Book Band: Dark Red - Ideal for ages 10+ An exciting adventure set in revolutionary France which tells the true story of a swashbuckling hero Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, whose mother was an enslaved African woman and whose father was a French noble. Alex is happy living with his brothers and sister on his father's farm on Haiti but his father wants to go back to France and can't afford to take his mixed-race children with him. Soon, Alex must fight for his freedom... and that of France. From a slave on the streets of Port au Prince to a general in the French army, the dramatic true story of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas' life (the inspiration for his son's book The Three Musketeers) is brought to life by award-winning author, Catherine Johnson. Featuring exciting black-and-white illustrations by Rachel Sanson, this book is perfect for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com. 'Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed ... Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.' Books for Keeps

Thrilling historical adventure set around the backdrop of the French revolution from award-winning author Catherine Johnson. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like Geraldine McCaughrean and Patrice Lawrence and features online guided reading notes by the CLPE, ideal for getting children reading independently in Key Stage 2.

About the Author
Catherine Johnson is the author of many books for children and young adults, including Sawbones, which won the Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction, The Curious Tale of the Lady Caraboo, which was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2016 and the YA Book Prize, and Freedom which was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal in 2019 and won the Little Rebels prize. Rachel Sanson is an illustrator of children's books and is currently based in Bristol, UK. Originally from a tiny town in the North of England, she graduated from the University of Lincoln with a degree in illustration. Rachel loves to work on children's fiction but most enjoys illustrating weird and wonderful characters and scenes.

Reviews
I learnt three things from the synopsis alone. -- David Nicholls * Author of "One Day", "Us" and "Starter for Ten" *
Catherine Johnson is one of our best writers of historical fiction [...] It's riveting, irresistible reading, the kind of true life adventure that inspires readers to find out more, and to rethink their own view of the world. Don't miss. * Books for Keeps *
Written in clear, concise language, this dark red banded book is action packed, and at a time when most news articles are concerned with equal rights for all, this makes it the ideal book for any classroom or home bookshelf. [...] Although many KS2 readers are reluctant to be seen reading colour-banded books, this is most definitely a 'real book'. With short chapters and supported by detailed black and white illustrations by Rachel Sanson, this is an ideal read for a child who perhaps prefers fact to fiction. -- ReadingZone
A swashbuckling dash through the extraordinary career of Alexandre Dumas's father -- Imogen Russell Williams * TLS *
A fabulous book for children who dream of stepping back through time to other periods of history. Despite being a relatively short read, this is a book that draws a fabulous line between accessibility and detail. -- Starlight and Stories * starlightandstories.com *



Book Information
ISBN 9781472972552
Author Catherine Johnson
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Bloomsbury Education
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 102g