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Plague: Outbreak in London, 1665 - 1666
London is in the grip of a terrible plague and Daniel has been locked in his own home, doomed to die alongside his infected family. Can he find a way to escape before he catches the disease, too? And with the streets full of criminals and corrupt plague doctors, who can he turn to if he does? A thrilling story about a young boy's fight to stay alive during one of history's deadliest epidemics.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2017
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About the author
Tony Bradman
650 books43 followersTONY BRADMAN graduated from Cambridge University and worked in journalism for many years as an editor and reviewer. Now a full-time author, he has produced several successful anthologies for young readers for Random House Children's Books, including three focusing exclusively on football: the FOOTBALL FEVER titles.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 8, 2018
Quick read that can produce some questions, especially with regards to the roles of individuals in the time period being written about (1665-1666). If a teacher wanted to use it for a quick historical fiction unit or a unit about the time period, it'd suffice. It definitely feels like it was written more to be for a teacher's use rather than to interest a child, though.
There are a few moments where you kind of question parts of what's being written; there's a small part where the chronology gets shifted (with talks about Cromwell doing things and then Henry VIII), and that makes it weird for anyone who knows the order of events. The fact that the Puritans were described as "people who don't let you have any fun," even in a kids' book, is a bit absurd; they were far worse than that, and I think even adults of the time wouldn't have hidden that from their children (especially if they disagreed).
Not horrible, but also not brilliant.
There are a few moments where you kind of question parts of what's being written; there's a small part where the chronology gets shifted (with talks about Cromwell doing things and then Henry VIII), and that makes it weird for anyone who knows the order of events. The fact that the Puritans were described as "people who don't let you have any fun," even in a kids' book, is a bit absurd; they were far worse than that, and I think even adults of the time wouldn't have hidden that from their children (especially if they disagreed).
Not horrible, but also not brilliant.
August 9, 2020
This younger middle-grade book gives a good idea of what it was like during the Great Plague.
It was very easy to get behind the protagonist at the start of the story. Daniel had to abandon his sick mother in the hope that he survived. He had already lost other members of the family to the plague.
When his plan A failed, Daniel found himself working for three different men in the city. The rogues took advantage of the mayhem and despair. But there were good men about too and he was fortunate to meet one of them.
This is the perfect read for children who want to learn more about this key historical event in London. At the back of the book there is also notes on the key events that happened, both during the plague and around that time, as it was a tumultuous time in English history. A good read.
It was very easy to get behind the protagonist at the start of the story. Daniel had to abandon his sick mother in the hope that he survived. He had already lost other members of the family to the plague.
When his plan A failed, Daniel found himself working for three different men in the city. The rogues took advantage of the mayhem and despair. But there were good men about too and he was fortunate to meet one of them.
This is the perfect read for children who want to learn more about this key historical event in London. At the back of the book there is also notes on the key events that happened, both during the plague and around that time, as it was a tumultuous time in English history. A good read.
September 24, 2019
A highly enjoyable fictionalised account of a boy called Daniel who loses his family during the plague and who is trying desperately to survive on the streets .
Full of drama and sadly very honest accounts of this terrible period in history.
Topped off with an interesting epilogue full of facts and figures.
The novel gives a child's view and immediacy of history for other children to learn from and is a brilliant read.
Full of drama and sadly very honest accounts of this terrible period in history.
Topped off with an interesting epilogue full of facts and figures.
The novel gives a child's view and immediacy of history for other children to learn from and is a brilliant read.
July 12, 2020
Interesting, historically accurate account of life in London during the Plague. Through the eyes of Daniel. the author takes a period of history and brings it to life through his eyes. As the story progresses, he meets a variety of characters, giving the reader insight into a cross section of society.
August 1, 2022
Just borrowed this from the kids' section at my local library.
It was a quick read for me, a good storyline, although not much was happening throughout the last half. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to children who have an interest in history, especially London history. There is even factual information under sub-headings after the story is finished.
It was a quick read for me, a good storyline, although not much was happening throughout the last half. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to children who have an interest in history, especially London history. There is even factual information under sub-headings after the story is finished.
January 22, 2018
3.5 stars!
RTC
RTC
July 6, 2020
4 ⭐
(4 stars)
(4 stars)
August 27, 2021
Listen, I know it's for kids but the historical inaccuracies and the wildness of this plot is really something
July 21, 2025
great read for a quick read, perfect for older kids learning about the plague and what it was like. facts at the end too!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews