To War with Wallace

This book will be available August 2025

About the Book: 

To War with Wallace by Barbara Henderson is a gripping children’s historical fiction novel set in the tumultuous years of 1296–97. Perfect for young readers aged 8–12 who love adventure, history enthusiasts and fans of action-packed stories, this book is sure to captivate. With a lack of novels for this age group on Wallace, To War With Wallace fills a gap that has long required filling.

Follow the story of a young English boy swept into involvement in the daring escape of Andrew de Moray, a nobleman imprisoned after the Battle of Dunbar. Together, they journey north to the Highlands, where rebellion brews. As alliances form, the boy finds himself at the heart of history, standing alongside William Wallace at the iconic Battle of Stirling Bridge.

This thrilling tale offers a fresh perspective on Scotland’s fight for freedom, making it an excellent choice for classrooms, libraries and families seeking an exciting and meaningful read, and also for visitors to Scotland. This book will also align with the Curriculum for Excellence and in-depth teacher notes to be used in a classroom at ease will be available.

Reviews: 

Praise for The Boy, The Witch & The Queen of Scots:

The Boy, The Witch & The Queen of Scots is a thrilling, gripping historical adventure. SUSAN BROWNRIGG, Children’s Author

It’s a great way to get history into children and even as an adult I learnt a lot. HELEN BYLES, Blogger

A true gem in children's literature, The Boy, the Witch & The Queen of Scots is a triumph that brings history to life in a way that both educates and entertains. MR RIPLEY, Blogger

The action started straight away which will hook children in. RACHEL BRUCE, Teacher and Historian

A fascinating glimpse into the past – perfect for the primary classroom. STEVEN KENYON, Teacher Educator for English and History

I was completely gripped by this page-turner! Barbara has tapped into a truly unique perspective of one of Scotland’s most fascinating eras! TRACY HARROWER-RENNIE, Teacher and Historian

A fascinating, historical adventure! I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns in the story and I loved that it was rooted in historical accuracy. The book contains many themes which would ignite and inspire children to learn more about this time period. I was kindly sent an early review copy and I found the plot very engaging and the characters were well written. The story telling made you feel like you were there, witnessing the plot first hand with Alexander and Lizzie! CASEY McCORMACK, GoodReads

Full of intrigue, adventure and treachery, it is totally gripping. HELEN, BookSirens

About the Author:

BARBARA HENDERSON is an Inverness-based children’s writer and Drama teacher. Her energetic school visits take her across the length and breadth of Scotland, and sometimes beyond. As a teacher, she loves to get young people on their feet as they respond to stories. ‘Writing is like magic,’ she says. ‘I see something in my imagination, and I try to capture it by writing it down – nothing more than black marks on white paper. Much later, young people see these black marks on white paper and suddenly they see something too, feel something of their own. I cannot think of anything more special than that.’ Scottish by Inclination is Barbara’s first foray into adult non-fiction. She shares her home with her teenage son, her long-suffering husband and a scruffy Schnauzer called Merry.