The Raven League [Hardcover]

Bill McCay (Author), Alex Simmons (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Raven League

When Archie Wiggins is kicked out of the Baker Street Irregulars, the gang of urchins that assists famous detective Sherlock Holmes, he has no idea what to do next. But then Holmes himself goes missing—and it seems the Irregulars might have had something to do with it. Now Wiggins and a few other misfits must take matters into their own hands.

Along the way the misfits uncover two murders and a spectacular plot aimed at the very heart of the British Empire—and when the adventure is over, they find they’re misfits no longer, but part of a new team: the Raven League!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6–This plot-driven story begins with immediate action that never lets up. Archie Wiggins is kicked out of The Baker Street Irregulars, kids who are paid eyes and ears for Sherlock Holmes, because of his culpability in the death of his friend Tim Doolan. The gang is taken over by someone working for London's criminal element. Archie ultimately makes three friends and forms the Raven League in order to help the presumably kidnapped Holmes. Together, they attempt to track the villains while trying to convince Dr. Watson that Holmes is indeed missing. A plot to assassinate Queen Victoria on Jubilee Day is uncovered. Through teamwork, faith, and courage, the children are able to save the day with the now-freed Holmes's help. The characters are fairly well developed; Victorian East End London is vividly conveyed with all of its sooty, dangerous, poverty-stricken reality; and the flavor of Arthur Conan Doyle's mysteries is successfully captured. This story will quickly grab readers' attention.–B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY
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About the Author

Alexander Simmons and William McCay, both native New Yorkers, share a lifelong fascination with Sherlock Holmes.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (April 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595140727
• ISBN-13: 978-1595140722
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,734,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply satisfying, May 19, 2006

By 

Beeswing "Beeswing" (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Raven League (Hardcover)

I am a serious Sherlockian and very critical of most pastiches and parodies, so I was surprised to enjoy this book so much. The authors have managed to create a Holmes and Watson that do not insult our memories of the original tales at the same time that they evoke a realistic Victorian London. The youngsters who form the Raven League are believable kids who would be good company for a juvenile reader - if I were still teaching school, I'd be recommending this volume left and right. I hope there will be more to come.

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr. Holmes would definitely approve!, June 8, 2006

By 

A Well-Read School Librarian (NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Raven League (Hardcover)

Young fans of historical fiction and of mysteries alike should find much to appreciate in this fast-paced, suspenseful novel. The jargon and atmospheric touches from the seedy East End of Victorian London are just right. The four resourceful young heroes (one female) are not stereotypes, but three-dimensional characters who find strength in unity. They pursue thugs from whom most of their elders would run away at the earliest opportunity. This book would make a terrific family-friendly motion picture. I'm looking forward to the sequel!