Hester Hitchins and the Falling Stars

Catherine Norton, Hester Hitchins and the Falling Stars, HarperCollins Publishers, July 2024, 256 pp., RRP $22.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781460763179

After a slow start, this historical adventure story finds its pace with our heroine, Hester, scheming her way into an all-boys school as part of a plan to find her lost-at-sea father. The school is a Nautical Navigation Academy and Hester’s convinced that that once she learns the right skills she’ll be able to take to the sea and find her father.

So begins Hester’s quest. She’s thwarted by constant sexism, ageism and a hopelessly inadequate (and unqualified) teacher. But Hester is a feisty character who is a fix-it kind of girl. While pursuing her personal mission to find her father, she becomes aware that the school is in danger of closing and simultaneously hatches a scheme to save it.

Girls in particular will relate to the story of Hester who must prove herself better or at least equal to boys at every turn. Her willingness to help other girls – particularly the songstress maid, Mildred – is also admirable. Science-inclined kids will also enjoy the story which includes astronomy and is linked to the development of the first telescope. The historical basis for the story is included in an author’s note at the end.

A fun, educational read for children from middle primary up.

Reviewed by Heather Gallagher 

 

 

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