*Shortlisted

Review by Amelia, Year 5, The Cathedral School of St Peter and St John
King Alfred and the Ice Coffin was an enjoyable book because it taught me more about Viking times. The story was set during the Viking era, which made it interesting to read and helped me learn more about that period. My favourite character was Ealhswith because she had the fastest horse, and the most exciting part of the book was when she was chasing it. The plot was a mix of exciting, thought-provoking, and serious moments because there were lots of different emotions throughout the story. I would recommend this book to other pupils because it is a great way to learn more about the Vikings while enjoying a good adventure. I also learned a new word "ambushed." There was nothing I didn’t like about the book, I enjoyed all of it! 

Review by Nirvaan, Year 5, St. Cecilia’s Primary School
I mainly enjoyed the book because it was a fun tale with historic detail. Prior to reading this book, I knew nothing about King Alfred and now I have a feel for him and the time period, and I learned about it a fun way. It was quite slow to start but once it got into the story it became fun to read. It was a unique way to teach about King Alfred’s by incorporating a story within a story.