This ethereal novel about Livy's unusual feelings of weightlessness, set amongst the stone angels of her new school, is a dreamy and captivating story. Like in Constable's book 'The Wolf Princess', her writing has the ability to create a very particular world that you truly get lost in. It's unlike anything else and wonderfully different. Other than its escapism, 'The White Tower' weaves in themes of loss, acceptance and hope. In amongst contemporary children's literature Cathryn Constable's books stand out.

Now here's a wonderful story for children to get lost in. The White Tower by Cathryn Constable manages to touch upon the difficult topics of loss and feeling out of place while also creating a wonderful and original world unlike any you've read about before. The story is about Livy, who has recently lost her best friend and feels alone and out of place. Things start changing quickly when her father gets a new job as a librarian at the prestigious Temple College. As their family is supposedly descended from the founder of the school, Livy is accepted to the school, much to her own surprise. When she and her family arrive at the school, she is constantly taken by a sensation of weightlessness and a desire to take to the roof. She almost feels as if she could fly. There are, however, people out there who are very interested in this ability to take to the skies, and they may not have good intentions... Wonderfully original, this is a story about trying to find your way when you arrive somewhere new, while also dealing with what happened in the past. Many children will relate to this, and will also enjoy the world that is created around Livy. Livy is a wonderful character, one that we should have more of in children's literature. She is inquisitive, resourceful, and very compassionate to her friends. A perfect read for children between the ages of 9 and 12, particularly girls.