• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

“An absorbing historical novel.” — Booklist

“Steal. Trade. Survive.”

That's what Father tells Rose and Lem moments before he dies of the Great Plague.

Orphaned and homeless in London 1665, all Rose and Lem have left are their wits, each other, and three bottles of Thieves Oil — a medicinal blend Father created that can protect people from the sickness.

But then Lem goes missing, and Rose is left to fend for herself. As words of Thieves Oil spread to London’s most desperate scavengers, Rose must band together with her fellow street orphans, steal the essentials to survive, and protect herself and her newfound friends against both the Plague and a world filled with dangers.

Caroline Fernandez is a kidlit author, parenting blogger, and social media enthusiast. She is the author of two bestselling books, Boredom Busters: Over 50 Awesome Activities for Children Aged 7 years + (Cico Books, 2014 2016 Silver Birch Non-Fiction Honour Book) and More Boredom Busters: Over 50 Awesome Activities for Children Aged 7 years + (Cico Books, 2015). She is the creator of www.parentclub.ca, a popular blog which shares information to make life easier for busy families. Caroline has been listed as one of Toronto's Top Mom Bloggers. Caroline lives, writes, and bakes in Toronto, Ontario.

Caroline Fernandez's profile page

“Plague Thieves is a captivating read that is historically accurate while capturing the humanity of ordinary people caught up in a situation much larger than themselves. History truly comes alive!! Highly Recommended.”

Canadian Review of Materials

“It’s a harrowing time of hunger, suspicion, survival, and death, but the engaging story is written in an age-appropriate way and recommended for 9 to 12-year-olds.”

Imagination Soup

“I was fully immersed in this Plague story and loved following the character of Rose. Caroline Fernandez wrote a strong and very real character that leaves readers wondering if they could do the same a Rose in a similar situation and perhaps reflecting on their own experiences during the COVID 19 pandemic.”

Storytime with Stephanie

“[Plague Thieves] drops the reader into 1665 London during the Great Plague. This is a thrilling and historical read; fast paced with realistic characters. Engaging read!”

Instagram

“It’s a harrowing time of hunger, suspicion, survival, and death, but the engaging story is written in an age-appropriate way. I highly recommend it for 9 to 12 year olds.”

Instagram

“With Plague Thieves, Caroline Fernandez has given us a spell-binding read that captivates but also enlightens about a time in which bleakness was almost inescapable.”

CanLit for Little Canadians

“Readers ages 9-13 will enjoy this story and its theme of cobbling together your own family in the face of disaster, and will come away with a stronger sense of how it was to live in those times.”

Historical Novels Review

“The charm of Plague Thieves lies in its balance of education and intrigue. Fernandez not only builds suspense around the plague but also invites readers to explore the history and use of spices—a touch that is as informative as it is enchanting. ... This gripping tale is both a testament to human resilience and a journey of survival and sacrifice.”

Readers’ Favourite

“This book doesn’t steer away from the cruel hardships of the Plague. Hunger, lack of shelter, and death might make this a challenging read for some, but it’s also what make it a compelling book.”

Instagram

“Plague Thieves offers historical context for middle-grade readers’ recent pandemic experiences, chronicling how extraordinary times can require extraordinary acts of daring, courage, love, and forgiveness … Caroline Fernandez’s appealing and well-researched characters navigate great loss and upheaval to an emotionally satisfying conclusion. An honest, compelling exploration of resilience, community, and hope during challenging circumstances.”

Canadian Children’s Book News

“Transporting readers into the seventeenth century without romanticizing the characters or the setting, this tightly written, third-person narrative will surely leave readers wondering whether they could have survived. An absorbing historical novel.”

Booklist

“I’m in the middle of reading this and am totally hooked on this survival-adventure story during the time of the plague. I also can’t help but think that this would be a great book to help young readers put our post-pandemic world in context. I’m really seeing 12-year-old Rose’s character develop as she learns how to fend for herself and protect those she cares about.”

49th Shelf