• Age: 8 to 10
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

While exploring an archeological site, Annie discovers the tomb of Lady Isabella Devereaux, who was condemed to death as a heretic. When Annie picks up a mysterious amulet that she finds in the tomb, she is hurtled back to the Middle Ages, encountering sorcery, treason and the Black Death.

Simon Rose was born in Derbyshire, England. He graduated from university with a degree in history and has lived in Canada since 1990. He is also a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature of West Redding, CT. Simon offers a wide variety of presentations, workshops and author-in-residence programs for schools and libraries, covering such topics as the writing process, editing and revisions. He is a regular speaker at conferences and festivals, and has served as a juror for numerous literary prizes and awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for Children’s Literature in 2007. Simon, his two children, and his dog and cat live in Calgary.

 

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The Heretic’s Tomb

This novel is a mixture of historical fiction and time-travel fantasy. In the first half of the book, set in 1349, we meet Lady Isabella Devereaux, an English noblewoman whose family has died of the Black Plague. Since their deaths, she has been working as a healer. Unfortunately for her, she has been using a book of magic in her work. An enemy finds out and has her condemned for heresy, after which she is walled up in a room to die. Next, we meet Annie, a girl from modern London, who is visiting an archaeological dig at the site of the abbey where Lady Isabella died. She is magically transported back in time to meet Lady Isabella. Together, they escape the walled-up room they are trapped in and exonerate Lady Isabella. This book is particularly interesting for its depiction of London at the time of the Black Plague.

Rose’s previous book, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox,was shortlisted for both the Silver Birch and Diamond Willow awards.