My book review of 'Saving Neverland' by Abi Elphinstone

by Abi Elphinstone
Recommended age: 9+
Saving Neverland
by Abi Elphinstone

Ten-year-old Martha thinks she's very grown up, and she's done with fairies and magic and make believe. Not least because those things led up to the terrible day when something awful almost happened to her brother, Scruff, and it would have been All Her Fault.

But Martha and Scruff live at No 14 Darlington Road and one day they find gold dust in a bedroom drawer. This leads them to a magical adventure in Neverland, just like the Darlings who lived here before them. And Peter Pan is still there, needing their help.

Martha is really the star of the show here. She is very protective of her brother and when he is kidnapped she has to dig deep to save him. She proves to be courageous and resourceful and doesn't have to do any housework or darning! 

This is a lovely adventure which has a positive message for girls and boys (readers of 9 years upwards), bringing the essence of this magical story to a modern audience with all the wonder and excitement of the original. I loved it!

Date of this review: January 2023
Book publication date: 5th January 2023