Black Banner Abroad

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is beginning to crave independence and wonders what life might look like beyond their own backyard. It is the perfect bridge for a child who is outgrowing simple school stories but isn't quite ready for the heavy angst of modern young adult fiction. The story follows a group of British students from the Lake District as they travel to Provence, France, to perform a play, only to find themselves entangled in a local mystery. It beautifully captures that specific life moment where a young person realizes they can navigate the world, use a foreign language, and solve problems through collaboration. Through the lens of Robert and his friends, the book explores self-confidence, the thrill of travel, and the importance of loyalty. It offers a refreshing, wholesome look at the 'working holiday' where art and adventure intersect.