About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to navigate the complexities of divided loyalties or the ethical weight of keeping a secret for the right reasons. It is a contemplative historical drama that moves beyond simple heroics to explore the internal life of a young girl, Lum, living on the remote Isles of Scilly during the English Civil War. When she discovers a Royalist boy hiding from the Parliamentarian Roundheads, she is forced to weigh her own safety and her family's neutrality against her emerging sense of compassion. While set in the 17th century, the emotional core is timeless: it deals with the isolation of being an outsider and the quiet, often invisible bravery required to help someone in need. The story is atmospheric and slowly paced, making it ideal for readers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy immersive historical settings and character-driven narratives. It offers a gentle yet profound look at how small, individual choices can create a sanctuary of kindness in the midst of a larger, frightening conflict.
