THE
SCaR
GatHErER
FROM THE PRESS
"One measure of a good read is the pleasure felt on discovering that there is a sequel, and these stories meet that criterion."
School Library Association, February 2016, Review Bonus
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"... Julia Edwards has a clear writing style and an eye for detail ... she paints a lucid picture of a boy's growing awareness of the adult world, and the range of burgeoning feelings he has for his friend."
Primary Times, Wiltshire edition, Autumn 2015
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"Descriptions of London and the historical events contained therein are well done, so the book can act not only as a fast-moving adventure, but also as a vivid introduction to the period."
Historical Novel Society, HNR Issue 79, February 2017
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FROM SCHOOLS
"There was a real buzz around the school when the books arrived on the students’ desks. They are completely hooked on her writing and copies of her books are being read in every room in the school. Our school library ordered some additional copies of Julia’s books to help cope with the demand from students wanting to borrow the series and they’ve been flying out of the library ever since – we even have a waiting list for those wanting copies to loan."
​Helen Brown, English teacher and Y4 teacher, The English School, Gothenberg, Sweden
"A thrilling read which really brings history alive!"
Neil Baker, Headteacher, Christ Church Primary School
"Your book is a huge success as a class reader ..."
Pam Gregory, Year 5/6 teacher, Corsham Regis Primary Academy
" ... I will definitely be using the book for our class reader and in Guided Reading sessions this academic year as I have had such positive feedback from the children in my class who bought the book. Having read it to my own children, I thoroughly recommend it, and we are really looking forward to starting the next one in the series! "
Rebecca Reid, Year 3 teacher, Christ Church Primary School
FROM THE CHILDREN THEMSELVES
Making it on
I was very excited to be sent a Minecraft retelling of The Leopard in the Golden Cage, sent to me by Elise in Minnesota (made with no help at all from her dog, Molly!). Those of you who've been paying attention will have guessed already that my favourite scene is the loo scene, though I love the leopard too! You can see Elise's full Minecraft book report here. Thank you, Elise!
... plus more conventional reviews ...
"I love The Ring from the Ruins. I think it is the best of Julia Edwards' Scar Gatherer books and it has the most intriguing, inventive plot. The story is based in World War Two and it is a helpful window into what life would have been like for ordinary people during the Liverpool bombing. I would recommend this book strongly for readers aged 10 to 14 who enjoy adventure books and like discovering facts about history. It is a thrilling and very enjoyable book and I think it is the perfect finale for a wonderful book series."
Jonathan, aged 11
"I am from the English School of Gothenburg, Sweden. I loved all the workshops you did with us in class. I bought The Scar Gatherer series and I am on the fifth book now. When I started reading the book I just loved it! I couldn't stop reading. I love all the books that I have read from this series. It does not matter how many times you read, it is always interesting! I have recommended this series to my friends. I have learnt a lot about different time periods in the series. I hope you continue to write many more books."
Annika, aged 11
"The Shimmer on the Glass is the best book in the series so far as it was a real page turner and I really got stuck into it. I liked the amount of description in the setting, it helped to give the impression you were really there. I think the best bits were the very end where all the loose ends were tied up and I also liked the start, the bit where he was on the sinking boat as it was very tense. "
Reuben, aged 11
"I really enjoyed The Shimmer on the Glass. It had loads of mysteries. The characters were well described and I could imagine them in my head. I could imagine the setting as well and the street and the part where he went to the cove and found the loose rock. My favourite part of the book was where he was taking the pictures with Mr Carraway. I thought the end of the book was best because you found out all the answers to the mysteries."
Lilia, aged 9
"Hello Julia Edwards! Do you remember coming to Winterslow school? I have read all of your books and I can't wait for the next book. My favourite part in The Demon in the Embers is when Joe and Tobias are fighting and Joe gets Solomon to ... [spoiler deleted!] ... Just saying thank for writing all of these books I love all of them."
Ben, aged 11
"At first it seemed like a normal book. Something happens to the hero, then they save the day and everyone lives happily after. But the book is full of twists, such as when Tiberius ...[spoiler deleted!] ... I was up to 11 o'clock reading it because I could not put it down."
James, aged 14
"I really liked this for many reasons.... This might sound gory but one of my favourite bits of the book was when Joe and Tiberius ... [spoiler deleted!] ... Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it is one of my favourite books - and I'm not just saying that."
Jeanie, aged 10
If you'd like to send me a review of one of my books, please do! Better still, please put a review on Amazon or goodreads! Thanks!
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