Encouraging children to read every day is one of the most valuable habits we can nurture and it doesn’t always have to mean sitting down with a hefty novel. Reading habits take many forms from books, comic strips, newspaper articles or even the back of a cereal packet – the act of reading helps to spark curiosity, build vocabulary and opens doors to imagination. With the sheer variety of children’s literature available today, from board books and picture books to junior fiction and young adult titles, there truly is something for everyone. The idea that a child “doesn’t like reading” is, in my view anyway, just simply a sign that they haven’t yet discovered the right book, comic or graphic novel. The challenge and joy for parents, teachers, and young readers themselves is to keep exploring until that perfect story clicks, because it’s out there waiting. When it comes to middle-grade readers (age 8-12), a lively atmospheric action-adventure always goes down well and The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb by Jenny Moore is one title, set against the backdrop of Victorian London, that children can lose themselves in the story.
The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb transports young readers back in time to the grimy underbelly of 19th-century Victorian London. Here we meet Nicholas Nabb, a homeless boy surviving in the sewers after fleeing the harsh conditions of an orphanage. The setting immediately brings to mind Dickens’ Oliver Twist, with its mix of poverty, cruelty and resilience, but adds in a playful twist with humour, eccentric characters and even a circus (and just like young Oliver from the Dickens book, you will be asking for more).
The story of Nicholas Nabb (or Nick as he likes to be called) begins with a visit to the bakery and his bungled attempt to steal a humble bread roll. This is an act of desperation that sets off a chain of events far bigger than he could ever imagine. But his fortunes start to change when a mysterious veiled woman in black, known as Annie, intervenes and offers him some help before disappearing just as suddenly. Nick is left with burning questions: Who is this enigmatic figure? Why does she carry a locket containing a baby photo of him? And, most importantly of all, where has she gone? Nick is determined to find the answers to all these burning questions. What follows is a whirlwind action-packed adventure that takes him into encounters with the police, reform school, the circus and a formidable grumpy woman who wields her handbag like a weapon.
Overall, I absolutely loved The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb. I am a big fan of Jenny Moore’s middle-grade readers but this is my favourite so far. Set in Victorian London the book has a Dickens-esque quality to it, while young Nick is very reminiscent of Oliver Twist.
For me, it is a story that is brimming with energy, humour and suspense. The darker realities of Victorian London; poverty, exploitation and cruelty, are balanced with a lightness of touch that keeps the narrative accessible for younger readers. The Dickensian atmosphere is fantastic – so vividly described that you can envisage yourself there, with everything from the rat-infested sewers to the rigid orphanage and bustling theatre. The research that underpins the story feels authentic, grounding the adventure in a believable historical context while still allowing room for imagination to flow. And the cast of memorable characters is excellent: Nick is a scrappy bread thief with a big heart; Annie, whose secrets drive the plot forward; the handbag-wielding bully; and the detectives Chalk and Cheeves, whose names alone add a dash of colourful comic flair.
The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb is a fabulous, engaging tale that superbly combines action and humour with themes of friendship, resilience and self-belief. It’s not a “safe” or fluffy story, it embraces the grit of its historical time period, but it does so in a way that inspires rather than frightens. Readers will lose themselves in Nick’s journey, rooting for him as he navigates obstacles and uncovers truths about himself and those around him. With a fast pace to the story it is difficult to put down at the end of a chapter, while the blend of mystery and adventure ensures that curiosity is maintained throughout.
In my opinion, this is an exciting historical adventure that will appeal not only to middle-grade readers but to all page turners, 8 to 108, who enjoy a well-told tale. It’s a book that expertly shows how stories can not only entertain but also encourage empathy and reflection. With its superb mix of humour and thrilling danger, The Misadventures of Nicholas Nabb is a reminder that the right book can ignite a lifelong love of reading. This is one adventure that children won’t want to miss.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £6.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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