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The Girl Who Raced the World: a page-turning retelling of the beloved classic Around the World in Eighty Days
'A page-turning, heartfelt adventure full of intrigue, peril and fun. I loved it!' Hannah Gold, author of THE LAST BEAR.
'Astonishingly accomplished ... Full of high-stakes action and characters to root for.' Emma Carroll, author of LETTERS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE
You must take every day, every hour, every minute one tick at a time.
It is 1872 and, when Maggie Appleton's beloved mother dies, she is left with nothing but a letter for a mysterious stranger called Passepartout. With nowhere else to turn, Maggie seeks out Passepartout and, in doing so, is drawn into an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Together with Passepartout's employer, the enigmatic Mr Phileas Fogg, Maggie journeys to Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan and America, in a daring race against time to win the wager Mr Fogg has accepted.
But with a bank robber on the loose, an angry Inspector on their tail and unread secrets in her mother's letter, Maggie soon discovers that there is much more at stake than keeping on schedule to win the bet. Who can she really trust - and will she ever find out where she truly belongs?
A timeless tale of travel, treachery and trust, for fans of Katherine Rundell and Emma Carroll, bringing Jules Verne's classic Around the World in Eighty Days to life for young readers.
'Astonishingly accomplished ... Full of high-stakes action and characters to root for.' Emma Carroll, author of LETTERS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE
You must take every day, every hour, every minute one tick at a time.
It is 1872 and, when Maggie Appleton's beloved mother dies, she is left with nothing but a letter for a mysterious stranger called Passepartout. With nowhere else to turn, Maggie seeks out Passepartout and, in doing so, is drawn into an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Together with Passepartout's employer, the enigmatic Mr Phileas Fogg, Maggie journeys to Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan and America, in a daring race against time to win the wager Mr Fogg has accepted.
But with a bank robber on the loose, an angry Inspector on their tail and unread secrets in her mother's letter, Maggie soon discovers that there is much more at stake than keeping on schedule to win the bet. Who can she really trust - and will she ever find out where she truly belongs?
A timeless tale of travel, treachery and trust, for fans of Katherine Rundell and Emma Carroll, bringing Jules Verne's classic Around the World in Eighty Days to life for young readers.
- GenresMiddle Grade
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
7 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Nat Harrison
2 books5 followersNat Harrison was born on the tiny volcanic island of Ascension, in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. She spent her childhood having adventures in England and Hong Kong and has since journeyed to every continent except Antarctica (it’s next on the list).
She’s based in the UK but can usually be found exploring with her husband, and her dog, Shadow, who loves a good story.
In the past, Nat has worked as a sweet seller, burger flipper, bingo caller, and ice cream whipper. She’s also worked for some of the most well-known technology brands, living in Europe, Asia and the US.
Nat graduated with distinction from the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. The one constant across continents is Nat’s love of reading and writing (and living!) adventure stories.
She’s based in the UK but can usually be found exploring with her husband, and her dog, Shadow, who loves a good story.
In the past, Nat has worked as a sweet seller, burger flipper, bingo caller, and ice cream whipper. She’s also worked for some of the most well-known technology brands, living in Europe, Asia and the US.
Nat graduated with distinction from the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. The one constant across continents is Nat’s love of reading and writing (and living!) adventure stories.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 9, 2025
A great historical adventure with a twist of mystery! I loved that this was inspired by a different classic novel and was pulled off so well! Characters are loveable, challenges were exciting and thrilling - overall a great read!
September 30, 2025
Verne's classic rewritten from a child's perspective.
4.5 stars
Takes liberties with the original, but I thought it was a great way to connect younger readers and those living in such a different time to a classic Victorian story, character and world.
Coincidentally, I reread the original but mere months ago, on a whim. So I'm familiar with the plot and characters. I'm also (slightly less happily) familiar with the Steve Coogan/Jackie Chan filmed version (with my kids) that I also recently re-watched. And I can say that I vastly prefer Nat Harrison's rewriting and reimagining of the story to include a child character to proceedings.
It's the story as you know it - gentleman Phileas Fogg bets the Reform Club members that he can use the international transport system and timetables to travel around the globe in no more than eighty days, returning to London in time to win a massive bet. With him he takes his newly appointed French valet, Passeportout, former circus performer, who was readying himself for a life of routine and regulations in his new upper class home and position.
But into the mix comes Maggie, recently orphaned by her much loved mother, and escapee of a workhours. With a letter for old friend Passeportout. In trying to pass him this letter, Maggie is intercepted by a police officer searching for Mr Fogg, who takes her letter, causing the irate young lady to bite him and steal his notebook. It is a mere plot point to bring Maggie and her mother's old friend together, and another into the scope of Mr Fogg, who accepts the girl as a second valet on his travels, thus taking her on the famous trip in literature and geography.
For young readers, the thrill of a police officer chasing them around the globe, of Maggie never sure if her employer really has robbed the Bank of England or not, the anticipation of the contents of the letter, the many many delays and adventures and scenes of different countries... it's a story children need to read, but the original language, while not actually all that difficult, would still put most off.
I often enjoy reimaginings, seeing what newer writers can draw out of older works. And though I felt we missed the pernickity nature of Mr Fogg (he feels much warmer with Maggie around), and the princess is here exchanged for a spirited young woman called Valentine who joins the crew, we then get to see the voyage through Maggie's eyes, meet characters the adults wouldn't have met (young Jack on the ship), see the human side of Passeportout.
There are several differences in the journey and circumstances, and this felt very filmic, particularly the visual conclusion. It was however a really enjoyable, exciting and immersive children's story that will bring familiarity with literature classics that may encourage readers to try books outside their comfort zone.
One for ages 8-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
4.5 stars
Takes liberties with the original, but I thought it was a great way to connect younger readers and those living in such a different time to a classic Victorian story, character and world.
Coincidentally, I reread the original but mere months ago, on a whim. So I'm familiar with the plot and characters. I'm also (slightly less happily) familiar with the Steve Coogan/Jackie Chan filmed version (with my kids) that I also recently re-watched. And I can say that I vastly prefer Nat Harrison's rewriting and reimagining of the story to include a child character to proceedings.
It's the story as you know it - gentleman Phileas Fogg bets the Reform Club members that he can use the international transport system and timetables to travel around the globe in no more than eighty days, returning to London in time to win a massive bet. With him he takes his newly appointed French valet, Passeportout, former circus performer, who was readying himself for a life of routine and regulations in his new upper class home and position.
But into the mix comes Maggie, recently orphaned by her much loved mother, and escapee of a workhours. With a letter for old friend Passeportout. In trying to pass him this letter, Maggie is intercepted by a police officer searching for Mr Fogg, who takes her letter, causing the irate young lady to bite him and steal his notebook. It is a mere plot point to bring Maggie and her mother's old friend together, and another into the scope of Mr Fogg, who accepts the girl as a second valet on his travels, thus taking her on the famous trip in literature and geography.
For young readers, the thrill of a police officer chasing them around the globe, of Maggie never sure if her employer really has robbed the Bank of England or not, the anticipation of the contents of the letter, the many many delays and adventures and scenes of different countries... it's a story children need to read, but the original language, while not actually all that difficult, would still put most off.
I often enjoy reimaginings, seeing what newer writers can draw out of older works. And though I felt we missed the pernickity nature of Mr Fogg (he feels much warmer with Maggie around), and the princess is here exchanged for a spirited young woman called Valentine who joins the crew, we then get to see the voyage through Maggie's eyes, meet characters the adults wouldn't have met (young Jack on the ship), see the human side of Passeportout.
There are several differences in the journey and circumstances, and this felt very filmic, particularly the visual conclusion. It was however a really enjoyable, exciting and immersive children's story that will bring familiarity with literature classics that may encourage readers to try books outside their comfort zone.
One for ages 8-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
June 12, 2025
“The Girl Who Raced the World” is a debut middle grade/childrens book from author Nat Harrison. Nat Harrison has extensively travelled and visited every continent but one and she puts her experience to paper here in a modern retelling of the Jules Verne classic “Around the World in 80 Days” aimed at younger readers.
I am not a younger reader and I have never read “Around the World in 80 Days” but I have a love of middle grade books beginning from falling in love with the works of Rick Riordan and being further reinforced by the wonderful Pages and Co series from Anna James breaking my post university slump and teaching me to love the magic of reading again. “The Girl Who Raced the World” does a good job emulating that feeling inside me again.
At its heart this is a fun, cosy adventure story that will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. Orphaned Maggie is following her dying mother’s last wishes to deliver a letter to Passepartout, actions that will change her life immeasurably! Little did she know that mere hours later she would be embarking on a journey around the world and a journey to discover love, safety, and her new home.
Chased around the world by Inspector Fix (who Maggie may or may not bite on her first introduction to), and racing against the clock to return to London within 80 days, the journey isn’t all sunshine and roses. There is a ticking clock to keep them on their toes but as Mr Phileas Fogg says, you have to take it one tick at a time. Their journey takes them to France, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan, and the USA on their route around the world and along the way they meet a colourful cast of characters, some delightful and some rather less so. There are daring elephant rescue missions, a mutiny on a ship, and one of the crew even finds themselves kidnapped by bandits in the old wild west. However the whole way through the central theme is Maggie finding love, finding family, and finding “aroha” as Maggie is taught by a delightful sailor in a time of great peril!
The author does a wonderful job creating characters, both those you come to love, and those you hate. Passepartout is one of those characters that will never fail to put a smile on your face. Jack, Valentine, and Tapu are just some of the delightful characters they meet on their journey around the world and in each one Maggie finds some form of home. Mr Phileas Fogg is more reserved in his affection but time and time again shows it and gives Maggie every reason to ignore the rumours of his potentially criminal past.
I am more tempted than ever to read the original now, however if I don’t get around to it then I am content in the knowledge that Nat Harrison has done a fantastic job bringing an old story into the modern day and introducing it to a younger audience.
I am not a younger reader and I have never read “Around the World in 80 Days” but I have a love of middle grade books beginning from falling in love with the works of Rick Riordan and being further reinforced by the wonderful Pages and Co series from Anna James breaking my post university slump and teaching me to love the magic of reading again. “The Girl Who Raced the World” does a good job emulating that feeling inside me again.
At its heart this is a fun, cosy adventure story that will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. Orphaned Maggie is following her dying mother’s last wishes to deliver a letter to Passepartout, actions that will change her life immeasurably! Little did she know that mere hours later she would be embarking on a journey around the world and a journey to discover love, safety, and her new home.
Chased around the world by Inspector Fix (who Maggie may or may not bite on her first introduction to), and racing against the clock to return to London within 80 days, the journey isn’t all sunshine and roses. There is a ticking clock to keep them on their toes but as Mr Phileas Fogg says, you have to take it one tick at a time. Their journey takes them to France, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan, and the USA on their route around the world and along the way they meet a colourful cast of characters, some delightful and some rather less so. There are daring elephant rescue missions, a mutiny on a ship, and one of the crew even finds themselves kidnapped by bandits in the old wild west. However the whole way through the central theme is Maggie finding love, finding family, and finding “aroha” as Maggie is taught by a delightful sailor in a time of great peril!
The author does a wonderful job creating characters, both those you come to love, and those you hate. Passepartout is one of those characters that will never fail to put a smile on your face. Jack, Valentine, and Tapu are just some of the delightful characters they meet on their journey around the world and in each one Maggie finds some form of home. Mr Phileas Fogg is more reserved in his affection but time and time again shows it and gives Maggie every reason to ignore the rumours of his potentially criminal past.
I am more tempted than ever to read the original now, however if I don’t get around to it then I am content in the knowledge that Nat Harrison has done a fantastic job bringing an old story into the modern day and introducing it to a younger audience.
June 8, 2025
From the moment "The Girl Who Raced the World" opens, you know you’re in for an adventure that won’t let up—and it absolutely delivers on that promise. Set in 1872, this high-stakes, globe-trotting race is packed with nonstop action, emotional revelations, and a deeply personal journey of grief, identity, and belonging.
What initially hooked me was how the author never lets the tension drop. Every new destination—whether Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan, or America—comes with a fresh, unpredictable obstacle. Just when you think the characters can finally catch their breath, they’re thrown into a new storm (sometimes literally). As a reader, it’s hair-tearingly stressful in the best way. There were points where I genuinely had no idea how they were going to get out of a situation—steam trains, jungle treks, sea storms, shipboard drama… they go through everything. The pacing is relentless, but it never feels rushed. Instead, it feels like the kind of immersive storytelling that pulls you right into the chaos and wonder of the journey.
Maggie is a strong and compelling protagonist. She’s grieving, lost, and thrown into an experience far beyond anything she’s ever imagined. But what makes her stand out is her resilience and curiosity—she never becomes just a passenger in the story. Her growth, especially as she starts to uncover the truth hidden in her mother’s letter, adds real emotional weight to the action-packed plot. Her bond with Passepartout and the complex dynamic with Phileas Fogg gave the story warmth and grounding, even amid all the mayhem.
What I also appreciated was how the story blends classic adventure with heartfelt questions: Who can Maggie trust? What kind of legacy did her mother leave behind? And where does Maggie truly belong? It’s not just a race around the world—it’s a race toward understanding who you are and what kind of future you want to build, especially when the world feels like it’s moving too fast.
This is a perfect pick for fans of fast-paced historical adventures with heart, and especially for readers who love stories about brave girls carving out space for themselves in unpredictable, larger-than-life circumstances. TGWRTW is a whirlwind—but it’s also a journey about finding direction in the chaos.
What initially hooked me was how the author never lets the tension drop. Every new destination—whether Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan, or America—comes with a fresh, unpredictable obstacle. Just when you think the characters can finally catch their breath, they’re thrown into a new storm (sometimes literally). As a reader, it’s hair-tearingly stressful in the best way. There were points where I genuinely had no idea how they were going to get out of a situation—steam trains, jungle treks, sea storms, shipboard drama… they go through everything. The pacing is relentless, but it never feels rushed. Instead, it feels like the kind of immersive storytelling that pulls you right into the chaos and wonder of the journey.
Maggie is a strong and compelling protagonist. She’s grieving, lost, and thrown into an experience far beyond anything she’s ever imagined. But what makes her stand out is her resilience and curiosity—she never becomes just a passenger in the story. Her growth, especially as she starts to uncover the truth hidden in her mother’s letter, adds real emotional weight to the action-packed plot. Her bond with Passepartout and the complex dynamic with Phileas Fogg gave the story warmth and grounding, even amid all the mayhem.
What I also appreciated was how the story blends classic adventure with heartfelt questions: Who can Maggie trust? What kind of legacy did her mother leave behind? And where does Maggie truly belong? It’s not just a race around the world—it’s a race toward understanding who you are and what kind of future you want to build, especially when the world feels like it’s moving too fast.
This is a perfect pick for fans of fast-paced historical adventures with heart, and especially for readers who love stories about brave girls carving out space for themselves in unpredictable, larger-than-life circumstances. TGWRTW is a whirlwind—but it’s also a journey about finding direction in the chaos.
August 12, 2025
4.5-5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Piccadilly Press for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I am always a bit iffy with people adapting a classic, but what I liked about this is that Nat wasn't trying to write Around the World in Eighty Days. She's taken the heart of the original, but created a completely original story, even if the backdrop to the story is the same
I loved her description of place. Our lead character Maggie visits places I've never been to, but she starts in London, a place I know well, living only about 20 minutes outside of it. But she's managed to make it so evocative that it's like I'm travelling to an unknown city, rather than on my doorstep, and I think that's more impressive to me than the foreign countries.
I was immediately enraptured by this story, by the character, by the travels and the adventure.
We have the classic characters of Phileas Fogg, Jean Passepartout, and Detective Fix that anchors this story to the original, but she's then introduced fresh new names to keep the story evolving. I loved the trio of Fogg, Passepartout, and Maggie, they're like this little dysfunctional family and they're great together.
There's thrills, spills, shocks and surprises, adventure, fun and humour.
I don't think it's an either/or situation with this book. I think you can read the original and this one and get something completely different from them. Whilst the original might be thought of as an adult book now (I believe it was originally published as a children's book) due to its old-fashioned language, this book gives younger readers a chance to discover and fall in love with the story.
I don't believe this is a sequel to the original and it's not necessarily necessary here, but I could see Nat writing some more adventures for our characters. It'll be interesting to see where she goes from here.
Thanks to NetGalley and Piccadilly Press for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I am always a bit iffy with people adapting a classic, but what I liked about this is that Nat wasn't trying to write Around the World in Eighty Days. She's taken the heart of the original, but created a completely original story, even if the backdrop to the story is the same
I loved her description of place. Our lead character Maggie visits places I've never been to, but she starts in London, a place I know well, living only about 20 minutes outside of it. But she's managed to make it so evocative that it's like I'm travelling to an unknown city, rather than on my doorstep, and I think that's more impressive to me than the foreign countries.
I was immediately enraptured by this story, by the character, by the travels and the adventure.
We have the classic characters of Phileas Fogg, Jean Passepartout, and Detective Fix that anchors this story to the original, but she's then introduced fresh new names to keep the story evolving. I loved the trio of Fogg, Passepartout, and Maggie, they're like this little dysfunctional family and they're great together.
There's thrills, spills, shocks and surprises, adventure, fun and humour.
I don't think it's an either/or situation with this book. I think you can read the original and this one and get something completely different from them. Whilst the original might be thought of as an adult book now (I believe it was originally published as a children's book) due to its old-fashioned language, this book gives younger readers a chance to discover and fall in love with the story.
I don't believe this is a sequel to the original and it's not necessarily necessary here, but I could see Nat writing some more adventures for our characters. It'll be interesting to see where she goes from here.
January 26, 2026
The Girl Who Raced The World by Nat Harrison is a fabulous debut children’s historical novel. It is perfect for the eights and over. Whatever your age, this novel will entertain you. It is a re-telling of Around The World In Eighty Days but with a young orphan girl at the centre.
The year is 1872 as we join young Maggie delivering a letter from her late mother to a stranger called Monsieur Passepartout. This is to be the start of an adventure of racing around the world in eighty days following a bet from Mr Fogg at his gentleman’s club in London.
The trio race across stormy seas and continents, having adventures and meeting new people whilst trying to dodge an inspector from Scotland Yard who believes Mr Fogg to be guilty of theft.
Along the way there are words of wisdom and kindness. “Family is them what cares for you.” For Maggie, alone in the world, this is priceless.
New friends give help and guidance. “There is no debt among friends.” People do what they do for love, expecting nothing back. “There is nothing we cannot do if we do it together.” We are stronger together.
In the jungle we meet Kiouni, a captive elephant and also a young boy held captive. The trio are appalled at their captivity, and set about freeing them both.
Whilst in London we hear about the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace that took place in 1850. The world is on the brink of the modern age.
Maggie’s mum left her with some wise words: “Sometimes Mamam had said… ‘rules need to be broken in order to do the right thing.’” This holds Maggie in good stead for her adventures.
All the characters were well drawn. Their excitement at new adventures is catching. Some are kind and offering friendship. Others are full of derring do. All work well together.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl Who Raced The World. I am hoping there will be many more books from Nat Harrison.
The year is 1872 as we join young Maggie delivering a letter from her late mother to a stranger called Monsieur Passepartout. This is to be the start of an adventure of racing around the world in eighty days following a bet from Mr Fogg at his gentleman’s club in London.
The trio race across stormy seas and continents, having adventures and meeting new people whilst trying to dodge an inspector from Scotland Yard who believes Mr Fogg to be guilty of theft.
Along the way there are words of wisdom and kindness. “Family is them what cares for you.” For Maggie, alone in the world, this is priceless.
New friends give help and guidance. “There is no debt among friends.” People do what they do for love, expecting nothing back. “There is nothing we cannot do if we do it together.” We are stronger together.
In the jungle we meet Kiouni, a captive elephant and also a young boy held captive. The trio are appalled at their captivity, and set about freeing them both.
Whilst in London we hear about the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace that took place in 1850. The world is on the brink of the modern age.
Maggie’s mum left her with some wise words: “Sometimes Mamam had said… ‘rules need to be broken in order to do the right thing.’” This holds Maggie in good stead for her adventures.
All the characters were well drawn. Their excitement at new adventures is catching. Some are kind and offering friendship. Others are full of derring do. All work well together.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl Who Raced The World. I am hoping there will be many more books from Nat Harrison.
August 23, 2025
“The story of what occurred at the Reform Club on the evening of the twenty-first of December 1872 would be told and retold, until no one could remember fact from fiction.
But there was one detail upon which everyone agreed.
There was a young girl at the centre of it all.”
This is the premise of this hair-raising tale, based on Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, set in 1872.
When her mother dies, Magnolia (Maggie) Appleton is only left with a letter to a mysterious stranger, Passepartout. She seeks him out on Savile Row, where he’s a valet for a Mr Phileas Fogg.
I’d forgotten what a fantastical journey this was. Nat Harrison curates this adventure from London through Egypt to India, Hong Kong, Japan, San Francisco and an extremely nail-biting dash back to London. With news of a bank heist and a detective hot on their heels.
Young readers will love traveling from Bombay to Allahabad on an elephant, and an uplifting sleigh ride from Nebraska to Omaha.
“One is never alone where adventure is concerned.”
I promise at least one tear-inducing moment at the end of this book, apart from the climactic ending. I appreciate that young readers are able to access this 19th century tale all over again.
📚: @definitelybookskids
But there was one detail upon which everyone agreed.
There was a young girl at the centre of it all.”
This is the premise of this hair-raising tale, based on Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, set in 1872.
When her mother dies, Magnolia (Maggie) Appleton is only left with a letter to a mysterious stranger, Passepartout. She seeks him out on Savile Row, where he’s a valet for a Mr Phileas Fogg.
I’d forgotten what a fantastical journey this was. Nat Harrison curates this adventure from London through Egypt to India, Hong Kong, Japan, San Francisco and an extremely nail-biting dash back to London. With news of a bank heist and a detective hot on their heels.
Young readers will love traveling from Bombay to Allahabad on an elephant, and an uplifting sleigh ride from Nebraska to Omaha.
“One is never alone where adventure is concerned.”
I promise at least one tear-inducing moment at the end of this book, apart from the climactic ending. I appreciate that young readers are able to access this 19th century tale all over again.
📚: @definitelybookskids
October 6, 2025
This was a fun, middle-grade reimagining of Around the World in 80 days, where our main character Maggie gets roped into joining the rich Mr Fogg and his valet, Passepartout, to do exactly that.
This book set the right balance of adventure and character development, and by the end of the book you'll end up more invested in the various character's side plots than the central 80-day voyage. The only thing I felt lacking was the descriptions of each of the places they visited; while this was a whistle-stop world tour, India was the only country that got any real, distinctive mention - every other location (Egypt, Hong Kong, Japan...) was just a brief description of a port, before another ship was boarded. For a book set around the world, I was really craving more of these international experiences! However, the tone of writing perfectly captured the 1800s setting of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!
This book set the right balance of adventure and character development, and by the end of the book you'll end up more invested in the various character's side plots than the central 80-day voyage. The only thing I felt lacking was the descriptions of each of the places they visited; while this was a whistle-stop world tour, India was the only country that got any real, distinctive mention - every other location (Egypt, Hong Kong, Japan...) was just a brief description of a port, before another ship was boarded. For a book set around the world, I was really craving more of these international experiences! However, the tone of writing perfectly captured the 1800s setting of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!
May 24, 2025
I sped through this proof as though I’d made a wager to finish it as fast as possible—and what a journey it was! From the bustling streets of London to the far corners of the world, this story is brimming with heart, history, and high stakes.
It’s a sweeping adventure filled with rich historical detail, boundless hope, and a cast of vividly drawn characters. With themes of courage, found family, and the search for belonging, this is an unforgettable tale—one sure to steal your heart. I LOVED IT.
It’s a sweeping adventure filled with rich historical detail, boundless hope, and a cast of vividly drawn characters. With themes of courage, found family, and the search for belonging, this is an unforgettable tale—one sure to steal your heart. I LOVED IT.
April 7, 2025
Breathing life back into Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne for beloved fans and new readers. This authors debut will have you holding your breath, turning each with a frenzy and leaving cups of tea to grow cold.
The journey Maggie goes on will bring tears to a readers eye and fill their heart with hope. I found myself wanting to turn to the first page to just journey with these characters again.
The journey Maggie goes on will bring tears to a readers eye and fill their heart with hope. I found myself wanting to turn to the first page to just journey with these characters again.
October 26, 2025
The Girl Who Raced the World, aimed at middlegrade readers, is fast paced, gripping adventure story was an absolute joy to read from start to finish. Maggie is such a kind and courageous protagonist and I also loved the character of Valentine (who joins them half way through their journey). The maps peppered throughout the text charting the progress of their voyage are a delightful addition, too.
May 1, 2025
A rollicking good adventure!
October 8, 2025
My son devoured this adventure in a few days and I plan to read it too! We actually stared reading it together, but he went ahead of me at school and just zoomed through it.
October 15, 2025
A fantastic adventure, wonderful characters and the pace is just superb, it will have you racing along right there with them! Brilliant and five stars.
November 6, 2025
tears in my EYES 10/10 no notes
February 13, 2026
A great new version of an old favourite and a wonderful way to share it with my grandchildren.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews