Everything I've read by Catherine Johnson has been excellent, so I was excited to receive this and hopeful that it would be good. It didn't disappoint. I didn't know anything about the people involved so I enjoyed reading this both for myself as well as a potential addition to the school library. Highly recommended, along with so many of her other books.

What a fascinating insight into the inspiration for many famous literary characters! To Liberty, The Adventures of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas details, in a swashbuckling style, the trials, journeys and adventures endure by Dumas, the father of the French writer Alexandre Dumas (The Count of Monte Cristo).

A brilliant read as a precursor to reading any of Dumas’ novels, or as a stand-alone as an historical biographiCal account.

What I really liked are the quiz questions in the back and the author’s note about the context. It reads as historical, young fiction, perhaps an introduction to the classics, but I can see how useful this text would be in the classroom, with activities designed to stretch the reader’s thinking processes around reading, encouraging them to become better readers.

I’d pitch this at good readers aged 9-11 and use it in year 6 or 7.

A great read. I look forward to more like this.

I've been interested in learning more about Thomas-Alexandre Dumas since I read Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know a few months ago, so when I spotted this story on NetGalley I requested it straight away!

Thomas-Alexandre Dumas is an extraordinary historical figure, who fought against adversity and for the freedom of everyone. He is also the inspiration for many moments and characters in his son, Alexander Dumas', work.

Johnson's retelling of his life is tense, exciting and emotional. She details both the racism he faces, and his amazing successes. It is easy to read and follow, making it a perfect text to use in primary schools - and it would be lovely to see this story used in them, as an introduction to a black historical figure who is often overlooked, and as a gateway into the works of Dumas. It will also prompt lots of discussions, about freedom, family and equality.

Thank you Bloomsbury for sending me an advanced copy of this story for review.

This book tells the story of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, the father of the author Alexandre Dumas (The Three Musketeers etc), who believed in liberty and equality for all. It is an excellent, exciting and lively tale, and easy to read. It gets the facts in about an often overlooked, but important, part of history, but without harrowing details that would be upsetting for children.

I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, informative and exciting account of Thomas-Alexandre’s life. I also recommend it for children looking for an exciting tale of bravery.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.