New Reads: June 2021
From pirates to quicksand ...
Now it’s finally starting to feel a little like summer, here at the coop we’re very excited at the prospect of reading out in the sunshine again!
And what better reads to enjoy in the warmth than the swash-buckling and fierce female-led adventure of Antigua de Fortune of the High Seas, and an absorbing mystery set in rural Nigeria and inspired by Yoruba mythology in Children of the Quicksands.
Intrigued? Read on to discover a little more about both of our new June books ...
Children of the Quicksands by Efua Traore
City girl Simi is sent to stay with her long-lost grandmother in a remote Nigerian village. There’s no TV, internet or phone. Not a single human-made sound can be heard at night, just the noise of birds and animals rustling in the dark forest outside.
Her witchlike grandmother dispenses advice and herbal medicine to the village, but she’s tight lipped about their family history. Something must have happened, but what? Determined to find out, Simi disobeys her grandmother and goes exploring.
Caught in the sinking red quicksand of a forbidden lake, her fantastical journey begins …
Children of the Quicksands is the winning novel from the 2019 Times Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition, and is Efua Traore’s first published book for children. Set in West Africa, this magical realist adventure is ideal for readers aged 9 and above.
Find out more here.
Order your copy now.
Antigua de Fortune of the High Seas by Anna Rainbow and Oli Hyatt
Antigua de Fortune has always had the ocean in her blood, but as the high-born daughter of an officer, she’s expected to wear dresses, stay on land – and fear the sea.
But then the Pirate King strikes, wielding his deadly turquoise magic, and kidnaps her beloved younger brother, along with every boy on the island. It’s time for Antigua to take to the high seas to rescue the stolen boys of Haven ...
Antigua de Fortune of the High Seas is a magical, thrilling pirate adventure that’s jam-packed with fun and feminist vibes with a classic feel – ideal for readers aged 9 and above!
Find out more here.
Order your copy now.
