Paul Dowswell
Delighted to say my Bloomsbury Education book ‘The Great Revolt’, about the Peasants’ Revolt, has been shortlisted in the 10-13 category for the 2021 Historical Association Young Quills Book Award. I have an illustrated talk all raring to go, so please contact me via this site if you would like me to visit your school. Here’s a link to the Historical Association page and reviews by readers:
https://www.history.org.uk/secondary/module/8774/young-quills-reviews-2021/10581/the-great-revolt
As I am dipping my toes back into school visits, I’m sharing this ipad video clip of me talking about my latest historical fiction novel – ‘The Great Revolt’ (Bloomsbury Education). I have an illustrated talk to go with the book, so do get in touch if you would like me to visit your school.
School visits are starting again! My October bookings include Wolverhampton Girls’ High School and Tettenhall College and a trip to Danes Hill in Surrey. Please see the page ‘School Visits’ here. You can contact me on paul@pauldowswell.co.uk if you would like me to visit your school.
My new novel ‘Out of Nowhere’ has been bought by my Dutch publisher Kokboekencentrum, where it is known as Tweestrijd (Conflicted), and my Italian publisher Feltrinelli. Here are some reviews:
The story is captivating, adventurous and thrilling… Until the last pages you can cut the tension with a knife. Hetboekenrijk
For boys and girls 12+, who love exciting adventure stories about WWII. Christelijkinderboeken
With Tweestrijd , Paul Dowswell has once again created a very exciting Young Adult novel. Four characters each have their own storyline. They don’t know about each other, but every decision or action they take has consequences for others. This coherent storyline is really well put together, woven into an excellent plot. Paul Dowswell has a very pleasant and visual writing style… (and) writes with a lot of knowledge. This book is also recommended for adults. It often grabs you by the throat and does something to you. Perfecteburen
I think Paul is one of the best writers of historical fiction for young people… The pacing of the book as it cuts between locations and personalities is superb. The main characters are living, breathing, flawed human beings whose fate I cared about. There’s a lot packed into the book and Paul’s research must have been copious but it never flattens the storytelling. It’s a mystery to me why this book hasn’t found a British publisher and I’d like to think that out there somewhere is one who will change that. Jane Sandell, Pictures and Conversation
A big thank you to children’s book authority Jane Sandell for this generous interview and overview of my career:
Reviews from the Blogs:
The Great Revolt has everything a historical novel needs… The author captures the past with an engaging narrative and gives us an exquisite and enthralling story. The reader is swept up in the characters, places and story. A fantastic read for older children and adults alike. Anna Tomlinson An Awfully Big Adventure
As a teacher I am always on the hunt for books that will excite and engage my class. I did thoroughly enjoy this book and raced through it in 2 days. I would highly recommend it for those who like action and history as well as strong protagonists! Lauren The Bookish Fairy
This would be a great recommendation for any young reader interested in history and would be a brilliant starting point for anyone studying the period of history in question. Christina Reid Chikaru Reads
The Great Revolt made my reenactor and history buff heart all happy inside. I’d say if you are into history, into sweeping tales and wonderfully interesting books this is one for you. Moon Kestrel Moon Dreams
My new YA novel ‘Out of Nowhere’ is due to be published by Kokboekencentrum in the Netherlands in October. The Dutch title is ‘Tweestrijd’ – which means ‘Conflicted’. They’ve just sent me the cover, and I love it!
New Bloomsbury novel out in August – this one set during the Peasants Revolt of 1381. They want to call it ‘The Great Revolt’. I’d like to call it ‘Rebels’. Watch this space…