An 'Out of the Smoke' Short Story Part 3 Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 Once the group was safely back in the dim warmth of the kitchen, Daniel turned to Clara and held out a hand. "Give it here, young lady," he growled. Clara hesitated, then with a scowl she took out... Continue Reading →
What was life like as a child worker in Victorian England? Facts about child labour, and fun activities for children and classrooms.
An 'Out of the Smoke' Short Story Part 2 Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 The group trudged through the darkened streets, heads bent low against a freezing wind that seemed to have come straight from the pole. Robert kept half an eye on Clara, but he soon realised he need not have... Continue Reading →
An 'Out of the Smoke' Short Story Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence... Continue Reading →
At 3.30 on Tuesday morning my alarm rang out. After considering turning it off and burying my head in my pillow, I dragged myself out of bed, washed and dressed, and proceeded to carry eight enormous boxes of books from our first floor flat to the boot of my car outside. By 4.30 I was... Continue Reading →
Book Group 3, in our home education group, is loud, fun and interactive; and this group of 10 to 12 year olds wanted an adventure book next.
This is the beginning of my latest novel, released in October 2020 and available to order now. It was inspired by the life and work of the Victorian MP and philanthropist Anthony Ashley Cooper, the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. The book follows eleven-year-old Billy, a chimney sweep (or 'climbing boy' as they were known) as... Continue Reading →
Matthew Wainwright, Children's Author 