The Valley of Lost Secrets

September 1939.

When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn't be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place. 

But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed.

Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy - and the village - forever.

Waterstones Children's Book of the Month

Book of the Week, The Sunday Times

Best Books Round Up, The Guardian

Top Pick, Irish Independent

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AWARDS

Longlisted:

Carnegie Medal

Branford Boase Award

Shortlisted:

UKLA

Tir na-Nog

Awesome Book Awards

Spark! Book Awards

East Sussex Children's Book Award

Warwickshire Junior Book Award

Winner:

NSTBA

King's School Book Awards

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PRAISE FOR THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS:

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'Beautifully told. This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded.' - The Sunday Times

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'Atmospheric, direct and gripping, with a superbly assured narrative voice, this book is woven through with powerful themes: grief, belonging and making peace with the past.' - The Guardian

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'With echoes of Carrie's War, and Goodnight Mister Tom, Parr brings her own fresh voice to what already feels like a wartime classic. This story is quietly brutal and brilliantly heartfelt. I absolutely ADORED it.' - Emma Carroll

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'Evocative and heartfelt, The Valley of Lost Secrets already reads like a classic. A celebration of kindness and friendship at a time of upheaval, it's gripping, heart-breaking and yet full of hope. I loved it with all my heart.' - Liz Hyder

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'A great book. A real gripping, engaging story, with a nice heart of darkness.' - A.F. Harrold