a joy from first to last, with all the best-loved features of Blyton's school stories dorm japes and fearsome matrons but a refreshingly modern sensibility and diverse cast, all whilst managing to remain historically faithful. I think readers will delight in chaotic Linnet's literal; interpretations and accidental bravado, and warm to kindhearted Robin as she warms to her cousin Linnet in turn. An instant classic
-- Joanna Nadin
a real page-turner that reads like a classic boarding school story, but written from a contemporary point of view. The characters are very well drawn, and the girls' individual personalities and secret tragedies bring each one to unforgettable life. The loneliness as well as the fun of being at boarding school is so realistic, and the way the girls pull together as a team is heart-warming. Readers will no doubt find themselves completely believing in the world that Sheena Wilkinson conjures up, and being as unwilling to leave it as the girls are to leave Fernside at the end of their first term
-- Leila Rasheed
With a curriculum covering everything from buttery toast, cute pets and team sports, to daring escapades, forging friendships and boarding-school rules that are made to be broken, First Term at Fernside is a book every young reader should smuggle into their back-pack. Top marks for a terrific and masterfully-written boarding-school adventure about friendship, empathy and bravery
-- Eve McDonnell
full of quirky, fun characters struggling with everything from fitting in and making the school netball team to a mysterious animal-napper. Sheena Wilkinson has created a fabulously rich, impeccably researched historical mystery that overflows with friendship and compassion.Perfect for fans of Murder Most Unladylike
-- Alison Weatherby
pitch-perfect the reader is immediately drawn into a classic school story narrative, only to discover that this is not a run-of-the-mill school story a complete homage to the classic school story with so much that is fresh and relevant for contemporary readers
-- Padraic Whyte, associate professor in childrens literature
Perfect for fans of Malory Towers
-- Judi Curtin
What better way to prepare for the return to school than to immerse yourself in a fine boarding-school story. Sheena Wilkinson steps confidently into the tradition perfected by Enid Blyton with First Term at Fernside. Set in 1925 at the eponymous Belfast boarding school, it features two chalk-and-cheese cousins as its twin protagonists. Robin, an avid hockey player, is thrilled to be returning to Fernside after the summer. Her shy cousin Linnet, leaving home for the first time, isnt quite so excited. She finds dorm life crowded, noisy and bouncing; it is like living in an ant colony. Wholesome storylines centred on building moral character abound. There are animals to be rescued, misunderstood new students to accommodate with kindness, games to be won. There are stern matrons, firm but fair teachers, and the odd rotten apple, of course. The writing is vivid, and the book feels fresh and contemporary despite the historic setting. There is a massive appetite for this type of book and First Term at Fernside will satisfy it well
-- Irish Times
this story has it all . readers will be enthralled
-- Inis Magazine, Ailish Brassil
