Books with author Mollie Hunter

When Finn Learson staggers out of a stormy sea into a village on the Shetland Isles, he brings a secret with him. While the other villagers are enchanted by the stranger, Robbie suspects he's hiding something. Haunted by tales of the Selkie Folk, Robbie sees the clues everywhere -- the strange coin, the missing ship, Finn's love for Robbie's sister and her golden hair. But can Robbie convince the others in time to save his sister?

When Finn Learson literally stumbles out of a stormy sea into a small village on Scotland's Shetland Isles, he steals the villagers' hearts. He's handsome and charming, he helps with the fishing and the harvest, and he's particularly drawn to Robbie's older sister Elspeth, with her beautiful long golden hair. Yet there's something about Finn that makes Robbie and his dog Tam feel uneasy. Haunted by local tales of the Selkie folk, Robbie suspects there's more to Finn than meets the eye. But who would believe Robbie's wild suspicions? As the story reaches its explosive finale at the fire festival of Up Helly Aa, can Robbie reveal the truth in time to save his sister? One of Mollie Hunter's most popular novels for children, A Stranger Came Ashore was first published in 1975 to great acclaim. This new Kelpies Classics edition brings this much-loved Scottish classic to a new generation of children.

About a hundred years ago, they say, a mermaid ruled the cold sea that washed around northern landsEveryone in Jon and Anna's village knows of the mermaid's beauty -- and her cruelty -- and is careful to speak well of her. Everyone but their grandfather, Eric, until the day the mermaid smashes his fishing boat against the rocks.After that, Eric bids his family good-bye, for no one will sail with him again. But Jon and Anna never stop missing him, so they decide they must defeat the mermaid's curse and bring their grandfather home. . .

The perfect spyWhile hunting for his family's dinner on the moor, sixteen-year-old Martin Crawford spies a lone man being hunted by five armed soldiers. He succeeds in rescuing the man, and is shocked to learn that he is none other than Robert the Bruce--rightful King of Scots. Martin wants to lead a quiet life; he is a scholar. But when the Bruce asks him to join his army and help to regain Scotland's freedom from the brutal English king, Martin cannot say no.But he can refuse to fight. No matter what the Bruce or anyone else, says to him, Martin will not pick up a sword. Instead he will be the king's swift rider, a vital link in the Bruce's information network. Soon Martin is risking his life as one of the king's most trusted spies. For he knows that victory over the English will give the Scots their freedom, but defeat will kepp them slaves forever.... 00-01 Tayshas High School Reading List

A wild, stormy night . . . A shipwreck . . . The sudden appearance of a stranger . . . That is how it all begins. The stranger is Finn Learson, a young and handsome man who seems to be the only survivor of the wreck. Finn Learson is charming and generous, and the Henderson family gladly give him shelter. Only young Robbie Henderson does not trust Finn Learson and his oddly unsettling secret smile. Robbie is sure that he is hiding something--but what? The clues Robbie finds are mysterious: Finn Learson's love of dancing; an ancient gold coin that Finn gives to the family; strange omens in the ashes of a fire; and beautiful young Elspeth Henderson's increasingly odd behavior. Then, in one frightening moment, Robbie recalls his grandfather's warning and discovers at last the terrible, incredible truth about Finn Learson. And Robbie knows it's up to him to save his sister . . . before it's too late. Only 12-year-old Robbie knows that the mysterious Finn Learson is the evil Great Selkie, the seal-man of Shetland Islands legend. Phoenix Award winning author Mollie Hunter "has written another suspense story finely laced with folklore; her storytelling is as spontaneous as it is irresistible."—H. ‘Sure to keep readers spellbound.’ —SLJ. Notable Children’s Books of 1971-1975 (ALA)1976 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book for FictionBest Books of 1975 (SLJ)Outstanding Children's Books of 1975 (NYT)Children's Books of 1975 (Library of Congress)Kirkus Choice 1975