Ettie and the Midnight Pool

Rich in atmosphere and intrigue, Ettie and the Midnight Pool takes the reader on a chilling adventure. Ettie has lived with her grandmother since her mother left her to travel the world. Grandma lives a life of self-sufficiency; there is no mention of TVs, mobile phones or internet. Instead, Ettie learns the ways of nature - how to harvest apples, to feed chickens, to plant seeds.

When she isn't helping Grandma, Ettie roams the countryside surrounding the cottage and it here one day that she comes across a mysterious and captivating girl. Ettie is immediately drawn to Cora. Cora is aloof at times; she is wise and has an air of confidence and intrigue that Ettie is enamoured by. Soon, Ettie is escaping the cottage and lying to grandma just to spend precious time with Cora.

The reader senses that something is amiss with Cora and the desire to discover her truths will keep the pages turning long after lights are meant to be out! Rich in atmosphere and laden with descriptive details of the rural landscape, readers will conjure up vivid images of the shadowy glades and will gasp as they plunge with the girls into the icy cold waters of the quarry pools. Ettie's frustrations at grandma's over-protectiveness will strike a chord with many. Ettie wants to be free. She wants to have Cora's independence and her bravery, but this, as Ettie will soon discover, is not all that it seems.

Beautifully written with references to Greek mythology, Julia Green's tale is exciting yet poignant. Perfect for readers who love a twist in the tale.

256 pages / Reviewed by Jo Clarke, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+