The Bookshop Sisters

A story of sisterhood, secrets and standing up for what you believe in from the award-winning author of The Little Bee Charmer of Henrietta Street and The Weather Girls

It's 1956. When thirteen-year-old bookworm Rosy Heron and her big sister Martha are sent to Dublin to help their aunt Toto in her busy bookshop for the summer, their quiet lives change overnight.

The two sisters quickly become part of the Baggot Books team as junior booksellers and bicycle delivery girls. But the bookshop is also full of secrets. Where does their aunt disappear to at night, and what exactly is happening in the basement of the shop? Rosy is determined to solve the mystery, but she's not the only one interested in the goings-on in Baggot Books …



Everything about this makes it a wonderful addition to the world of Irish children's books. Rosy Heron's enthusiasm for Children's Literature transforms the nook of Baggot Books that was overlooked - quite literally - by an orange window film, discarded food and a careless book referencing system. I loved the inclusion of Mary Lavin and Patrick Kavanagh, the introduction of book birthdays (how gorgeous!) and the sense of community amongst those who are lucky enough to work in Baggot Books. Rosy feels like a friend to the reader. She is a girl who is not afraid of life, who puts herself out there and tries to work on her flaws - such as not saying too much, if she can (!), in order to allow others the opportunity. There is personal growth, education about what life was like in Ireland in 1956, complicated family relationships, differing perspectives and the importance to stand up and be brave all weaved in throughout the story. I loved it. Sarah Webb has become an author whose writing is familiar to both me and my students. I look forward to introducing it to many others and championing someone who has long since championed Irish children's books. A wonderful book and I adored the cover by Lauren O'Hara ... The perfect match!



a read-again-and-again book … I would recommend this book for ages 9 to 14. If you love adventures, mysteries, bookshops and stories about sisterhood, make this your next read! I am giving this book a 9/10 - by Cora, aged 10, 4th class, Clongeen N.S., Wexford



The Bookshop Sisters opens a passionate and loving window into the joys of bookselling and captures the robust thrill of a first adventure away from home. I pored over every page



I was immediately transported to 1950s Dublin to the bookshop of my dreams - cluttered, crammed full of interesting titles. No one builds a sense of place in time like Sarah and I ate up all the little details that made this story so rich. Add a mysterious secret and a powerful message for women and girls and this MG book is such a treat



I'm nearly finished this book but trying to make it last because I love the main character Rosy so much! ...This is the Ireland of banned books and the marriage bar but it's also the Ireland of authors, artists and freewheeling bicycles. Most importantly it features women doing what they've always done - taking the world they live in and pushing and pulling at its boundaries until it can contain the shape of a life they want to live. Perfect historical fiction from @sarahwebbwriter which handles its historical period and balances it with characters who will speak to the reader today!