Midwinter Burning

A historical time-slip adventure for middle grade readers, from the Carnegie Medal-winning author of Apache and Buffalo Soldier.

Alfie Wright? Alfie Wrong, more like. Alfie has never really fitted in anywhere – he doesn't have any friends, and even his mum seems embarrassed of him. So when he’s evacuated to a farm in rural Devon run by kind old Aunt Bell and her gentle giant of a son, Alfie can’t believe his luck. The War seems a long way off, and among the cows and pigs and geese Alfie's happier than he’s ever been – especially when he makes friends with one of the local boys, Snidge. But Snidge, for all his friendliness, is not all he appears. And the mystery that surrounds him seems to be connected to the Midwinter Burning, an annual ritual held at the Standing Stones, high up on the cliffs. Aunt Bell says it’s all just a bit of harmless superstition, but when Snidge goes missing, Alfie finally discovers who his friend really is – and relives the true horror of the legend…

Landman is a natural storyteller, always engrossing. The Times
A thrilling, compelling timeslip novel for 9+ from a Carnegie-winning author, with echoes of Goodnight Mr Tom and Stig of the Dump Children and teens roundup, Guardian
a gripping, original blend of Goodnight Mr. Tom, and The Wicker Man […] An outstanding story about how courage can redeem both past and present. New Statesman
featured in 'Young & YA Reads' list in BookTime BookTime
"This exhilirating, historical time-slip adventure has moments of real terror as well as joy, and is perfect for fans of Phil Earle, Clive King, and Philippa Pearce." -- Charlotte Eyre The Bookseller

Tanya Landman has written numerous books for children and young people, including Buffalo Soldier, winner of the Carnegie Medal; Apache, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the BookTrust Teenage Prize; The Goldsmith's Daughter and Hell and High Water, shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize; and the Sam Swann and Poppy Fields mystery series - the first of which, Mondays Are Murder, won the Red House Children's Book Award. Most recently she has turned her hand to historical novels and classic retellings for middle-grade readers, and she also wrote the picture book The Song of the Nightingale, illustrated by Laura Carlin and shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Tanya lives in Devon. Visit her at

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.