The Great Phoenix of London
By Author / Illustrator
Lindsay Galvin
Genre
Historical Fiction
Age range(s)
9+
Publisher
Chicken House
ISBN
9781915026972
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
12-09-2024
Synopsis
An exciting new middle-grade historical adventure from the bestselling author of Darwin's Dragons. London, 1666. When fire breaks out, 11-year-old Gil is separated from his family in the chaos. One of his few remaining possessions is a mysterious ball of rock that fell from the sky. As he races to beat the inferno spreading across the city, neither he, nor his new friend Jennet, has any idea that the stone in his satchel is an unhatched bird of myth and fire. And that there are some who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a legendary phoenix . . .
The fourth middle-grade historical adventure by hugely successful and critically acclaimed Lindsay Galvin. A unique spin on the infamous tragedy with Galvin's original mix of mythology, history and science. The Great Fire of London is a favourite National Curriculum teaching topic. A touching animal friendship at the heart of the story.
Praise for Lindsay Galvin: 'Galvin is a thrilling storyteller' Telegraph.
Reviews
Jacqueline
The place is London and the year is 1666. When fire breaks out, Gil is separated from his family and has to try and find his mother as the city burns. He carries with him a mysterious stone which others show an interest in. When the stone hatches, Gil finds himself looking after a creature of mythology and legend.
Lindsay Galvin has a real talent for blending historical stories with the fantastical. This clever blending means the phoenix seems almost real and possible in this setting. The level of research brings the story of the Great Fire of London vividly to life and the adventure is as breathtaking as the fire itself.
The cover and inside illustrations by Steve Wells are magnificent. Added to that the quotes from Pepys and maps showing the spread of the fire, this book brings history to life. Schools often cover this period of history and I can see this book making a good class book to read aloud for KS2 / ages 8+. I enjoyed it so much I read it in one go.
352 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 9+