Where The River Takes Us by Lesley Parr (author)

From the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets comes a thrilling adventure about the power of friendship, set in a Welsh valley in the 1970s, for readers of 9+. Shortlisted for the 2024 Tir na n-Og Awards.

Jason lives with his big brother, Richie, trying their best to make ends meet so they can stay together. They’ve got supportive neighbours and some great friends, but there’s always the threat that someone will think they can’t manage on their own since their parents died. It’s February 1974 and working-class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less work, and less money to get by on. Richie is doing his best, but to make enough money, he’s been doing favours for the wrong people.

An urban legend about a beast in the valleys catches Jason’s eye in the local paper. A wild cat is said to roam the forest, far up the river from their bridge. A reward is offered for proof of The Beast’s existence. Jason’s friends are desperate to help him, and they convince him that this is the answer to his and Richie’s money problems.

And so a quest begins. Four best friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them … forever.

With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure is packed with irresistible characters and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this another timeless story from one of our finest writers of historical fiction for kids.

‘What a story. What a writer. Simply stunning’ – Emma Carroll Selected as The Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week 12 March 2023 Longlisted for the Historical Association Young Quills Award 2024