Tess (The Travellers)

Tess is pony mad, but her mum can’t afford riding lessons. When a group of travellers come to live in the village, Tess secretly visits their horses. As she makes friends with some of the gypsy families, she moves closer to living her dream and becoming a talented rider. But there’s a lot of local hostility towards the travellers and when she finally confesses what she’s been doing, she is forbidden to visit the gypsy site again. Unless she can begin to break down barriers between travellers and non-travellers, there’s no chance that Tess will ever fulfil her dream. Focusing on one of the four main characters in the series ‘The Travellers’, this book is a great read as well as an effective way of coming to understand the world of travelling (gypsy) communities, through the eyes of one of four young teenagers. Offering interesting insights into the way travelling communities live and work, and contradicting many stereotypical assumptions about travellers and non-travellers alike, this book is perfect for any reader who wishes to know more about a different way of life.

Review

“I think Tess is a really good book, you never know what will happen next, from meeting a new best friend to saving a horse’s life. If I had to recommend a book to someone it would definately be this one….. This would suit teenagers who like adventure and horses.” Jennifer Irvine, Drummond Community High for Teen Titles

About the Author

Rosemary Hayes has written numerous books for children, many of which have been shortlisted for awards. She worked for Cambridge University Press and ran her own small educational publishing company, Anglia Young Books, specializing in curriculum-related historical fiction. She is currently a reader for a well known authors’ advisory service and also runs creative writing workshops.