Emma Carroll

  • 5 stars across 25 books
Emma Carroll is a bestselling middle-grade author, the “Queen of historical fiction” according to BookTrust, and a favourite with children, teachers and critics. 

Emma started out as a secondary school teacher but has also worked as a news reporter, an avocado picker and the person who punches holes  into filofax paper and is now a full-time writer.

Several books by Emma Carroll have been nominated for, and won, numerous awards including the Books Are My Bag Readers’ Award, Branford Boase, CILIP Carnegie Medal and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Most of Emma Carroll’s books are gripping historical adventures and mysteries for readers 9+. The settings of her books range from World War Two evacuations (Letters from the Lighthouse) to a Victorian circus (The Girl Who Walked on Air).

 In 2021 she released two new books: The Week at World’s End - a thriller set in 1960s Britain - and A Night at Frost Fair - a Christmas story with glorious colour illustrations by Sam Usher.

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1st June 2017

Letters from the Lighthouse: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

We weren't supposed to be going to the pictures that night. We weren't even meant to be outside, not in a blackout, and ... MoreLetters from the Lighthouse: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

(86 reviews) Review
2nd August 2018

Secrets of a Sun King: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

'The Hilary Mantel of children's fiction.' The TelegraphA gripping adventure.' Daily Mail'Hooked yet? You'd have to be d... MoreSecrets of a Sun King: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

(60 reviews) Review
4th January 2018

Sky Chasers

  Prepare to be swept up, up and away on this high-flying adventure from the queen of historical fiction, ... MoreSky Chasers

(39 reviews) Review
3rd October 2019

The Somerset Tsunami: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

'A thrilling story.' The Times'The Hilary Mantel of children's fiction.' The Telegraph'Enthralling.' LoveReadingA sinkin... MoreThe Somerset Tsunami: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

(26 reviews) Review
7th January 2021

The Ghost Garden

Queen of historical fiction Emma Carroll crafts an evocative and spine-tingling tale of childhood on the br... MoreThe Ghost Garden

(22 reviews) Review
2nd September 2021

The Week at World's End: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

The hotly anticipated new standalone from the bestselling and award-winning Queen of Historical Fiction, Emma Carroll.'T... MoreThe Week at World's End: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

(19 reviews) Review
3rd October 2013

Frost Hollow Hall: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

'Believable, moving and just the right sort of frightening.' Daily Telegraph'A perfect ghostly mystery for fans of Eva I... MoreFrost Hollow Hall: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

(15 reviews) Review
7th February 2019

When we were Warriors: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

'The Hilary Mantel of children's fiction.' The Telegraph'Impossible to stop reading.' The Times'A remarkable writer.' Da... MoreWhen we were Warriors: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

(14 reviews) Review
7th August 2014

The Girl Who Walked On Air: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

From the queen of historical fiction, The Girl Who Walked On Air by Emma Carroll is an enchanting historical adventure f... MoreThe Girl Who Walked On Air: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

(13 reviews) Review
7th July 2016

Strange Star: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

From the queen of historical fiction, a thrilling, deliciously creepy story that is sure to freeze your blood . . .'A de... MoreStrange Star: 'The Queen of historical fiction.' Guardian

(13 reviews) Review
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