The Midwatch
$25.02
- Hardcover
320 pages
- Release Date
1 October 2024
Summary
From Judith Rossell, internationally bestselling author–illustrator of Withering-by-Sea, comes The Midwatch, a multi-award-winning Australian novel that’s perfect for middle-grade readers who love cosy mysteries, thrilling adventures and strong female characters.
‘The city was stuffed full of wickedness, everyone knew that …’
Banished to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways and Unwanted Girls, Maggie Fishbone is sure she’s in for a life of drudgery. B…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781761212369 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1761212362 |
| Author: | Judith Rossell |
| Publisher: | Hardie Grant Children's Publishing |
| Imprint: | Hardie Grant Children's Publishing |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 320 |
| Release Date: | 1 October 2024 |
| Weight: | 548g |
| Dimensions: | 31mm x 222mm x 160mm |
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What They're Saying
Critics Review
‘Gasp-out-loud brilliant! An absolute treasure of a book.’
— KATRINA NANNESTAD, bestselling author of We Are Wolves
‘I was hooked from the beginning … Move over Lemony Snicket!’
— KAREN FOXLEE, award-winning author of Lenny’s Book of Everything
‘Welcome all treasure-hunters and mystery-solvers to the Midwatch Institute … [where] disobedient girls are not to be underestimated!’
— AMELIA MELLOR, award-winning author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World
‘A cracking concept, sensational characters and absolutely smashing pictures: The Midwatch is the cat’s pyjamas!’
— JACLYN MORIARTY, award-winning author of the Kingdoms and Empires series
★ ‘[An] extraordinary adventure … Rich, quirky language and a well-imagined early-20th-century setting … provide an immersive backdrop for the girls’ foray into detective work … Terrifically evocative black-and-white illustrations extend the narrative … Cinematic, amusing, and exciting: a slightly subversive, delightfully empowering, all-around winner.’
– Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
★ ‘[A] subversive and captivating examination of adventure, lifelong learning, and sisterhood…Action and adventure abound in this German- and art deco–inspired world, which comes to life via b&w illustrations throughout.’ – Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ ‘[T]he Institute’s imaginative details are what steal the show. Secret entrances, hidden rooms, a rooftop ropes course, disguises, a multi-tool made to look like a doll—it’s a spy fan’s dream…As [the girls] gain skills and confidence, they also find belonging and madcap adventure. Jeepers, it’s thrilling!’ – Booklist, starred review
★ ‘[W]ill delight [readers]…[A] joyful world of nonstop suspense that manages to be a mashup of Charles Dickens and Roald Dahl …Intriguing, comical sidebars delineate these lessons … There is empowerment galore as Maggie and her Midwatch pals perform James Bond-like feats — as well as prose full of madcap energy and glorious humor … Rossell’s wonderfully imaginative illustrations heighten the creative fun. Like the Harry Potter series, this book centers on a rather unusual school — but, instead of magic, this one is based on girl power, smarts and ingenuity. A zany romp, filled with humor, attitude, kindness and edge-of-your seat adventure.’ – BookPage, starred review
‘Judith Rossell has created a marvellous adventure mystery accompanied by atmospheric illustrations that make The Midwatch an appealing package for ages 9 to 12.’ – Readings
‘The Midwatch is an engrossing story with all the elements of a modern classic — perfect for young readers who love to be transported to another era.’ – ABC News
‘Absolutely winning adventure tale brimming with awe-inspiring characters.’ – The Sydney Morning Herald
‘Holy mackerel, this is a delightful and wild ride of a book! Judith Rossell spins and illustrates an appealing, retro tale of airships, motorcars, monsters, jewel thieves, and a school for tween girl crimefighters …Young readers will see themselves reflected in the personalities, interests, and inner worries of the characters, and cheer their moments of triumph … Strong messages of friendship, courage, teamwork, [and] hard work to learn helpful skills … Families can talk about stories of outcasts and misfits, like the ‘useless’ characters in The Midwatch, who come together, have fun, and do important, interesting things instead of being limited by those who scorn them.’ – Common Sense Media, 5-star review
‘Fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Mysterious Benedict Society will love The Midwatch. Featuring beautiful black-and-white illustrations and “Useful Things Every Girl Should Know” this is a whimsical, adventure-packed mystery.’ – Geek Girl Authority
‘Set in the early 20th century, this clever book is a fun adventure that’s perfect for summer reading lists.’ – We Are Teachers
‘The girls at the Midwatch Institute are an essential reminder that we all are stronger than we realise, and that with a little teamwork we can tackle anything. Filled with mystery, adventure, cool gadgets and secret tunnels, this is an absolute delight!’ – Dominic Smith, Underbrush Books
‘[Mini-lessons on] useful skills for solving crimes and keeping the city safe … add levity to the story … The plot builds to an exciting climax above the city! … [The book has similarities to] The School for Wicked Witches …[It is] refreshing and the immediate comaradery between characters is very enjoyable. Overall, this book will make readers feel positive and entertained and I recommend.’ – YABC
‘Enola Holmes meets Millicent Quibb in an orphan story replete with quirky world building, perilous spy missions, girl power, a touch of magic, and lots of cake. But fair warning: ordinary school is going to seem awfully boring once your kids get wind of this one … The witty dialogue and suspenseful plot are accentuated with intricate black-and-white art on nearly every page … This is the stuff that middle grade dreams are made of!’ – Melissa LaSalle, @thebookmommy
‘Judith Rossell tells Maggie’s story with a whimsical flair. With a tone reminiscent of the Lemony Snicket books, Rossell’s prose is smart, snappy and laced with a dash of snark, making for a delightful read…[It] features lovely black-and-white illustrations…This is a fun one to read by yourself or out loud.’ – Cracking the Cover Blog
- A May/June 2025 Kids’ Indie Next List Pick
- An Amazon ‘Top 20 Children’s book of the year so far’
- An Amazon ‘Best children’s books of 2025 so far: ages 9 to 12’
- An Amazon ‘Best Book of June for Ages 9-12’
About The Author
Judith Rossell
Judith Rossell is the multi-award-winning author-illustrator of the bestselling Stella Montgomery series (Withering-by-Sea, Wormwood Mire and Wakestone Hall). Judith has written fifteen books and illustrated more than eighty. Her work has been published in the US and UK, and translated into more than twenty languages. She has been a Writer in Residence in Heidelberg, Germany, and run illustration workshops with children around the world. She teaches at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and the Australian Writers’ Centre. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.
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