TwitchM. G. Leonard

Twitch

Name: Twitch
Author: M. G. Leonard

by M. G. Leonard

Ages 9–12 Reading age 10 Novel Set in outdoors and wild places adventurousthoughtful

Twitch would rather watch birds than people. Then a bank robber escapes into his wood, and the hide he built becomes the best place to watch from.

A story about children, animals and a grown-up villain, adventurous and thoughtful in tone. We would put it with children of 9–12, and at a reading age of about 10 for reading alone.

Worth knowing before you buy

Mild peril
Bullying

None of this makes it a bad book — often the opposite. It is here so you can decide whether it is right for your child now or in a year or two.

Part of a series

This is book 1 of the Twitch series, so there is more to read if it goes down well — which is worth a great deal with a reluctant reader.

Our take on this book

Twitch is a boy who loves birds above everything — he has hides in the woods and three pet chickens — and when an escaped convict and a hidden fortune bring trouble to his patch, it is his birdwatcher's patience and sharp eyes that help crack the mystery. M. G. Leonard, author of the Beetle Boy books, writes a warm, clever adventure-mystery that wears its passion for nature on its sleeve, folding real birdwatching lore into a proper page-turning plot. It is exciting rather than frightening, with peril of the escaped-convict, treasure-hunt sort, and a likeable, slightly outsiderish hero whose special interest turns out to be his superpower. For a nine- to twelve-year-old who likes a mystery — and especially one who loves nature or feels a bit different for their enthusiasms — it is a hugely satisfying read that celebrates being passionate about something, and the first of a series that has delighted young naturalists and mystery-lovers alike.