For young readers grappling with themes of belonging and seeking justice in a complex world, this historical adventure offers a poignant tale of courage and connection.
For a child who feels overlooked or that the world is unfair, this book offers a thrilling story about finding your voice and your people. The December Rose is a historical adventure set in the dark, grimy streets of Victorian London. It follows Barnaby, a young chimney sweep's apprentice who stumbles upon a dangerous political conspiracy and must run for his life. Hunted by a ruthless inspector, Barnaby finds an unlikely family in a clever barge girl and an old sea captain. Together, they navigate a world of spies and secrets. This book is perfect for readers 9 to 12 who enjoy suspense and history, as it masterfully explores themes of loneliness, bravery, and the fight for justice, showing how even the smallest person can make a difference.
A secondary child character is murdered early in the story, which drives the plot.
Sad ThemesMild
Deals with orphanhood, extreme poverty, and the harsh realities of child labor.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly addresses the harsh realities of child labor, poverty, and institutional cruelty in a historical context. A key secondary character is murdered (off-page, but the discovery of the body is described). The approach is secular. The resolution is hopeful for the main characters, who form a found family, but it is also realistic in that the broader societal injustices remain.
Ideal Reader
An adventurous 10 to 12 year old who loves historical fiction, mysteries, and underdog stories. This is for a child who enjoys complex plots and rich, descriptive language, and is ready for a story where the danger feels genuine. It is perfect for a reader transitioning from standard middle-grade adventure to more complex young adult themes.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for the depiction of the harsh realities of Victorian England, particularly for children. The murder of Barnaby's friend, Tom, is a key plot point in Chapter 4 and is described with some emotional weight. The sophisticated, atmospheric language may also warrant some occasional explanation or context. A parent notices their child expressing feelings of being small, unheard, or that adults hold all the power and the world is unfair. The child might be grappling with a situation where they feel powerless against a larger system or person.
Age Experience
A 9-year-old will likely focus on the thrilling chase, the mystery, and the friendship between Barnaby and Miranda. A 12-year-old will better grasp the social commentary on class, justice, and the corruption of power. Older readers will also appreciate the moral complexity of characters like Inspector Creaker more deeply.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many historical adventures for this age, Leon Garfield's writing is exceptionally literary and atmospheric. It does not sanitize the grime and injustice of the Victorian era, offering a starker view while still centering on a child's resilience and capacity for hope. The book is as much a character-driven thriller as it is a plot-driven adventure.
Read plot summary
Barnaby, a young chimney sweep's apprentice in Victorian London, accidentally overhears a conversation about a treasonous secret involving a spy known as "the December Rose." He is immediately targeted by the formidable Inspector Creaker. Forced to flee, Barnaby falls in with Miranda, a resourceful girl living on a canal barge, and the eccentric Captain Pascoe. This unlikely trio navigates the city's dangerous underbelly, trying to stay one step ahead of Creaker and his agents while figuring out how to use their knowledge to expose the conspiracy.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Barnaby is often very scared, but he keeps going. What do you think is the difference between being brave and not being afraid? Can you think of a time Barnaby was both scared and brave?
2
Inspector Creaker believes he is doing the right thing for his country. Does having a good goal make it okay to do bad things to achieve it? Why or why not?
3
Barnaby, Miranda, and Captain Pascoe are not related, but they become a family. What specific actions or moments show them becoming a family?
4
The story is set in Victorian London, where children like Barnaby had very few rights. How did this setting make Barnaby's adventure more dangerous? How would the story be different if it happened today?
