Family reading club

This week in go! we start our Family Reading Club with JustImagine Storytelling Centre of Chelmsford February Book of the MonthTreason by Berlie Doherty ISBN 9781849391214 Essex was a county muchbeloved of King Henry VIII and was a popular retreat for his royalcourt.

Notable sites with Henry VIII connections across the countyinclude Ingatestone Hall, Layer Marney Towers and St Osyth's Priory.

Most famously New Hall in Chelmsford, formerly Beaulieu Palace,was the subject of a Channel 4 Time Team investigation into Henry'slost palaces.

This month's family reading choice, Treason by Berlie Doherty isa historical adventure set in dangerous times during the reign ofKing Henry VIII.

Will Montague is page to the King's son, Prince Edward. As theKing's favourite, Will is quick to make enemies of those jealous ofthe King's attention - and those powerful enemies have the ear ofthe King.

Soon they convince Henry that Will's father has committed treasonand must be thrown into Newgate Prison.

England is seething with religious intolerance but Will's fatherrefuses to denounce his faith, despite the threat of execution.

Will is forced into hiding in the back streets of London. Lostand in mortal danger, he is rescued by a poor commoner, Nick Drew,and together they set out to free Will's father. Berlie Dohertyskilfully paints a picture of Tudor England and with subtlecharacterisation brings her historical figures to life. This is anovel in which the central character, Will, has much to learn.

At the outset he is easily flattered by the attention of the kingbut his childish pride soon gives way to a more mature understandingof the flawed class system.

The narrative is compelling and moves along at a swift pace,avoiding overly descriptive passages and making this a good choicefor reading aloud and for independent reading.

For readers from about 9 years upwards.

After reading Treason: Talk about it: Why were there religioustensions in Tudor England? Is Britain today more tolerant ofdifferent religions? Find out: Use the internet and other sources tofind out more about religion in the reign of Henry VIII Visit:Ingatestone Hall: Home to William Petre, secretary of state to HenryVIII http://www.ingatestonehall.com Visit Layer Marney Tower:England's tallest Tudor gatehouse (pictured below)www.layermarneytower.co.uk