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Rivet Boy
Don't Look Down...
When 12-year-old John Nicol gets a job at the Forth Bridge construction site, he knows it’s dangerous. Four boys have already fallen from the bridge into the Forth below. But John has no choice—with his father gone, he must provide an income for his family—even if he is terrified of heights.
John finds comfort in the new Carnegie library, his friend Cora and his squirrel companion, Rusty. But when he is sent to work in Cain Murdoch’s Rivet Gang, John must find the courage to climb, to face his fears, and to stand up to his evil boss.
Rivet Boy is the latest children's novel from award-winning author Barbara Henderson.
'I loved it' TOM PALMER
'Henderson reaches new heights with her fabulously gripping historical adventure—absolutely riveting!' SUSAN BROWNRIGG
'Packed with fascinating historical detail, real-life peril and exciting adventure—a riveting read!' LINDSAY LITTLESON
When 12-year-old John Nicol gets a job at the Forth Bridge construction site, he knows it’s dangerous. Four boys have already fallen from the bridge into the Forth below. But John has no choice—with his father gone, he must provide an income for his family—even if he is terrified of heights.
John finds comfort in the new Carnegie library, his friend Cora and his squirrel companion, Rusty. But when he is sent to work in Cain Murdoch’s Rivet Gang, John must find the courage to climb, to face his fears, and to stand up to his evil boss.
Rivet Boy is the latest children's novel from award-winning author Barbara Henderson.
'I loved it' TOM PALMER
'Henderson reaches new heights with her fabulously gripping historical adventure—absolutely riveting!' SUSAN BROWNRIGG
'Packed with fascinating historical detail, real-life peril and exciting adventure—a riveting read!' LINDSAY LITTLESON
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2023
16 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 2, 2023
It's 1888. John Nicol is only twelve years old, but with his mum, little sister, and grandfather depending on his earnings, he has no choice but to apply for a job building the Forth Bridge. He doesn't have a head for heights, but he can't let that stop him.
It's not just the heights he needs to be afraid of, though. He soon makes the enmity of the Murdoch family of briggers, and there are no more dangerous places to have an enemy than high on the struts above the Firth of Forth.
It's not all bad, though. He makes friends with an injured squirrel and an engineering-mad girl, and spends his free time in the new Carnegie Library in Dunfermline reading Stevenson and Dickens. He has also acquired an autograph book - but where is a lowly rivet boy going to find celebrities worthy of adding to his collection?
Barbara Henderson has written yet another superb Victorian adventure, based on real people and real events. You can almost feel the vertigo when John is climbing the bridge, and the fact that many people, including boys, actually died during construction adds greatly to the poignancy of the story. There's a gripping adventure, too, not just grim historical reality, and John's story is fleshed out with his home life, his reading, and his autograph hunting. Mr Peebles the librarian and Cora the wannabe engineer are charming and believable characters, too.
The iconic Forth Bridge is almost a character in itself, looming large over the events of the story. The bridge holds a special place in my memories - I used to live in Edinburgh, went to university in St Andrews, and my dad worked at Inchkeith Lighthouse in the middle of the Firth of Forth, so I've crossed the bridge or marvelled at it from afar a thousand times.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves drama, realism, the Forth Bridge, or squirrels.
It's not just the heights he needs to be afraid of, though. He soon makes the enmity of the Murdoch family of briggers, and there are no more dangerous places to have an enemy than high on the struts above the Firth of Forth.
It's not all bad, though. He makes friends with an injured squirrel and an engineering-mad girl, and spends his free time in the new Carnegie Library in Dunfermline reading Stevenson and Dickens. He has also acquired an autograph book - but where is a lowly rivet boy going to find celebrities worthy of adding to his collection?
Barbara Henderson has written yet another superb Victorian adventure, based on real people and real events. You can almost feel the vertigo when John is climbing the bridge, and the fact that many people, including boys, actually died during construction adds greatly to the poignancy of the story. There's a gripping adventure, too, not just grim historical reality, and John's story is fleshed out with his home life, his reading, and his autograph hunting. Mr Peebles the librarian and Cora the wannabe engineer are charming and believable characters, too.
