Books for Children and Young
Adults on Scotland
Betrayal
at Cross Creek, by Kathleen A. Ernst
(Ages 9 to 12) This historical fiction (aimed at 10-12 year olds) by
an award-winning author of young adult books, offers the perspective
of a young girl about the Highland Settlement at Cross Creek, North
Carolina, during the American Revolution.
The
Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses, by Robert Louis
Stevenson
A fierce war rages between two powerful and bitter rivals:on one side
the House of Lancaster; on the other the House of York. The prize? The
crown of England! Young Richard Shelton finds himself torn in his loyalties.
Should he serve the interests of his villainous master. or throw in
his lot with the dashing outlaw Ellis Duckworth and his band known as
the Black Arrow? Richard must decide wisely, for his fate--and the fate
of England--hangs in the balance....
Castles
of Scotland, Text by J.K. Anderson, models by Nick Taylor
A
very detailed black and white "cut out & put together"
book, with two Scottish castles: Doune (31 pieces) and Caerlaverock
(51 pieces). Parents, you'll have a great deal of cutting and pasting
to help with (not the computer kind, but the "real thing").
With patience and care, these paper models, especially when colored
with marker pens prior to cutting, will make impressive additions to
any child's room...
The
Celts, by Hazel Mary Martell
(Grades 5 to 8) This book offers readers a beautiful blend of history
and mythology - providing a new approach to exploring the Celts. This
book retells a selection of important myths, using dramatic illustrations
and supplementing them with historical and cultural information, including
realistic maps and diagrams.Information is gathered in short paragraphs
and arranged under subheadings and headings for easy accessibility.
Daily life, crafts, houses, foods, government, and weapons are not only
described, but also pictured in full-color drawings and photographs
of museum objects and archaeological findings. As an added attraction,
transparencies are inserted over architectural drawings that, when lifted,
reveal the interiors of fortresses, homes, and burial sites.
David
Balfour: Being Memoirs of the Further Adventures of David Balfour
at Home and Abroad, by Robert Louis Stevenson
The further adventures of David Balfour (of Stevenson's novel Kidnapped)
in which he continues his friendship with Alan Breck Stewart and support
of the Scottish highlanders' cause, travels abroad to complete his education,
and finds romance. Ten magnificent full-color plates complement Stevenson's
action-packed sequel to Kidnapped, as David Balfour struggles to exonerate
James Stewart, becomes a captive, and romances Catriona Drummond.
Drums,
by James Boyd
(Ages 9 to 12) An action story about the American Revolutionary War.
Johnny Fraser, the son of Scottish immigrants now living in North Carolina,
is torn between his lifelong loyalty to the British Crown and the exciting
talk of independence passing among his neighbors, and he joins the fight
for freedom aboard the Bonhomme Richard.
Hamish
and the Wee Witch, by Moira Miller; 1986: Cannongate Books,
Edinburgh
"Hamish
and Mirren live in a little farmhouse by a beautiful loch. They are
very happy - until one day a wee witch comes and steals the milk from
their cow. Can they outwit the witch and live a peaceful life once more?"
A
Highland Christmas, by M.C. Beaton
(Young Adult) With Christmas fast approaching, Police Constable Hamish
Macbeth finds the community of Lochdubh, Scotland, facing another holiday
under the dreary influence of Calvinism. He manages to schedule a carol
sing and party at the local retirement home, puts up a tree, and sets
about solving a long-open case of petty thievery in the area. Although
a tremendous amount of joy and goodness stems from the officer's actions,
he never seems to realize any of the positive results.The story leaves
a warm glow of contentment and has several humorous moments.
The
Jacobites, by Antony Kamm
(Ages 4 to 8) From the "Scotty Books" informational books
for young readers series. Each full-color, exciting title "contains
a wealth of interesting facts, stimulating activities and suggestions
for places to visit. Who were the Jacobites? What were their aims? And
what did they achieve? The most colorful period in Scotland's past is
brought vividly to life. Follow the risings of Viscount Dundee (1689),
the Earl of Mar (1715), and Bonnie Prince Charlie (1745), and read about
other events and people of their times.Share the fortunes of Rob Roy
MacGregor as you play the Rob Roy game, break the code in the message
sent to James VIII, plot
the course of two armies; draw your own plan of the Battle of Culloden."
Kidnapped,
by Robert Louis Stevenson
(Grade 6 and Up) This novel remains one of the classic coming-of-age
stories for children and young adults today. After the death of his
father, David Balfour sets out to meet his uncle and claim his inheritance.
This adventure takes him through the highlands of Scotland where he
embarks upon a long journey back from treachery and deceit.
Prince
Lachlan, by Nette Hilton
(PreSchool to Grade 1) Prince Lachlan, l'enfant terrible, makes his
presence felt in the Kingdom of Hill. Noise, confusion, and catastrophe
are his constant companions. His behavior is put to good use when the
Great One, a nefarious villian, schemes to take over the throne. Apparently
the Great One has no tolerance for noisy, disruptive children, because
a visit from Prince Lachlan sends him packing.
The
Scottish Chiefs, by Jane Porter
(Ahes 9 to 12) A romantic, suspenseful novel of Scotland's 14th-century
heroes, Sir William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. William Wallace encounters
secret passageways, disguises, and a quintet of horrible villains as
he fights for Scotland at the turn of the fourteenth century.
Treasure
Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
(Grade 7 and up) Climb aboard for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime.
Treasure Islandhas enthralled (and caused slight seasickness) for decades.
The names Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins are destined to remain pieces
of folklore for as long as children want to read Robert Louis Stevenson's
most famous book. With it's dastardly plot and motley crew of rogues
and villains, it seems unlikely that children will ever say no to this
timeless classic.
Adapted
from "Cameron Kids Online Books," located at http://www.clan-cameron.org/kids/books.html
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