Under the Hawthorn Tree

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

Marita Conlon-McKenna is one of Ireland's most popular children's authors. She has written nine bestselling children's books. Under the Hawthorn Tree, her first novel, became an immediate bestseller and has been described as "the biggest success story in children's historical fiction." Marita lives in Dublin with her husband and four children.