Writing in the voice of a child and supporting the radicals against the establishment, Sandi Toksvig leaves an impression of courage in the face of adversity.

History is brought convincingly and absorbingly to life

Sandi Toksvig’s mini-epic is a roller-coaster of a read that races headlong through an important slice of history bringing it vividly to life as it does so . . . Sandi Toksvig brings alive important-to-know radical history by dressing it up in a fine coat of adventure.

Well researched and accurate . . . Fascinating

Slim is an engaging character who makes friends with all kinds of people along the journey, facing up to danger and grief with great courage. There are important themes running through the book, including the power of storytelling, literacy, freedom of speech, and equality . . . It’s also a good, pacey story written with humour and understanding, and well lined up for the next instalment

Mandy's multiple dilemmas are sympathetically unravelled in this super story of true friendship

Treading a sensitive, complex path among ethical, social and family issues, and dealing with bullying, illiteracy and friendship, this is a skilfully judged story that provokes lots of discussion