reported by Jeremy Polin, FictionFanatic.com

In The Traitors' Gate, Newbery Medal-winning author Avi returns to Victorian London as the setting for a fast-paced adventure enriched by fascinating period detail. The novel was inspired by the life of the young Charles Dickens, whose father was put into debtor's prison while Charles was forced to make his way in the world. Avi, who is known for his successful exploration of diverse literary genres, believes that the Victorian novel's style is ideal for telling a story for young readers. The short chapters, cliff-hanger endings, and larger-than-life characters help to make The Traitors' Gate a suspenseful page-turner full of action and surprises.

In 1849, fourteen-year-old John Huffam is a carefree young gentleman attending Sergeant Muldspoon's Military Academy. The story is set in motion when Finnegan O'Doul, a mysterious Irishman, has John's father arrested on the charge that he owes O'Doul 300 pounds. John's father claims he doesn't know O'Doul. Could the charge have something to do with his father's work for the Naval Ordnance Office? John learns that a traitor is on the loose--and it's up to him to find out who it is and to secure his father's release from debtor's prison. Along the way John meets some colorful characters, including his great-great aunt, Lady Euphemia, the secretive Mr. Snugsbe, Scotland Yard's Chief Inspector Ratchet, and Sary the Sneak.

Avi begins his research with novels, factual accounts, and diaries. He has also lived in London, and visits often. "The city of London itself - so central to Dickens's life, work, and art - is in its way a central character here too," Avi says. "I've written a story that I believe catches the exhilarating spirit of mid-nineteenth century London. The characters and their emotions are invented, but the historical details are accurate."

Karina Raude's black and white illustrations further evoke the vitality of mid-nineteenth century London and the humor and quirky charm of the characters Avi creates.

Avi is the author of more than 60 books, including Crispin: The Cross of Lead; Nothing But the Truth; The Book Without Words; and Poppy. His other novels with nineteenth-century settings include The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, The Barn, Beyond the Western Sea, and The Man Who Was Poe.