappeared ten years ago. Medley sets out on a long and dangerous journey to solve the mystery of his heritage--a journey that leads to a stunning revelation. http://carlasbigbookshed.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1321
Bloomsbury Children’s Classics “The Black Arrow” (R.L. Stevenson) $3 PB VGC An exciting portrait of England during the War of the Roses, this is a breathless adventure of battle, intrigue, deception, kidnapping, spies, rogues, heroes and villains. Fierce war rages between two powerful and bitter rivals: on one side the House of Lancaster; on the other the House of York. The prize? The crown of England! Young Richard Shelton finds himself torn in his loyalties. Should he serve the interests of his villainous master, or throw in his lot with the dashing outlaw Ellis Duckworth and his band known as the Black Arrow? Richard must decide wisely, for his fate--and the fate of England--hangs in the balance....12+ http://www.amazon.com/Black-Arrow-Tor-Classics/dp/0812565622 (Cover different)
The Children Of The New Forest (Capt. Marryat - unabridged) $4 HB GC, $3 PB VGC With their father killed fighting for King Charles and their mansion home burnt down by the Roundheads, the four orphaned Beverley children find refuge with old Jacob Armitage, a forester and loyal servant of their father's. In his cottage, deep in the New Forest, the children quickly have to learn hunting, housekeeping and the crafts of living off the land. When Jacob dies, the children are left completely alone to fend for themselves but despite being at constant risk of discovery, Edward, the eldest, is determined to help restore the king and regain his own inheritance. Captain Marryatt's exciting Civil War adventure has gripped readers for generations. An adventure story filled with heroism, excitement and suspense it is also a tale of survival and loyalty set in a fascinating historical context. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Children-New-Forest-Captain-Marryat/dp/0340689838 (Cover different, older edition)
The Sky Grew Red (Anne Holm – author of ‘I Am David’) $3 PB GC To Danish Louise, English Tim should be the enemy, but the two children are friends from the time they meet. Together, carrying a secret message, they set out to stop Denmark becoming involved in the Napoleonic Wars. 11+ http://www.alibris.com/booksearch.detail?invid=10403856368&qwork=6125542&qsort=&page=1
Time Of Trial (Hester Burton) $3 PB GC Holly Lane is a little dark bookshop in the shadow of St. Paul’s. This is the home of seventeen year old Margaret Pargeter, her father and her brother John. Britain is engaged in the seemingly never-ending war with Napoleon and France and Margaret’s idealistic father is fighting for the basic human rights of the ordinary people. Criticism of England during the time of war is a dangerous occupation. However, the tragic collapse of a tenement of poor people’s houses stirs the old bookseller to print his pamphlet about a future England in which everything is different. Margaret then undergoes a “time of trial” not just in the courts of law where everything is twisted against her father and justice belongs to the rich, but also at the hands of a destructive mob and a brother who deserts them just when he is most needed. This is a story about politics, injustice, suffering, love of one’s fellow man and the other unshakeable love between two idealistic young people whose fate is kept uncertain to the very end. CARNEGIE MEDAL WINNER 11+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/hester-burton/time-of-trial.htm
Lady Grace Mysteries “Exile” (Jan Burchett) $5 HB VGC (Ex lib) An exciting historical thriller set in the world of Lady Grace, Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth I. The reader is quickly drawn into the intrigue and chilling atmosphere of court life. Filled with humour, charm and fun and written as the personal narrative of Lady Grace, this story is full of details of Court life and is a fascinating and exciting read. 9-12 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exile-Lady-Grace-Mysteries-Cavendish/dp/0385608500
The Royal Changeling (John Whitbourn) $4 PB VGC Invading England after Charles II's death, the Duke of Monmouth comes face-to-face with an old friend -- Theophilus Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe, in common with only a handful of others, knows Monmouth's background fully -- not only that he is Charles's son, but also that he has allied himself with evil powers in order to take England's crown. 12+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/john-whitbourn/royal-changeling.htm
