Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll: what to read next

Focussing on the experiences of a small group of individuals, Safiyyah’s story shines a spotlight on an under-recognised pocket of resistance from World War II when hundreds of Jews were led to safety via underground passages from the Grand Mosque in Paris.

This is a thrilling tale, with the expertly described Tudor world brought to hideous, harsh life with the same verve as Patrice Lawrence’s award winning teen books Indigo Donut and Orangeboy. 

This moving tale centres around two eleven-year-old girls, Usha – a quiet introvert grieving for her grandmother – and Imtiaz, who grew up in a children’s home and has been adopted by Usha’s family. Packed full of history, this poignant novel about family secrets and broken promises explores some of the injustices faced by generations of migrants to Britain. 

When Ginika meets a boy who lives in the sea, they strike up a secret friendship – but what will happen when he gets ill? A very exciting, unusual and truly imaginative adventure story which is expertly told.

Can Nic and her friends find the mysterious Msaidizi in time to save her dad? A cracking action-packed magical adventure – highly recommended.

Readers of all ages will fall in love with this neurodivergent, beret-rocking protagonist. Thankfully, the promise of a sequel suggests that they can be reunited with her soon. 

Ramya must save her Hidden Folk friends in Edinburgh from the deadly Sirens – but she’s been cruelly betrayed. A thrilling fantasy that celebrates difference.

It’s the Second World War and while everyone else is evacuated to the countryside, 12-year-old Joseph ends up in the city with a woman who owns a zoo. A beautifully written historical adventure story, which will take readers on an emotional and exciting journey.

Can Nush find her family’s emerald in Queen Victoria’s palaces? A jewel of a book – shining a light on historical events through memorable characters and a pacy plot. 

Found in a bear cave when she was a baby and raised by her foster mother, Yanka has always wondered who she really is. Readers will be gripped by her quest to find out in this marvellous tale inspired by Russian folklore.

Abi Elphinstone’s magical adventure is full of close calls, fantastical creatures and deliciously evil villains to savour in a tale that already feels like a children’s classic.

Ella’s going through a lot of changes – a new home, a new school, and a big family secret to keep under wraps. But how far will she go to stay friends with popular girl Lydia? An enormously entertaining read that will strike a chord with many young readers.

Clarry and Peter love spending their summers in Cornwall with their cousin Rupert, but how will things change when he enlists for the First World War? A hugely evocative, powerful and impressive story.

A wonderfully unpredictable, gothic-feeling fairy tale where the lines between reality and fantasy are deliciously blurred and the downtrodden female characters emerge strong and self-reliant.

Penniless and shoeless, 11-year-old Matt leaves home and walks to Washington DC in search of a new life. Taken in by the kindly Janey, he helps in her café. But, entranced by a customer’s tales of adventure on the high seas, Matt starts to dream of sailing the world. 

Can Lizzie and Belle solve an attempted murder in eighteenth-century London? A cracking mystery inspired by real Black historical figures.

This dark, exciting novel delves into the world of religion versus science in the late 1800s, and twists towards a thrilling climax.

Set in the seventeenth century amid the bleakness of winter in Eastern Europe, and inspired by vampire folklore, this is a superbly crafted, dark and menacing tale.