Young Exile

by Eliane Whitehouse

It is 1849 and fourteen year old Jess has lost her entire family to typhoid fever. Jess is forced to leave her London home when her Aunt arranges a position for her half way around the world in New Zealand. Abandoned and confused Jess sets foot in a new country clutching only a few possessions including her mothers journal. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 1996

Reviews

[andrea Garcia]

I first read this book when I was 9 or 10, and loved it so much I re read it several times as a young tween. As an adult now, I've managed to track down an old copy of the book, and have been reading it to my children, 4 and 7. They have been gripped by the story (as have I!), and ask me to read more and more each night. It's worth noting that it's aimed at a slightly higher age than this! I'd suggest at least 10, if not 12-13, for this book. Even so, the kids have enjoyed it and coped well with things like family members dying etc. It's been a good opportunity to talk about history as we make our way through the chapters.
I can say I've enjoyed this book just as much as an adult as I did when I was only 10!