The Girl Who Raced the World
Ages 9 to 12
25 September 2025Imprint: Piccadilly Press
Synopsis
A page-turning adventure, bringing Jules Verne's classic Around the World in Eighty Days to life for young readers with a thrilling new twist.
You must take every day, every hour, every minute one tick at a time.
It is 1872 and, when Maggie Appleton's beloved mother dies, she is left with nothing but a letter for a mysterious stranger called Passepartout. With nowhere else to turn, Maggie seeks out Passepartout and, in doing so, is drawn into an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Together with Passepartout's employer, the enigmatic Mr Phileas Fogg, Maggie journeys to Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan and America, in a daring race against time to win the wager Mr Fogg has accepted.
But with a bank robber on the loose, an angry Inspector on their tail and unread secrets in her mother's letter, Maggie soon discovers that there is much more at stake than keeping on schedule to win the bet. Who can she really trust - and will she ever find out where she truly belongs?
A timeless adventure of travel, treachery and trust, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Emma Carroll.
You must take every day, every hour, every minute one tick at a time.
It is 1872 and, when Maggie Appleton's beloved mother dies, she is left with nothing but a letter for a mysterious stranger called Passepartout. With nowhere else to turn, Maggie seeks out Passepartout and, in doing so, is drawn into an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Together with Passepartout's employer, the enigmatic Mr Phileas Fogg, Maggie journeys to Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan and America, in a daring race against time to win the wager Mr Fogg has accepted.
But with a bank robber on the loose, an angry Inspector on their tail and unread secrets in her mother's letter, Maggie soon discovers that there is much more at stake than keeping on schedule to win the bet. Who can she really trust - and will she ever find out where she truly belongs?
A timeless adventure of travel, treachery and trust, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Emma Carroll.
Details
25 September 2025336 pages
9781835871386Imprint: Piccadilly Press
Reviews
A dazzlingly accomplished debut with adventure at its heart.Jasbinder Bilan, author of ASHA & THE SPIRIT BIRD
A thrilling adventure that sweeps across the world, bursting with rich historical detail and irresistible charm. Vividly drawn characters, a heartfelt found-family, and a spirit of boundless hope make this an unforgettable story - one that is sure to steal your heart.Laura Noakes, author of COSIMA UNFORTUNATE STEALS A STAR
Astonishingly good! This fresh twist on a well-loved tale manages to be both punchy and delicious in its clever, measured sentences, all the while showcasing a compelling heroine. Nat Harrison is a welcome new voice and one to watch.Joanna Nadin, author of THE WORST CLASS IN THE WORLD
Adventure awaits for Maggie and her quirky crew in this adrenaline-filled, race around the world, leaving readers gasping for one more extraordinary chapter.Rhian Tracey, author of I, SPY: A BLETCHLEY PARK MYSTERY