I have always loved the characters and sense of absolute adventure that Natasha Farrant creates in her stories. In this story, we meet Minna, a young girl who does not suit mainstream secondary school, preferring to be in nature, alone and without boundaries.
Discovering Stormy Loch Academy in the wilds of Scotland, her parents send her to boarding school. There Minna blooms and finds her path. When the school holidays come, Minna asks to stay at school rather than accompany her family to Paris. During this holiday, two other students stay as well. Kass, a quiet student who has been bullied relentlessly all term, and Tom, one of the bullies.
At first Minna and Kass distance themselves from Tom but when they learn a bit more about him, they welcome him in but he needs to prove himself- not just to them but to his parents and himself. Helping this trio forge a friendship is Addie, a previous student who has run away from home.
When the police become involved with Addie, the trio go above and beyond to help prove her theories about her step-father. Danger lurks in this adventure but the friendship and bond this group forms is heartwarming and courageous.
From Scotland to London and back again, much will have changed for everyone in the story, including the formidable Headmaster, Major Fortescue!
I loved running through the wilds of Scotland with Minna, Kass and Tom! I loved their determination, their loyalty and their wildness. It’s the perfect adventure story and is filled with children who are truly themselves and accepting of others!
My Shelves Are Full 