Key Stages: 2 - 3

Description

Format:  - Class Set (18 copies) - Novel

Number of pages: 432

Reading Age: 9-11 Interest Level: 8-12

Notes: London, 1876 Hetty Feather is a tiny baby when her mother leaves her at the Foundling Hospital. The Hospital cares for abandoned children, but Hetty must first live with a foster family until she is big enough to go to school. Life in the countryside is hard but with her 'brothers' Jem and Gideon, she helps in the fields and plays imaginary games.

Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus and Hetty is mesmerised by the show, especially Madame Adeline and her performing horses. But Hetty's happiness is threatened once more when she is returned to the Foundling Hospital. The new life of awful uniforms and terrible food is a struggle for her.

But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be the wonderful Madame Adeline? Or will Hetty find the truth is even more surprising?

NOTE: Hetty is clever but headstrong and often feels frustrated and asks questions. Due to this as punishment she is locked up in a dark tower room with little food. She also runs away to find the circus lady she thinks is her real Mother. She is told the truth and again runs off to try to survive on the streets. Here she is nearly abducted by a gentleman with unsavoury intentions.