Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 06 May 2026

Greek Boy by Tony Bradman

I don’t think that there is anyone currently writing for the young readers in the 9 – 12 age bracket who can make stories of ancient history more exciting and accessible than Tony Bradman. Greek Boy is the fifth instalment of his award-winning series that focuses on the life of a real boy cast into historic moments (there are two Viking novels, a Roman and a Saxon). 

What I really like about Bradman’s books is that they don’t rely on wizardry or magic to interest the reader but instead allow the historical reality to be the backdrop to the adventure in the belief, rightly I think, that the actual events of history to be dramatic enough.

Nikos is approaching adulthood in Athens during the Autumn of 481BC – and he’s tired of being treated as a boy and having no responsibilities. But all that is about to change because the great Persian king Xerxes has decided he needs to expand his empire and finally deal with Athens, which has been a thorn in his side. An invasion is planned and the news of this finally finds its way to the people of Athens causing the city to go on a war footing.

Nikos has grown up knowing his father is an important man in the politics of the city and, in a world of uncertain liaisons he has a lasting relationship with the controversial but powerful, Themistokles. In Athens of this time politics and the army are tightly bound together and when the Athenians mobilise for war, Nikos’s father is dispatched on a special mission about which he can say nothing.

Much to his surprise, Nikos is left in charge of the family – realising that his father is now acknowledging that he is an adult in his eyes. Themistokles also promises to keep a close eye on them all while Nikos’s father is away.

Then one day the Athenian mob unexpectedly turns on Nikos and his family because a rumour has hit the streets that his father has turned traitor and gone over to the Persians. Nikos is dismayed and vows to go in search of the truth – with the help of Themistokles who arranges for him to join as a soldier on the navel fleet.

I’m stopping there with the plot because there’s tons more and you’ll want to uncover that for yourselves. You will, in course of it, discover about The Spartans, the Hot Gates and the sea battle of Salamis – real history.

Available from Walker Books, you can get a copy from your local independent bookshop – who will be happy to order it for you if they don’t have it on their shelves.

 

Terry Potter

May 2026