Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Mythical, quest, blind, superhero, positive.
Children’s book title: Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer.
Children’s author: Lucy Edwards.
Genre: Mythological Mystery.
Published by: Scholastic.
ISBN: 9780702337963.
Recommended for children aged: 10+.
First published: Paperback February 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: children interested in a modern-day mythical quest, featuring the generous sensitivity often found in young people today, and a blind protagonist who uses the strength and skills she has developed to save the world.
To see the latest price or order, click on the book cover image. As an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases.
Our review:
Ella and the Sun Stealer presents a fresh take on the adventure quest novel. Our protagonist, Ella Jones, was previously sighted but became blind as a child. She has learnt to navigate the world through her other senses, aided by her guide dog, Maisie. So when, one day, the entire world is abruptly plunged into darkness, Ella’s friends and family suddenly find themselves both relying on her and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges she faces on a daily basis. It isn’t long before we discover that the fate of the entire world rests on twelve-year-old Ella Jones’ shoulders.
The author’s own imagining of the mystical being Lugh, from Irish mythology, adds a supernatural element to the plot. This is introduced early on during a school trip to the Mythos Library. The tour guide, Ailynn, sets the scene for the journey ahead as she introduces the children to various mythological items and ideas. Although this scene initially seems to depict a fairly ordinary occasion, as events unfold, Ailynn and the Mythos Library become increasingly central to the plot and its resolution.
Ella and her young companions – her sister, Poppy, and best friend, Finn – approach each challenge with emotional maturity, making them excellent role models for young readers. Initially, I wondered if the conversational style might seem slightly unnatural as a result, but once you understand the physical and emotional journey that Ella has been on since becoming blind, her maturity makes perfect sense.
Furthermore, this maturity appears to influence both Poppy and Finn as the story progresses. The three characters display distinct personality traits, and all undergo clear development, with Poppy and Finn being positively influenced by Ella throughout. Ella and her companions communicate effectively with adults during their journey, and – without giving too much away – Ella’s exceptional communication skills play a crucial role in the story’s resolution.
The young age of the protagonist, combined with the wholesomeness of the characters and the uplifting resolution, makes this a suitable book for children in the upper primary or early secondary age range. Adventure and jeopardy are present within a familiar genre structure, offering opportunities to explore story elements and create cross-curricular links with mythology. Parents and teachers can be reassured that the characters Edward has created will provide only positive influences for young readers.
Many thanks to Scholastic for the review copy.
To order a class set of this book, please click below to order via uk.bookshop.org, an organisation that supports local bookshops, or Amazon.co.uk.
Buy from UK.Bookshop.Org Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Disclosure: If you buy books using the buttons above: we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops; as an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases.
Browse our Book for Year 7.
