*Shortlisted

Review by Sienna Rai, age 8, St Albans High School for Girls
This book is about the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, called Grace Darling. Grace has a happy life with her family. Despite her fear of boats, she helps people who are drowning or shipwrecked. This story is set in the 1830s. Her adventure begins when a steamship called the Forfarshire is shipwrecked on Harcar Rock. Grace begins the rescue with her father.

I found the book interesting because I learnt about life in a lighthouse. It is also inspiring how courageous Grace is.
My favourite character is Job, who is Grace’s older brother. He is a kind and caring older brother. He looks out for Grace and teaches her how to sail. It was also interesting to read how Grace’s mother’s character evolved as the story unfolded.

I was excited by the setting of the story as I have never been to a lighthouse and, through the story, it felt real. It made me want to visit a real working lighthouse. I imagine that living next to the sea would be peaceful, with the sounds of crashing waves, but also adventurous.

The author wrote the book using clever language, especially in the descriptions of the key moments of the story. The characters’ emotions were described very well, so much so that they could be felt.

Overall, the book made me feel on edge because of the events that took place. It also inspired me to persevere and be brave. It reminds me of times when I need to be courageous, such as when I am trying something new or facing something difficult.
My favourite part was when Grace grows as a person as she attends the shipwreck.

I would recommend this book for ages 8–11, especially to those who like adventure, the sea, or are interested in history.

Rating: 10/10

Review by Casey-Rose, Year 6, Dallas Road Community Primary School, Lancaster
I really enjoyed reading this book and it kept me interested throughout. I liked the setting and the adventures including shipwrecks and lighthouses. Grace was a very inspiring character and I admired her bravery. I didn’t know anything about these events before I read the book and now I know lots about this famous event and the amazing lady Grace was.
I would really recommend it to other readers as it teaches you lots about history and keeps you gripped. I liked the setting by the sea and the description and just wish it had been a longer book because it is very good.

Review by Tasniim, Age 10, Oliver Goldsmith Primary School
I liked the book because it had a young girl called Grace who had 3 sisters and 4 brothers and after most of them left, she learnt the true meaning of being alone. It was set in the 1800s. It was sad that Job passed away in December. They lived in a lighthouse and they had a dog called Happy that reminded their mum about her old dog. I thought the book was thought-provoking because there were many scenes where the characters were in serious danger and had to figure out the solution on their own. For example, Grace had to row a boat by herself in strong winds and she remembered what her siblings had told her before which encouraged her to row the boat herself even though it was dangerous.