About the Book:

No.
Not the Palace.
Anywhere but the Palace.

12-year-old Alexander Buchan was once content, training as a falconer at Strathbogie Castle in Huntly. But when his Earl sends him to Edinburgh to the court of the newly arrived Mary, Queen of Scots, the boy finds himself lured into a world of intrigue, terror and treachery. Alexander knows right from wrong, but how can he hope to outwit his master's murderous messenger'? Surely no one can defy an Earl – especially one whose wife is rumoured to be a witch!

Soon, more than the boy’s own life is at stake: his friend Lizzie is arrested and the angry clouds of Reformation Scotland gather around the young Queen.

It seems that Alexander must spy – or die.

Reviews:

The Boy, The Witch & The Queen of Scots is a thrilling, gripping historical adventure. SUSAN BROWNRIGG, Children’s Author

The action started straight away which will hook children in. RACHEL BRUCE, Teacher and Historian

A fascinating glimpse into the past – perfect for the primary classroom. STEVEN KENYON, Teacher Educator for English and History

I was completely gripped by this page-turner! Barbara has tapped into a truly unique perspective of one of Scotland’s most fascinating eras! TRACY HARROWER-RENNIE, Teacher and Historian

A fascinating, historical adventure! I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns in the story and I loved that it was rooted in historical accuracy. The book contains many themes which would ignite and inspire children to learn more about this time period. I was kindly sent an early review copy and I found the plot very engaging and the characters were well written. The story telling made you feel like you were there, witnessing the plot first hand with Alexander and Lizzie! CASEY McCORMACK, GoodReads

Full of intrigue, adventure and treachery, it is totally gripping. HELEN, BookSirens

INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS

These resources have been assembled and come in four parts:

Part 1: Preliminary activities and historical background

Part 2: Chapter-by-chapter comprehension/discussion questions for The Boy, the Witch and the Queen of Scots – including reflection, inference, evaluation, analysis and VOCP.

Part 3: Classroom activities (interdisciplinary learning designed to be used throughout the novel study).

Part 4: Useful links to Historic Environment Scotland resources relating to Mary Queen of Scots, and to other relevant sites and organisations.

They are suitable for use within classes from P4-S1 covering Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes for English and Literacy, Drama, Art and Health and Wellbeing among others.

You are welcome to order class sets through your usual channels. If you are interested in purchasing directly from Luath, please get in touch here.