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.
The Astrolabe: Adventure in the southern seas by Susan Arnott
Lothian, $14.95 pb, 176 pp
Our Enemy, My Friend: My story by Jenny Blackman
Scholastic, $16.95 pb, 169 pp
All Fall Down by Susan Geason
Little Hare, $14.95 pb, 134 pp
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