The Hatmakers

THE HATMAKERS
By Tamzin Merchant

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Get ready for a roller coaster of a read with this one, a middle grade novel where fantasy and historical fiction meet. Cordelia is a Hatmaker, part of a magical family that Makes important hats. In this case, a peace hat has been ordered for the English royal family to smooth planned peace talk negotiations with France. Other rival Making families are involved too- Bootmakers, Cloakmakers, Glovemakers, and Watchmakers. And if that isn’t enough tension, Cordelia’s father is lost at sea, someone is trying to foil the peace talks, and she’s trying to maintain a secret friendship with one of the Bootmaker children.

The magic elements of the Making process and items used in it are a stand out feature of this wonderfully imaginative story. Additionally, the characters are lively and memorable. 

Upper middle grade readers will enjoy the fast pace and high action, though less experienced readers may prefer listening to the story rather than reading it themselves given the frequent use of complex sentences, sophisticated word choices, and many plot twists.

A fun read, best paired with a scoop of fresh starlight!

Content warning: death, violence 

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