When Jack discovers an old cradle in an antique shop he immediately senses its significance. What he soon finds out is that it connects him to the past, and he must travel back in time to save a family in Eyam from a very deadly plague.

Review Merging fact with fiction Linda Kempton cleverly weaves her tale of Jack, a boy destined to help the villagers of Eyam survive a dreadful plague. The only twist is that Jack lives in 2008 and he must travel back to 1665 in order to fulfil his destiny.

Kempton evokes an excellent atmosphere; her description of the village is an accurate portrayal of a past Derbyshire town, providing clear impressions of what life used to be like, even describing the awful stench. She transports her readers into a time long ago, explaining our ancestors’ beliefs and way of life. This exciting and interesting tale has excellent cross-curricular links with History and the study of the actual plague of Eyam. Its relatable characters and fast paced exposition are sure to appeal to children studying at Key Stage 2 level. This is a very likable story; it’s lively, fun and has doses of desired tension. Just don’t let your pupils be put off by the rather dull cover!

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2008-08-04