A thrilling, classic children’s adventure with a courageous heroine, from the beloved author of Ballet Shoes. Margaret Thursday was named after the day she was found on the church steps as a baby. But she isn’t really an orphan – each year a bag of gold coins is left at the church for her keep. However, when Margaret is eleven years old, the money suddenly stops and her guardians have no choice … no choice but to send her away to an orphanage.
The orphanage is worse than they could have imagined. The children are poorly treated and barely fed, and fearless Margaret soon makes herself the enemy of the evil matron who runs it. Vowing to protect her new friends, Peter and Horatio, Margaret plans their daring escape . . . but she’ll have to outwit Matron at every turn.
Margaret’s action-packed adventure, set in turn-of-the-century England, takes her from orphanage to canal boat to the world of the theatre. Through it all, Margaret is propelled by her unwavering sense of self and determination.
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Thursday’s Child is an adorable historical fiction book following orphan, Margaret Thursday by Noel Streatfeild. I knew Noel Streatfeild from her “Shoes” books. I had read Ballet Shoes, Dancing Shoes, Theater Shoes, and Theater Shoes. They were some of the books I really enjoyed reading in elementary school, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read Thursday’s Child! Margaret Thursday is an orphan, who finds herself at an orphanage after the money supplied for her keep runs out. The orphanage turns out to be awful, with a harsh matron where the children are badly treated. Along with her friends, Margaret must find a way of escape!
Margaret was such a fun character! She was very confident and had such drama in her! She was also really kind and connected to people easily. And I loved her friends. They were all so sweet and seemed very realistic. Lavinia, Peter, Horatio and all the rest of the characters really made the story so interesting. I did not relate to Margaret as much, but I could empathize with her and relate to the other children in different ways.
The story was very interesting. I liked watching the progression and it felt well-paced. Within a few chapters, I was already invested in the story! It is not a very action-packed book, but more an unfolding of the story of Margaret’s life. It has an older style of writing, with 3rd-person narrative and slightly different language than young readers may be accustomed to. It is also set in turn-of-the -century England, so there may be some unfamiliar references there as well. This story is the first in Margaret’s adventures, so while it offers some conclusions, not everything is made clear.
Overall, this was a really fun and cute book that I would suggest to readers in mid-to late elementary school, who enjoy historical fiction!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Thursday’s Child by Noel Streatfeild is an entertaining and enjoyable children’s/young adult novel that is the first book in the Margaret Thursday series.
This is the first book in Ms. Streatfeild’s lesser known series in what is a vast, impressive, and talented portfolio. It was quick, entertaining, and effortless from a plot and pacing aspect. Margaret is an orphan that is living in a less than ideal orphanage and vows to make her situation better….somehow…
Toss in some quirky characters, an evil Matron, a feisty, plucky, and imperfect small heroine and the reader has an enjoyable afternoon. Somehow I missed this series growing up, and looking forward to reading the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Harper 360/Harper Collins Children’s Books for this Arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.