Victorians

The Victorian era has inspired countless authors so there are plenty of stories to choose from when you're studying this as your class topic. Hop into a time machine and go for a hilarious cup of tea with the Queen herself or read Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather to find out what life was like as a foundling child.

Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson, Illustrator Nick Sharratt

London, 1876. Hetty Feather is a tiny, fiery-haired baby when her mother leaves her on the steps of the Foundling Hospital. Sent to live with a foster family in the country until she is big enough to go to school, Hetty plays vivid imaginary games with her foster brothers. Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus, and Hetty is mesmerised by the show - especially the stunning Madame Adeline and her performing horses. An original, compelling and utterly fascinating tale from Jaqueline Wilson, and now a major CBBC series and a theatre show.

Tilly and the Time Machine by Adrian Edmondson

Tilly is seven and a half - and about to make history.

When Tilly's dad builds a time machine in the shed there's only one place she really wants to go: back to her sixth birthday party, when she ate too many cupcakes and her mummy was still here.

But then something goes wrong! Tilly's dad gets stuck in the past and only she can save him . . . Will they make it back in time for tea?

Dodger by Terry Pratchett

Dodger is a tosher – a sewer scavenger living in the squalor of Dickensian London.

Everyone who is nobody knows Dodger. Anyone who is anybody doesn’t.

But when he rescues a young girl from a beating, suddenly everybody wants to know him.

And Dodger’s tale of skulduggery, dark plans and even darker deeds begins...

The Extraordinary Cases of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Through the foggy streets of Victorian London to the deepest countryside, Sherlock Holmes uses his unique powers of deduction in eight thrilling investigations, including the mysteries of 'The Speckled Band' and 'The Reigate Puzzle'.