The Incredible Charlotte Sycamore

Charlotte Sycamore is the 16-year-old daughter of the royal surgeon of Queen Victoria’s court. She lives in a steampunk London with mechanical butterflies and battery-powered swords, but also the same oppressive restrictions on women that “Victorian” has become a byword for. Charlotte’s father has arranged a marriage for her, but she still longs for freedom and adventur, which she gets by sneaking out with her servant-class friends, Jillian and Peter. On one such expedition, the three are savaged by mechanical dogs, apparently contaminated with rabies. With Jillian and Peter locked in quarantine, only Charlotte is free to seek answers. Who made the dogs? Did they really carry rabies? And can Charlotte find an antidote? This is a debut children’s book from Maddison, who writes adult romances as Kate Bridges. Socioeconomic divisions, women’s equality, and arranged marriage versus true love emerge as major themes—despite the book’s adventure trappings—all couched in researched detail. Preteens might be interested, but YA readers are more likely to be swept away by the charm and excitement of the tale. Ages 10–up. Agent: Erica Spellman Silverman, Trident Media Group. (Apr.)