This was a really enjoyable mystery with a unique setting that sets it apart from many other middle grade adventures. The backdrop of the Palace of Westminster adds a fascinating historical and political twist, making the story feel both educational and exciting.

The plot is well paced and packed with clever twists, while the characters are likable and easy to root for. There is a great mix of intrigue, teamwork and a touch of humour that will appeal to confident readers in upper KS2.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown is a coming of age tale, following the life of the protagonist, Charity Brown. Charity’s family belong to a strict religious sect and the story follows the young girl as she struggles to find her place in the world.

I am a big fan of Elizabeth Laird and so really looked forward to reading this book. Whilst it’s a nice story, I cannot say it gripped me. It’s semi-biographical, linking to Laird’s own childhood, and it felt more like reading a biography than a fictional story. While it was an interesting read, it wasn’t particularly exciting and it was hard to warm to the characters.

As a result of a few sexual references, I wouldn’t share this book with primary aged pupils. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I've been reading Laird's books since I was about 12 years old and Red Sky in the Morning was a set text, and I've enjoyed them all.
This book however takes this to a new level and it was a delight to spend time with Charity and her family. The themes of the story were very carefully handled and complex ideas explored within the narrative and never once feeling 'preachy.'
I hope that this book is a huge success and I think that readers of Hilary McKay, Eva Ibbotson and Emma Carroll with love it.

I was unable to send this to my kindle and unfortunately it didn't work properly on my netgalley shelf either and so I am unable to review.

I am not able to send this book to my kindle and therefore I cannot access. it. I am not able to read it and leave a proper review. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.