When I met Barbara Henderson at a lunch in Edinburgh all those years ago, I had no idea quite what a talented writer I had in front of me. Since then it has been my privilege to read many of her books for children and you’ll find my reviews here.
As a result, despite not taking on new tours at the moment, when Amy got in touch from Luath Press and asked if I would like to participate in the blog tour for Barbara’s latest book To War With Wallace, I jumped at the chance. It’s my pleasure to share my review and to close the tour today.
Published by Luath Press on 23rd August 2025, To War With Wallace is available for purchase through the links here where you’ll also find teaching resources for the book.
To War With Wallace
Scottish Wars of Independence, 1297. Scottish resistance has been crushed, and King Edward, Hammer of the Scots, now rules the North.
Doesn’t he?
At Chester Castle, young apprentice armourer Harry has no idea just how much his life is going to change from the moment he is told to guard an imprisoned Scottish nobleman: the rebel Andrew de Moray. The boy’s momentary carelessness gives the prisoner all he needs: an opportunity to escape. Harry finds himself kidnapped, and on his way to Scotland.
Soon, he is caught up in the Northern Rising with its skirmishes and stealth attacks. But these are nothing to the storm of questions in Harry’s mind: Whose cause is right? Why has his new master joined forces with the outlaw William Wallace? Can his new friend Euphemia be trusted?
As arrows fly and swords clash at the battle of Stirling Bridge, Harry must choose: Whose side is he on?
My Review of To War With Wallace
Young apprentice armourer Harry finds himself caught up in history.
What a book! I’ve read so many of Barbara Henderson’s children’s books that I am beginning to run out of superlatives to describe them in review. To War With Wallace is truly fabulous and I found myself completely mesmerised by the storytelling. This is a gripping, exciting, story that uncovers a little known aspect of The Scottish Wars of Independence and that leaves the reader feeling that, not only have they read about it, but they have been alongside Harry and part of history too. I think this may be Barbara Henderson’s best book yet – and given that I think they are all brilliant, that’s saying something!
The plot is breath-taking. Fast paced, interesting and engaging, this is the narrative to enthral even the most reluctant of readers. I think it’s having a realistic, age appropriate protagonist in Harry who is universal that is so successful. He’s by no means a perfect individual, but he is quick witted, skilled and, equally, vulnerable, making him relatable and convincing. More well-known Wallace may be in the title of the book, but here Scottish/English history is brought to vivid life from the point of view of those without whom, the great names of the past would never have come to prominence. Harry and Euphemia may only be children, but their role in history is vital. In To War With Wallace not only entertains young readers (and older ones like me), but it gives them status and credibility.
The themes of To War With Wallace are presented to perfection. War is an obvious element and this story resonates with much of today’s world as well as presenting the past, helping children to make sense of what they see around them. But other themes are so sensitively handled too. The need for companionship and a sense of belonging threads through the story. Loyalty and the implications of choice illustrate that no decision, no allegiance, is without dilemma and difficulty so that young readers can begin to understand not only Harry, but themselves and those they come into contact with. I thought this aspect was magnificent. Equally important is the concept of hope even when life seems impossible, making To War With Wallace inspiring as well as brilliantly entertaining.
What I find so astonishing about this author’s writing is the way she educates, creates a sense of time and place and presents difficult elements like war and death in an accessible manner without ever shying away from facts or patronising her readers. This is an author who researches meticulously, and weaves a spellbinding tale that is written with such skill and care that I find it hard to express how impactful To War With Wallace is. The opportunities for classroom use are immense – from further historical and geographical research to drama presentations. I can imagine children writing diary extracts from a character’s point of view, or producing artwork surrounding some of the key plot points. They might learn a few words of Gaelic or German, or teach one another some of their own home languages for example. However, most of all I can see To War With Wallace simply being a fantastic read that grips a young reader’s imagination and spurs a lifetime’s love of reading.
To War With Wallace is a triumph of a book. I thought it was wonderful and cannot recommend it highly enough – both for its target audience and for adults like me who appreciate magnificent writing and want to be royally entertained. To War With Wallace is, quite simply, not to be missed.
About Barbara Henderson
Barbara Henderson is the award-winning author of eleven books, including the Young Quills Award-winning novels The Chessmen Thief and The Siege of Caerlaverock, as well as Rivet Boy, winner of the Books for Topics Curriculum Support Award. Her historical and eco-fiction for children is widely studied in schools. Barbara is based in the Scottish Highlands where she still teaches Drama, but she loves to travel and spread the story-love in classrooms across the country. When she gets the chance, she likes to head outside, often to the nearby hills.
For further information, visit Barbara’s website, find her on Facebook or follow Barbara on Instagram and Bluesky.
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