Redbeard’s Kingdom (Anthony Holcroft) $2 PB VGC (Ex school lib) King Redbeard is greedy for power and land, and after he has conquered his brother Blackbeard’s kingdom, he becomes even greedier. Everything must belong to him! He is angered when he sees a bird feeding on the grain in his wheat field, and infuriated when a stray cat steals his lunch. Finally, when a bee stings him on his royal finger, he seeks a way of punishing all the birds, cats and bees in his kingdom. But in his selfish desire for supremacy, he has forgotten that everything in the world must have its appointed place. 6-10 YO
The Wool Pack (Cynthia Harnett) $4 HB GC (Ex lib), $3 PB GC (Light tanning) This thrilling story of a boy’s adventures in pre-Tudor England, when the wool trade (and the king) became embroiled in the money-lending of the Lombards, just at the time when Columbus discovered America, is vivid with detail. Everything from Nicholas's clothes to the treats of a country fair are described with memorable detail. A wonderful portrayal of 15th century life in England. 11+ WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wool-pack-Puffin-Story-Books/dp/0140301534
Ned Only (Barbara Willard) $6 HBDJ VGC (Ex lib) The story of Ned, abandoned by his parents, servant to a tyrannical master and with only one friend, Turnboy, the dog. His job is to endlessly turn the spit in front of the great roaring kitchen fire on the manor, with no respite. That is, until the arrival of Mr Ransom, tutor to Sir Joshua’s son, Robert. Suddenly, Ned’s world begins to expand beyond the confines of the kitchen. 11+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/0862031974/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_all
Hebe’s Daughter (Celia Syred) $4 HB EC, $3 PB VGC In this outstanding and immensely readable novel set in England and Normandy at the time of the French Revolution, Elizabeth Pollard attempts to regain her lost inheritance of Pollstead Manor. 11+ CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA COMMENDED BOOK https://www.marlowesbooks.com/detailbild.php?image=bookimg2/032975b.jpg
Melissa Woodruff (Celia Syred) $4 HBDJ EC, $3 PB VGC (Very light tanning) Melissa Woodruff is the daughter of Sir Rupert Woodruff, a Royalist who dies fighting for the King during the initial conflicts of the savage war between the Parliamentarians and the King - the English Civil War which raged for four years from 1642 to 1646. Families such as Melissa's are losing everything overnight and society is undergoing radical changes. Against the background of a war torn country the exciting and and immensely readable story of Melissa Woodruff unfolds. 10+ http://www.swordfishingcentral.com/store/MELISSA-WOODRUFF---CELIA-SYRED-130441596507.html
Maelstrom: An Adventure Game Book (Alexander Scott) $2 PB VGC The book provides a wealth of information about the turbulent 16th century Europe. A band of travellers are taking the long road from St Albans to London – a dangerous journey in troubled times. Choose to be an alchemist, a rogue on the run from justice, a noble lady on her way to the court or a spy disguised as a herbalist, carrying vital messages to the King. 11+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maelstrom-Puffin-Adventure-Gamebooks-Alexander/dp/0140318119
Traitors On The March (Gordon Parke – Scripture Union Publishing) $4 PB GC Set in England during the early 18th century. A highway robbery; a burglar who steals nothing; murder; a fight over handwritten notes on the Bible; cases in a quarry, bound with steel – how do they all connect? Lieutenant Woodruff enlists the help of Peter and Andrew, whose courage and faith impress him. Together they try to thwart the delivery of illegal arms to Jacobite sympathisers in England. 10+
The Lothian Run (Mollie Hunter) $3 PB GC (Light tanning) It's 1736, and Sandy, a young lawyer's apprentice, becomes involved in tracking down a dangerous band of smugglers, who are linked to a Jacobite coup. His several close escapes all add to this compelling adventure story. 12+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/mollie-hunter/lothian-run.htm
Miranty And The Alchemist (Vera Chapman) $3 HB VGC An exciting story set in England in the days of Sir Francis Drake and Queen Elizabeth I. Miranty is 11 years old and lives in a mansion tended by an old nurse while her father is at sea with Captain Drake. Full of charming drawings of Elizabethan life and dress. 7-11 YO http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/vera-chapman/miranty-and-alchemist.htm
Raider’s Tide (Maggie Prince) $5 PB VGC The year is 1578 and Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne. Sixteen year old Beatie, the daughter of a North Country farmer, is in conflict with her family over the matter of her proposed marriage to her cousin Hugh. She is also busy being the elder daughter and watching over her family‚ overseeing the kitchen work; riding her horse‚ Saint Hilda: and most importantly keeping a watchful eye out for the first sign of marauding Scots from over the border. 12+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raiders-Tide-Maggie-Prince/dp/0007124031
(Last update April, 2011)