The iconic Forth Bridge is almost a character in itself, looming large over the events of the story. The bridge holds a special place in my memories - I used to live in Edinburgh, went to university in St Andrews, and my dad worked at Inchkeith Lighthouse in the middle of the Firth of Forth, so I've crossed the bridge or marvelled at it from afar a thousand times.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves drama, realism, the Forth Bridge, or squirrels.
September 18, 2025
Rivet Boy by Barbara Henderson
☀️☀️☀️
Thank you to Affirm Press for sending me a copy of this lovely little book!
A simple uplifting tale based on the true story of a young rivet boy who survived a fall during the construction of Scotland's Fourth Bridge in the late 1800's.
This book was very quick to read but did manage to pack in quite a lot of detail. John's family life, his work colleagues and his friends Cora and the librarian Mr Peebles all got an adequate amount of attention so that nothing felt underdeveloped in relation to anything else. I enjoyed the relationships bourne between unlikely friends (including Rusty the squirrel). John's arc from a scared little boy into a confident young man was handled well considering the page count.
The tension drawn from the Murdoch family was age appropriate and utterly believable (which feels particularly appropriate given the equally disliked Australian Murdoch empire). The autograph book as an analogy for John's growing confidence was a lovely addition, and its importance by the end of the story is great.
This was an eye opening tale that makes me want to learn more about the history. It was easy to read and includes some photos at the end which seal the deal on this blend of fact and fiction.
"No more reading and arithmetic and thinking about all sorts of interesting ideas. No more chasing my friends in the park after lessons. From now on, my life will be wind and rain, coal, sparks, flames, glowing metal and hammer blows.
When you put it like that, it sounds almost adventurous, and I'll settle for that."
☀️☀️☀️
Thank you to Affirm Press for sending me a copy of this lovely little book!
A simple uplifting tale based on the true story of a young rivet boy who survived a fall during the construction of Scotland's Fourth Bridge in the late 1800's.
This book was very quick to read but did manage to pack in quite a lot of detail. John's family life, his work colleagues and his friends Cora and the librarian Mr Peebles all got an adequate amount of attention so that nothing felt underdeveloped in relation to anything else. I enjoyed the relationships bourne between unlikely friends (including Rusty the squirrel). John's arc from a scared little boy into a confident young man was handled well considering the page count.
The tension drawn from the Murdoch family was age appropriate and utterly believable (which feels particularly appropriate given the equally disliked Australian Murdoch empire). The autograph book as an analogy for John's growing confidence was a lovely addition, and its importance by the end of the story is great.
This was an eye opening tale that makes me want to learn more about the history. It was easy to read and includes some photos at the end which seal the deal on this blend of fact and fiction.
"No more reading and arithmetic and thinking about all sorts of interesting ideas. No more chasing my friends in the park after lessons. From now on, my life will be wind and rain, coal, sparks, flames, glowing metal and hammer blows.
When you put it like that, it sounds almost adventurous, and I'll settle for that."
February 6, 2024
This was a Time Tunnelers competition prize, Barbara Henderson is a Time Tunneler!
Superb story of a boy John whose father dies in Australia before he is born. He and his mother are in the United Kingdom still. John loves school, he likes Maths and he loves to read. For his 12th birthday his mother arranges for him to join the library - he cannot believe that there are so many books he can just borrow and he allows the librarian to help him choose.
But in 1888, the day after his 12th birthday, he must become the family breadwinner - his grandfather can no longer do it and the money raised for he and his mother after his father's death only lasted until he was 12. His job, he has to work on the Forth Road Bridge.
He enjoys the workshops but he's terrified of heights and the first gang he is put with do not want him. So much so that John ends up falling into the river. He is pulled put unharmed and the gang are sacked for his accident, his new gang are so much better.
I was praying for what happened at the end!
Superb story of a boy John whose father dies in Australia before he is born. He and his mother are in the United Kingdom still. John loves school, he likes Maths and he loves to read. For his 12th birthday his mother arranges for him to join the library - he cannot believe that there are so many books he can just borrow and he allows the librarian to help him choose.
But in 1888, the day after his 12th birthday, he must become the family breadwinner - his grandfather can no longer do it and the money raised for he and his mother after his father's death only lasted until he was 12. His job, he has to work on the Forth Road Bridge.
He enjoys the workshops but he's terrified of heights and the first gang he is put with do not want him. So much so that John ends up falling into the river. He is pulled put unharmed and the gang are sacked for his accident, his new gang are so much better.
