Title: "Children of the Mine" - A spellbinding Tale of Courage and Adventure set in Victorian Northern England. Published on the anniversary of the Miners’ Strike

Author: Jacqueline Baxter (Dr)

Immerse young readers in life during the Industrial Revolution with Jacqueline Baxter's novel, "Children of the Mine." Set to captivate the hearts and minds of children aged 8 to 11, this engaging story is not only a gripping adventure but also an illuminating glimpse into the working lives of children during the Victorian age, aligning perfectly with Key Stage 2 of the local history curriculum. It is now on sale at The National Coalmining Museum for England.

Full synopsis

It was Tim’s 9th birthday, and he’d finally be joining his brother, sister, and dad down the pit. Working down the deepest, most dangerous coal mine in the Northeast of England was his worst nightmare. Especially remembering the horrible stories his sister told him. But thirteen-hours of sitting in the dark don't seem so bad once he makes friends with orphans, Jonnie, and his sister Evie.

But Jonnie isn’t who they think he is and Tim’s sister, Daisy, when harnessed to a coal truck and forced to pull 30 kilos of coal, rebels, setting in motion a disaster that changes their lives forever. The children, forced to flee the mine, set off on the road to London. But unbeknown to them, Annie and Geordie Giles, the worst bullies in the mine, are hard on their heels, desperate to avenge the death of their mother, Martha.

From the darkness of the Skry pit to the treacherous road to London town, Children of the Mine follows the story of a group of children at the height of the industrial revolution, whose lives were dictated by poverty, and the greed of the mine owners. As they make their way through Victorian England, they find that some things are worse than the pit…

Readership

Baxter's narrative is a testament to the resilience, camaraderie, and indomitable spirit of children facing the overwhelming odds of a society divided by poverty and greed. "Children of the Mine" not only offers a window into the struggles of the past but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of friendship and the pursuit of justice.

Don't miss the opportunity to embark on this journey through darkness to light, "Children of the Mine" is available now in bookstores and online at: https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/young-children/children-of-the-mine

For further information, review copies, interviews, workshops or bookshop signings please contact: Jacqueline Baxter: drjacbaxter@gmail.com

For a sample chapter and testimonials from teachers please see the website at : https://www.childrenofthemine1839.com/

About the Author:

Jacqueline Baxter is a Bedford based sociologist and writer, from the North of England, celebrated for her ability to weave compelling tales that not only entertain but educate and inspire. Her keen interest in mining and social justice, was originally sparked by research into her ancestors, working in mines in County Durham. Her novels explore themes of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit. Children of The Mine is the first in a series of books about life for working children in Victorian England. The second, Children of the City, will be released early in 2025.