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  • Published: 15 May 2011
  • ISBN: 9780887766091
  • Imprint: Tundra Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $22.99

Search of the Moon King's Daughter




Included in one of the 2004 YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults lists

Nominated for the White Pine Reading Program of the Durham District School Board

Gentle Emmaline loves nothing more than books and flowers and her little brother Tommy. Sadly, her idyllic country life in Victorian England comes to an abrupt end when her father dies of cholera. The family is forced to move to a mill town, where Emmaline’s mother is dreadfully injured in a factory accident. To ease her pain she takes laudanum and is soon addicted, craving the drug so badly that she sells Tommy into servitude as a chimney sweep in London. Emmaline knows that a sweep’s life is short and awful. Small boys as young as five are forced to climb naked into dark chimneys, their bare feet prodded by nail-studded sticks to keep them working. If Tommy is to survive, it is up to Emmaline to find him.

Linda Holeman brings a bygone period to life in a book of serious historical fiction for young adults.

  • Published: 15 May 2011
  • ISBN: 9780887766091
  • Imprint: Tundra Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $22.99

About the author

Linda Holeman

Linda Holeman’s work has received numerous honors. For young adults she has written a collection of stories, Saying Good-bye, and the novels, Promise Song and Mercy’s Birds. Both Promise Song and Mercy’s Birds were selected for Books for the Teen Age lists by the New York Public Library.

Also by Linda Holeman

See all

Praise for Search of the Moon King's Daughter

–School Library Journal [starred review]

“Holeman vividly portrays the many contrasts of 1830s Victorian life…and creates an engaging, well-developed protagonist who exemplifies the power of determination and love…. Diverse supporting characters, drama, suspense, and a hint of romance round things out. A compelling story…”

–Booklist

“This gripping novel draws a shockingly realistic portrait of…19th century England.”

–The White Ravens 2003, A Selection of International Children’s and Youth Literature

“Significant research and vivid imagery provide readers with an accurate and poignant image of England during its industrial coming-of-age.”

–VOYA

“…virtue finally triumphs over vice in this richly plotted Dickensian saga…”

–The Horn Book Guide

“Holeman’s…[novel] is absolutely outstanding…. While the strong storyline and vivid characterizations are sufficiently compelling to provide this book with a ‘Highly Recommended’ rating, it is the period detail that Holeman seamlessly weaves into her plot that truly sets this book apart…. One of this year’s absolute ‘must’ purchases…”

–CM Magazine

“…a powerful recreation of life in 1830s England…. Holeman packs a great deal of fascinating material into her moving portrait of the period.”

–Quill & Quire

“…a welcome addition to the outstanding list of books [Linda Holeman] has written for young people… This novel is rich in historical detail… [T]een readers…will find Search of the Moon King’s Daughter immensely satisfying and engaging.”

–Books In Canada

“This work does a good job of portraying the realities of life…in early nineteenth-century England…. In the classroom, this book could be used when discussing the social history of the nineteenth-century or the effects of the Industrial Revolution…”

–Resource Links

“…[a] gripping historical novel…”

–Toronto Star

“[Linda Holeman’s] exhaustive research and eye for detail help her to evoke the years 1830-36 with verisimilitude and to teach her readers – whether child or adult – a thing or two…. [This] is a book a young reader would be pleased to receive as a present. It is as entertaining as it is informative, possessing a great story…”

–The Vancouver Sun

“This is great writing, and a consuming read.”

–Brandon Sun

“This fine work of historical fiction navigates authentic emotional territory.”

–Today’s Parent

“We see…the kind of wisdom with which great battles are fought and won, and admire the journey she embarks upon…. Search of the Moon King’s Daughter is ahead…by just a step or two.”

–Star Phoenix

“The narrative moves swiftly…and builds to a satisfying conclusion…. Fans of historical fiction will be hooked.”

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