I was praying for what happened at the end!
September 23, 2025
What a wonderful story. I'm loving stories set in Victorian times more and more and this was very interesting.
This incredible story is based on the real John Nicol who was twelve years old when he had to start working to support his family. He gets work as a rivet boy on the incredible engineering feat - the Forth bridge joining Dunfermline and Queensferry over the Firth of Forth.
As a young boy who loved school and loved reading, to have to give that up would have been heartbreaking, but John took it in his stride and was determined to excel at his new role. He overcame an intense fear of heights to each day climb the ever higher cantilevers that were stretching over the river.
This is a touching tribute to John Nicol and to the workers, both young and old, that perished while working on the bridge. While the story has been fabricated, to a degree, the happenings and people involved are all real.
I thoroughly enjoyed this little step back in time and find it extremely interesting to learn more about this time period and the incredible engineering feats achieved.
This incredible story is based on the real John Nicol who was twelve years old when he had to start working to support his family. He gets work as a rivet boy on the incredible engineering feat - the Forth bridge joining Dunfermline and Queensferry over the Firth of Forth.
As a young boy who loved school and loved reading, to have to give that up would have been heartbreaking, but John took it in his stride and was determined to excel at his new role. He overcame an intense fear of heights to each day climb the ever higher cantilevers that were stretching over the river.
This is a touching tribute to John Nicol and to the workers, both young and old, that perished while working on the bridge. While the story has been fabricated, to a degree, the happenings and people involved are all real.
I thoroughly enjoyed this little step back in time and find it extremely interesting to learn more about this time period and the incredible engineering feats achieved.
February 26, 2023
Written for young readers, Rivet Boy is a compelling story of a 12 year old boy forced to leave school to become the breadwinner after his father dies in a tragic accident. After securing work with the rivet gangs on the Forth Rail Bridge, John needs to face his fear of heights with little help from the tricky characters he’s paired to work alongside. His fears are not helped by the tragedies surrounding him as others fall to their death from the structure. John finds solace in the local library as he develops a love of books, with one special book playing an important role in his story.
Based on the true stories of those who bravely faced immense dangers building the Forth Rail Bridge, the book blends fact and fiction beautifully. A sweet story that I will remember every time I pass the bridges.
Based on the true stories of those who bravely faced immense dangers building the Forth Rail Bridge, the book blends fact and fiction beautifully. A sweet story that I will remember every time I pass the bridges.
December 23, 2023
John becomes the breadwinner for his family when he turns 12. His father died in a work place accident and he is forced into manual labour, working on building the Forth Bridge as a rivet boy, in order to bring home money to support his family.
John is confronted with many challenges during his employment, facing his fear of heights, working with dishonest people and long days spent in dangerous work conditions. While he longs for days spent improving his education and furthering his knowledge, he knows the importance of his work and that his family are dependent on him.
There are many events in this book to keep the reader engaged, however, there is also a lot of prior knowledge required to truly comprehend the storyline which I feel the targeted audience (upper primary students) would lack.
John is confronted with many challenges during his employment, facing his fear of heights, working with dishonest people and long days spent in dangerous work conditions. While he longs for days spent improving his education and furthering his knowledge, he knows the importance of his work and that his family are dependent on him.
There are many events in this book to keep the reader engaged, however, there is also a lot of prior knowledge required to truly comprehend the storyline which I feel the targeted audience (upper primary students) would lack.
August 30, 2024
"Rivet Boy," while not entirely riveting—pardon the pun—offered an enjoyable journey through the history of the Forth Bridge's construction in Scotland in the late 19th century. I pondered why children's books often miss the mark for adults. I concluded that it's due to the simplicity of the plot and the predictability of the characters. John Nicol, the 12-year-old protagonist who works on the bridge to support his family, was portrayed without flaws. I prefer characters with more complexity. Nevertheless, the book is valuable for children to learn about history, early science and engineering, labour rights, class issues, and themes of bravery. The concept of an autograph book effectively integrated many of these themes. The narrative also touched on the subject of women in science. I imagine this would be a good novel for upper primary students.
