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Wendy Macdonald

The Astrolabe by Susan Arnott & Our Enemy, My Friend by Jenny Blackman

by
August 2005, no. 273

Reading a handful of primary-school-age historical novels in swift succession underlines the commonality of stratagems for encouraging young readers to engage with the past. First, there is the need to find a credible child role to focus on. Then, since adventure in historical times fell largely to the lot of boys, a female interest has to be introduced, or, with some contrivance and loss of credibility, the main role handed over to a girl in disguise.

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