Bianca

This is an unusual book and one which I think second or third-year pupils who enjoy mystery stories would find absorbing. Hubert, Emily and Paul Hamilton are picnicking by a dam when they see a young girl frantically rowing a small boat. She appears terrified but they eventually meet her and gain her confidence. As the story behind her odd behaviour unfolds, the reader is drawn into her family and that of Hubert, Emily and Paul. I very much enjoyed the book - it alternately tugs at the strings of humour and sentimentality - but there were irritations. The Hamiltons are so determinedly English - yet they use dollars as currency - and the real reason for Bianca's flight from home never really rings true. Despite this, a book to be read - if capitation will allow you to afford it.