Fifth class pupils from Taunagh N.S. in Riverstown, Co. Sligo recently reviewed one of our books, Rebellion in the Village. This adventure novel was written by children in Scoil Ursula, Sligo Town together with writer Mary Branley. Pupils from Taunagh have been studying the French Revolution and as Rebellion in the Village is set during that historical period, Principal Linda McMahon was keen to engage her pupils with the novel.

Laureate na nÓg, Eoin Colfer, said of the novel: ‘It is an astonishing achievement for such young writers … The pacing is breathless and draws the reader through the story, desperate to find out what will become of Leon.’

So what did the children have to say?

‘I would recommend this book because it is fast-paced and exciting. You really want to find out what happens to Leon and Louis. The book was of a high standard and inspired me to write my own stories.‘  – Daniel

‘If you like reading about adventures and a bit of sadness, while learning a bit too, then this is the book for you.’ – George

‘It’s really exciting and there was always something going on. In addition, the book is written by someone nearly the same age as us … From reading this book, I have learned that people were very vulnerable and that diseases that are easily cured today could have killed someone back then.’ – Lara

‘It’s interesting and is fast paced. They don’t describe events for too long and it’s exciting.’ – Lewis

‘It has very unexpected events that make the book more interesting as you go along … I have learned that it was very hard and stressful for people during the French Revolution because their minds would never be at peace because of all the fighting and worries.‘ – Nancy

Find out more about Rebellion in the Village here.

Thank you to Principal Linda McMahon and to everyone in fifth class in Taunagh N.S.

Read the reviews in full!