Ireland in the 1840s is in the grip of a terrible famine. When their father and mother go missing in a desperate search for food, the three O'Driscoll children are left to fend for themselves. Their only hope is to find the great-aunts they have heard about in their mother's stories.

One of the greatest historical fiction adventures in children's literature.

Marita Conlon-McKenna's Children of the Famine series brings to life as never before the Great Famine of 1840s Ireland and the immigrations that followed. Winner of many awards and accolades, these are all-time classics in historical fiction for children. Join siblings Eily, Michael, and Peggy on their incredible journey as they overcome tragedy, famine, and poverty to make their way in a dangerous new world.

Beautiful and moving...historically true and fictionally vivid.

Sunday Times

Not a word, spoken or unspoken, nor an emotion, is wasted. Pace and style keep the pages turning, and you are filled with a sense of wanting more at the end. Highly recommended.

Books Ireland

Brings to a satisfying conclusion one of the undoubted achievements of contemporary Irish children's literature.

Children's Books in Ireland

Three novels which, in my opinion, must be counted among the very highest achievements of contemporary children's writing - from Ireland or elsewhere.

Robert Dunbar

Awards for Under the Hawthorn Tree

1991

International Reading Association Award

1991

Reading Association of Ireland Award

1993

(Shortlisted for)

Österreichischer Kinder und Jugendbuchpreis

1994

(Shortlisted for)

Le Prix Litteraire du Roman pour Enfants