This is a gripping supernatural thriller and one of those rare books that makes the reader want to put life on hold for as long as it takes to finish it. The writing is breathtakingly good and whilst tackling some serious issues it also delivers a storyline that is superb. Meet Solomon, a boy who is bullied who finds solace in the local graveyard, but when an evil spirit threatens a young girl he must confront his demons in order to try and save her.
Whispers in the Graveyard is a gripping, powerful and haunting story. Solomon is bullied by his teachers and feels let down by his parents: his father drinks too much and his mother has left him. His refuge is in the local kirkyard among ancient graves that lie in the shadow of the rowan tree, the only thing that grows there. Then workmen uproot the tree and as it decays a strange power is unleashed. Solomon hears whispers and first-grader Amy Miller dreams of a strange lady with an alluring song. Solomon finds out the kirkyard was both the site of a witch hunt and the burial place for small pox victims. Did the witch leave a curse for the miller's descendants? Solomon must uncover the mysteries of the past and save Amy.
The Guardian 'Totally convincing... Gripping to the last';
The Times 'breathtaking';
The Daily Telegraph 'a terrific read';
Books for Keeps 'quality etched right through';
The Independent 'one of those rare books that makes you want to put your life on hold for as long as it takes to finish it... Formidably good writing, full of wit and wisdom, from which children will go away encouraged rather than demoralised at the possibilities of the human condition.'
Author
About Theresa Breslin
Theresa Breslin is the critically acclaimed author of over 30 books for children and young adults whose work has been filmed for television, broadcast on radio, and is read world-wide in many languages. A respected contributor to professional journals, she is passionate about children’s literature and literacy. She travels extensively, doing research for her books and speaking at international conferences and book festivals.
She won the Carnegie Medal, the UK’s most prestigious award in children’s literature, for Whispers in the Graveyard, her compelling story of a dyslexic boy. Before taking up writing full time Theresa worked as a librarian. Her books range from those for younger readers such as The Magic Factory series to middle readers like Bullies at School and the four Dream Master books - funny time-slip adventures exploring aspects of storytelling. She writes books for children and young adults, with some titles especially suitable for EAL readers. Divided City, exploring themes of prejudice, friendship, citizenship and conflict resolution has been shortlisted for ten book awards, winning the Catalyst Book Award and the RED Book Award. She has a range of historical novels including the The Nostradamus Prophecy and bestselling Remembrance and The Medici Seal, touching on the life of Leonardo da Vinci and shortlisted for the Book Trust Teen Book Prize and the Royal Mail Children’s Book Award. She has also written shorter books - her most popular title being Alligator, published as a play for schools.
