September 2024 Book of the Month

Category: Library, Monthly Book Reviews

Wendington Jones & the Missing Tree by Daniel Dockery

We start the new school year with a brilliant adventure from a brand-new author, Daniel Dockery and I’m delighted to be able to tell you that Daniel will be visiting us in October.  The heroine of our first book of the month is Wendington Jones, and we meet her shortly before she finds out that her beloved mother, an anthropologist and explorer has been killed in a car accident.  On returning to her family home, she receives a parcel: the incomplete manuscript of her mother’s latest book, describing her quest to find the mythical Tree of Life which is said to bring people back to life.  Could this be the reason why Wendington’s mother was killed? 

Determined to solve the mystery of her mother’s death (and perhaps bring her back to life) she sets off on a voyage to Australia to discover the Tree of Life for herself.  On board the SS Pembroke she soon discovers that she is not the only person searching for the legendary tree.  Here, we meet a cast of larger-than-life characters.  Which of these, if any, can she trust?  Wendington herself is full of courage, quick witted and with an aptitude for engineering.  Like a cross between Enola Holmes and Indiana Jones, she rides this rip-roaring adventure and escapes unexpected hazards with great determination.  The plot twists and turns beautifully as she tries to outwit her enemies and outrun danger.

Set in the 1920’s, the book perfectly captures the spirit of the times.  It also portrays Wendington’s grief.  Although courageous and determined, she is still a daughter who has lost her mother, and amongst the adventure we still get a sense of that heartache.

A gripping page turner, perfect for Years 7 & 8.