Sheffield provides the setting for this family adventure, and the city’s steelworkers its inspiration. Spending time with their grandma, Sean and his little sister are immediately taken with the statue of three steelmen outside the Meadowhall Centre, especially when their cousin tells them about a mystery surrounding it and involving their mum and uncle. Sure enough, there is something magical about the statue and another too: one of two young female steelworkers. As the children find out more, they travel back in time for an exciting adventure. The story began with Meet Me by the Steelmen, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and this is another engaging story which cleverly and vividly brings the past to life.
Older readers should look out for Berlie Doherty’s Carnegie winner Granny was a Buffer Girl, which also takes the steel industry for inspiration.
When Leila and Sam go to stay with their grandma in Sheffield for the school holidays, they soon discover far more then they'd anticipated - not just about their family's secrets, but those of the remarkable Women of Steel too!
Years after the steelmen first came to life for Jenny and Stevie, their children discover the wonder of Sheffield's old steelworks. When the family meet up for the holidays at Meadowhall and revisit the steelmen, they are once again transported to another era where women not only wear the trousers but the goggles and overalls too...
Theresa Tomlinson initially qualified as a teacher, and taught in primary schools for many years. She began creating picture books for her own children, and has since written and published many books for all ages. Having spent a large portion of her life in the north of England, many of her novels are located there, and have grown a popular and loyal fan base of readers. Her keen interest in history, and incredible story-telling talent has seen her twice shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
