The Accidental Stowaway

Judith Eagle's 'The Accidental Stowaway' is a captivating historical adventure for readers aged 4-11, particularly strong for independent readers 8-11 and as a read-aloud for younger children. It follows 12-year-old Patch, who, after being passed between relatives, accidentally finds herself a stowaway on a grand 1910 steamship. The story is a blend of thrilling mystery and a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, as Patch navigates the ship, makes unlikely friends, and works to expose criminals. Themes of belonging, resilience, and the power of friendship are woven throughout, making it an empowering read for children who might feel a bit lost or are seeking adventure. Parents will appreciate the strong, resourceful protagonist and the engaging historical setting.

"The story has twists and turns galore...A fascinating, imaginative adventure." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) In this rollicking transatlantic romp set in 1910, a plucky girl named Patch accidentally stows away on a glamorous steamship, finding herself in the midst of a mystery. Twelve-year-old Patch hasn’t found a real home yet, despite being passed like a package from one distant relative to the next. When she runs up the gangway of the massive steamship RMS Glorious, she isn’t planning to hang around. But it’s too late—the ship is setting sail! Patch has become an accidental stowaway. Luckily, she’s fearless and resourceful and finds friends on board in both high and low places. But hiding from the stowaway-hunting chief steward becomes harder and harder. And to make matters worse, Patch’s new friends urgently need her help: it turns out that some passengers are not what they seem, and there’s a mystery that needs solving before they reach New York. Can Patch protect her friends and stop some dastardly criminals? And will she find a home at last, or will the excitement of life on the move keep calling her name? The elegant allure of Titanic-era steamships meets madcap escapades as our intrepid heroine finds adventure on every deck.