The most recent book that I read was ‘The Vanished Girl’ written by author Natasha Mac A’ Bháird. Clare, the main character in the book, is brave, kind and has a positive personality. Clare is a pupil at Sycamore Hill Secondary School, which is an all girls boarding school in Co. Donegal. Clare is a first year boarder. The book is set in the 60’s.
Clare loves her school and has many friends. Her closest friends are Rose and Molly. Amy, who joined in the middle of term one under suspicious circumstances becomes a friend too! Even though all the girls had different interests throughout the story they were the very best of friends. As the weeks go on, the girls start to notice that all is not what it seems with Amy. There are a few things that suggest that Amy has an unusual background.
At around the same time as Amy joins the girls at Sycamore Hill Secondary School, a new nun, Sr. Eva joins the staff too. Soon Clare, Rose and Molly start to question things about Amy and Sr. Eva, the new nun. Solving this mystery becomes the girls number one priority.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very good in parts but there were some scary parts too. I liked the way the girls always worked as a team and that Clare was clear headed and a good decision maker. I also enjoyed reading about life in a boarding school. My favourite part of this story was when Clare was forced to dress up one day after a hockey match that she played in order to help solve the mystery. I laughed at this part.
I would say that this book would be enjoyed by children aged 11-13. I would rate this book 8/10.
By Ellen (Aged 11)
“The Vanished Girl” by Natasha Mac A’ Bháird, published by O’ Brien Press, is on sale now for €9.99 (P/B).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, O’ Brien Press, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review.
