School for Fireflies

It is difficult not to think of the opening lines of the Harry Potter series on reading the first page of School for Fireflies, yet whereas this comparison would perhaps usually make you fear for any title, this escapade in the world of schools for magic is refreshingly original.

We meet Siddy and Zadie, the two strong female lead characters as they begin to question the unusual behaviour of their parents and the disappearance of Siddy’s father. Swiftly, both the girls and the reader are drawn into a magical underworld via the mysterious School for Fireflies. Siddy and Zadie quickly learn that they are part of a whole community they knew nothing of previously and they must learn new skills and adapt in order to unravel mysteries which have lasted for generations – and which might explain Siddy’s father’s absence.

Despite the fantasy setting, the characters are very much facing the same dilemmas of ordinary 8-10 year olds: parents behaving unpredictably, school rules to navigate – both those written and unwritten, the challenges of starting a new school and maintaining old friendships in new circumstances. The relatable themes and characters are perhaps what make this title such a refreshing addition to the genre, and it seems likely that a series will follow.

Beyond the plot itself, the backstory of the author and the struggles she has faced whilst writing the story would also be a useful talking point in discussions and could only serve to promote much needed resilience and determination in junior readers.