The Accidental Stowaway

Esme Leonard- known as Patch- never meant to stowaway on the steamship, RMS Glorious. However, chased by a constable for a crime she did not commit whilst in pursuit of a boy with a skate which is hers, she needs to find a hiding place quickly. When the ship sets sail whilst she is still on board, she realises she has become an accidental stowaway. Luckily, she is a resourceful and capable child, used to fending for herself, but a couple of new friendships certainly help her settle on board, hiding in plain sight. However, things quickly become complicated and a mystery needs solving before the Glorious arrives in New York…

Judith Eagle can always be relied on for an excellent read! Both ‘The Secret Starling’ and ‘The Pear Affair’ are stories which I regularly recommend - and ‘The Accidental Stowaway’ will be joining them!

Often cross and outspoken, Patch is a wonderful character whose complicated background makes her incredibly adaptable and independent. As the story progresses, she shows herself to be loyal and courageous and you find yourself rooting for her at every step of her adventure, desperate for her to have a ‘happy ending’. Lillian and Turo, friends she makes on board, are equally engaging, helping her to solve the mystery they uncover on board- and adding to it! Once exposed, the baddies are deliciously horrible, making the children’s triumph all the more pleasing.

Settings are always something Judith Eagle describes brilliantly and each location Patch finds herself in is vividly portrayed with an effortless skill which enables the reader to visualise each scene. This is one of the many reasons ‘The Accidental Stowaway’ would make an excellent class read, offering inspiration as well as a great story.

Out in August, this is one NOT to be missed!

The Accidental Stowaway Judith Eagle, illustrated by Kim Geyer

Faber ISBN: 978-0571363124

Published in August!

You can read my review of ‘The Pear Affair’ here.