The Uncommoners: The Crooked Sixpence

Eleven-year-old Ivy Sparrow and her brother Seb discover a hidden underground city called Lundinor where common household objects have uncommon magical powers. After their grandmother is attacked, the siblings enter this secret world beneath London, where they must navigate its dangers while searching for answers about their family's connection to it. In Lundinor, ordinary items like bells, buttons, and belts possess extraordinary abilities when wielded by skilled traders called "uncommoners." The children encounter peculiar merchants, strange creatures, and a mysterious organization known as the Dirge who seem determined to capture them. While seeking to protect their grandmother and uncover their true heritage, Ivy and Seb find themselves at the center of an ancient mystery involving a powerful artifact called the Crooked Sixpence. The story combines elements of magic, family secrets, and adventure while exploring themes of belonging, identity, and the hidden potential in everyday things.

Readers compare this middle-grade fantasy to Harry Potter but note it stands on its own with unique worldbuilding. Many reviews highlight the creative "uncommon" objects that come alive and the detailed underground London setting. Liked: - Fast-paced plot keeps pages turning - British humor and wordplay - Strong sibling relationship between main characters - Inventive magical items and creative naming - Includes illustrations that enhance the story Disliked: - First few chapters confuse some younger readers - Multiple plot threads can be hard to follow - Some felt the ending was rushed - Vocabulary may challenge 8-10 year olds Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (250+ ratings) BookTrust: 4/5 Reader quote: "A delightfully odd mystery with clever magical twists. The uncommon objects are so creative - who wouldn't want a toilet brush that can pick locks?" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 Jennifer Bell was inspired to write The Uncommoners while working as a children's bookseller in London, where she observed everyday objects and imagined them having magical properties. 🔹 The book's setting, Lundinor, is based on real London markets like Portobello Road and Camden Market, transformed into a magical underground world where common household items have extraordinary powers. 🔹 The author created over 100 different "uncommoned" objects for the series, including belts that let you fly and toilet brushes that can erase memories. 🔹 Many of the characters' names in the book are derived from old English trades and professions, such as "Weaver" and "Smith," reflecting the story's connection to merchant history. 🔹 The book was published in 15 different languages and became a bestseller in multiple countries, launching Jennifer Bell's career after she spent five years working on the manuscript.