Do not be deceived by the apparent innocence of this book. Emily Rodda has written a sophisticated story within a story that takes the reader down some dark and frightening routes.

On a school excursion gone awry, four students and their teacher find themselves staying in an abandoned house for the night. A book is discovered, and by candlelight the haunting story of Walter and Sparrow’s love is revealed. It appears to be a fairytale, set in days long past, but is it? And why does the house appear to not want the story read?

It’s a fairytale, it’s a ghost story, it’s a love story. There are elements of Stephen King in this book: young people on the cusp of adulthood who see the truth that adults are blind to and who follow their hearts and intuition even when it seems absurd. However, Rodda has written with a gentle hand and this book will not give children nightmares, but it will move them (I hope).

This book has won oodles of awards, and rightly so. It is also, apparently, Rodda’s favourite book; I can certainly see why.

Highly recommended for readers from age 9+.

Everyone needs a place to call home. The Shop at Hoopers Bend is about a finding that home, and sometimes that home finding you. There is a touch of stardust sprinkled throughout this story, but I would not classify this as fantasy. The characters that Rodda has created are real, with real sorrow and longing in their hearts. I have to say that I was totally entranced by this book. There are so many books written now for younger readers that deal with the harsh realities of our world. This novel doesn’t skate around these issues, but handles them with a gentle touch.
I highly recommend this book for middle primary + readers.