Monday, February 7, 2022

The Secret Starling by Judith Eagle and Jo Rioux - HIGH

 The Secret Starling by Judith Eagle, illustrated by Jo Rioux, 249 pages. Walker Books (Candlewick), 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Clara Starling is an orphan and lives with her uncle in Braithwaite Manor in Yorkshire. Her uncle does not like children and is very cold and unfriendly with Clara. She does not attend school, but is educated by various governesses who barely lasts a month because of her uncle and all his harsh rules. One day her uncle leaves her in the village with a lot of money in her pocket. Once Clara returns to the manor house, she finds herself alone and a "For Sale" sign outside. Along with a boy Peter, she find an old ballet slipper under a floorboard and they decide to investigate. What secrets will they uncover while investigating? Who is after them, and can they stay ahead of those that want to hurt them?

I loved the story. It is well written and the characters are well developed and strong and spunky. They are good kids caught up in a situation they don't understand. They do their best to unravel the mystery of how all that happens to them is somehow connected. The villains in the book are vile and dangerous. I think that students would really love this book if introduced to it in a book talk. Despite the dull cover, I highly recommend this one.  You'll just have to hand sell it.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

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