June 27, 2023
This was such a great read! Barbara Henderson really is a master of historical fiction, drawing readers into John Nicol's world as he reluctantly takes on a job as a young riveter and family breadwinner on the Forth Rail Bridge. I really felt for John as he struggled to conquer his fear of heights on the dangerous bridge, and worried for him (with justification, as it turns out!) when he had to work with the nasty Murdochs! I learned so much about the real history behind the Forth Rail Bridge without even realising it as I whizzed through this wonderful book. This is definitely one that needs to be in every school classroom to get kids hooked on history and adventure.
March 2, 2023
This would not ordinarily have been a book I chose to read but with so many raving reviews, I had to read it. What a read it was! Anyone interested in the Victorian era must surely read this. There is so much to learn and I feel all the wiser for reading it. A story written with passion and empathy for an era of great advances, challenges and ingenuity. Thank you Barbara for bringing the inspirational life of a brigger to the masses. I shall treasure this book and the story it contains. Long may history inspire the stories of the future.
March 18, 2023
This is an engrossing historical adventure, set around the building of the Forth Bridge in late 19th century Scotland. John Nicol has to overcome his fear of heights and a very un-welcoming work gang to earn money for his family. Sub-plots centre on his frequent visits to the local library and the growing collection of autographs in his little book. The author builds the tension well. The chapters are short and snappy. Very readable, with plenty to absorb about working conditions and even a nod to the formation of the Women's Engineering Society. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2024
I read this book to my pupils at school and it was much enjoyed, both by them and myself. Living in Edinburgh ourselves, we are all very familiar with the Forth Road Bridge, so it was very interesting learning about how the construction of the first bridge came about. The story line was fun and the author did a nice job weaving all the prominent characters into the story. I'll be looking out for other novels for kids by Henderson!
May 22, 2024
a wonderful story
A fantastic story of adventure and challenges as John Nicole is part of building the bridge over the river Firth.
Great for adults and middle school readers alike.
A fantastic story of adventure and challenges as John Nicole is part of building the bridge over the river Firth.
Great for adults and middle school readers alike.
October 31, 2025
My primary 5 class absolutely loved this book! Being in Edinburgh too, they were able to visualise where parts of the story were taking place. They loved exploring and analysing the characters and plot. Definitely recommend😊
February 24, 2023
A wonderful story - a very historically interesting setting and characters who you really get to know and love. I think this is a fantastic novel for older children and for adults too.
March 20, 2024
Charming story of a historical event.
January 24, 2025
I'm generally not a fan of historical fiction, especially for children... but this was pretty good.
August 4, 2025
what a fun, quick read based on historical people both famous and not so famous but equally important!
October 9, 2025
It’s 1888 when John Nicol has to leave school and start working. He is only 12 years old but due to circumstances declared the breadwinner of the family and therefore got accepted to work on the Forth Bridge construction site in Edinburgh.
It’s a dangerous job and he can’t tell anyone that he is scared of heights and worried that he will be the next boy to fall to his death. But his family needs him and he is determined to do his best.
Happy Publication Day! Rivet Boy by Barbara Henderson is out in the wild today (in Australia) and it was an absolute pleasure to read this historical fiction story for young readers - or for readers like me who just love a great story.
There was so much to love about this. I am always fascinated by the construction of a bridge and have stood several times in front of our Sydney Harbour Bridge and not only mused about the bridge itself but even more so about the people who built it.
This story is based on real people and in particular a young boy for a different perspective. A boy who would have loved to continue school and who got a library card as birthday treat. I could say more but don’t want to spoil the story. I happily recommend reading his book.
Thank you @affirmpress and @scattyscribbler for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book was a gift but opinions are all my own. #reviewbook
It’s a dangerous job and he can’t tell anyone that he is scared of heights and worried that he will be the next boy to fall to his death. But his family needs him and he is determined to do his best.
Happy Publication Day! Rivet Boy by Barbara Henderson is out in the wild today (in Australia) and it was an absolute pleasure to read this historical fiction story for young readers - or for readers like me who just love a great story.
There was so much to love about this. I am always fascinated by the construction of a bridge and have stood several times in front of our Sydney Harbour Bridge and not only mused about the bridge itself but even more so about the people who built it.
This story is based on real people and in particular a young boy for a different perspective. A boy who would have loved to continue school and who got a library card as birthday treat. I could say more but don’t want to spoil the story. I happily recommend reading his book.
Thank you @affirmpress and @scattyscribbler for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book was a gift but opinions are all my own. #reviewbook
August 15, 2023
Amazing book! Definitely worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews