Hidden Treasure

About this book

When 12-year-old Bo finds a beautiful moon-like jewel while mudlarking on the banks of the Thames, she knows it’s something special. She fancies the river even whispers to her as she picks it up. 

It’s a memorable day – the day her older brother marches off to war in France – and a rich man desperately chases her, wanting the jewel.

Bo and her new friend Billy River hear of an old, lost ballad about the jewel, and its sun-like counterpart, and a magical ritual to do with the river. Can they track down the ballad and evade the grasp of the greedy adults who have their own plans for the jewels? 

Jessie Burton’s first story for younger children is beautifully written, with themes of loss and grief effortlessly woven into a gripping story. Bo is a fiercely independent character – very sure of her identity as a mudlark in South London – and she has to consider loyalty and friendship, as well as confront grief.

The First World War is a backdrop to this story, but the focus is very much on Bo’s reality. There are some great twists in this tale, and several dramatic and haunting scenes. Overall, a gripping magical adventure.