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The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice

By Maggie Jankuloska
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice by Maggie Jankuloska is set in 1665 and takes readers on an exciting adventure in a plague-ridden English town. Twelve-year-old Marie is thrust into the role of assisting a rat-catcher as she navigates challenges and learns about survival, friendship, and courage in a world filled with danger and uncertainty. It's a captivating tale for young readers, combining historical elements with a heartwarming journey of growth.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy historical adventures filled with courage and resilience. Set in the dramatic backdrop of 1665 England, it tells the story of a young girl forced into an unexpected and perilous journey alongside a rat-catcher. It’s a thrilling tale of survival, friendship, and hope that will captivate young readers with its vivid storytelling.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

**Shortlisted, NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2023, UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing**

Age range 9 to 12

It's 1665. Rats have infested homes and alleys in Marie Perrin's provincial French town. Twelve-year-old Marie is set to become a maid, although she hungers for adventure. However, one mistake alters her fate and as punishment she is forced to apprentice for an intimidating rat-catcher.

Away from her parents and twin brother, and handling gnarly rat traps under Gustave Renard's unusual mentorship, Marie must overcome a new set of challenges which come after a plague enters her town.

Are rats responsible for the spread of the illness? Can Marie find a way out of the bubbling danger around her?

The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice depicts non-traditional families, belonging and female bravery in an atmospheric historical setting.

Teachers notes available here

'An intrepid heroine, a perilous time in plague-ridden France, a society cleaved by class division. The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice is full of heart and hope with a young girl who dares to dream of a life unrestrained by her gender. A compelling and rollicking MG novel.' Amra Pajalic

'A gripping, historical adventure story of bravery and belonging.' Judith Rossell

'An exceptional novel, full of twists and turns and intrigue, with a heart that is brave and kind and true. I adored this timeless story.' Kate Gordon

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925227949

Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Pty

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 March 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: MidnightSun Publishing Pty

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 192

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Maggie Jankuloska

About the Author

Maggie Jankuloska was born in Ohrid, Macedonia. She has worked as a teacher/tutor in numerous settings. Maggie was one of the recipients of the 2018 Maurice Saxby Creative Writing Program. Her short fiction and non-fiction pieces have appeared in: The Age/Sydney Morning Herald, SBS Voices, Award Winning Australian Writing, n-SCRIBE and more. In 2020 she participated in the Written in the Time of COVID-19 public art display and was featured in the subsequent anthology. The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice is Maggie Jankuloska's first published novel. Maggie has a passion for writing historical fiction and is currently working on a new children's novel. She is interested in creating layered and realistic characters who overcome obstacles and impart a message of resilience, tolerance and empathy Maggie Jankuloska lives in the northern suburbs of Melbourne with her husband and son. To connect, find Maggie's author pages on social media.

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