11 year old Zola lives with her young friends Handsome Charlie and Mary at the St Alice Home for orphans. Handsome Charlie really isn’t, after he lost his false teeth one day. But he seems to like the name. Mary believes she is a descendant of a royal family somewhere out there in the world, and makes herself crowns to hold on to that dream.

It’s not so bad living at the Home. Their caregiver is Ms Dandelion, a woman who pines for the stage, hoping to be an actor one day. Her daily life is full of acting references, even while telling Zola off one afternoon for kicking her arch nemesis Henry Pignut in the goolies…

Henry Pignut is constantly teasing Zola and scorning her as an orphan. Zola is not the type of girl to put up with it – hence the kicking and the telling off. She must apologise, which is when she meets Henry’s dad, Mr Snide.

Mr Snide is a truly horrible man, making his nasty son look positively delightful. This meeting is not going to be the last time Zola meets this man, as he has a truly horrible plan in mind, including his son, her home and her future. Who would’ve thought a man singing with a scrubbing brush in a window nearby would come to her rescue?

With her recycled scooter, her friends at her side and the reigns of St Alice Home for Orphans in her hands, life is about to become very exciting for Zola.

From the author of the hilarious Queen of Muck, comes Zola the Roller about a kind, clever and fearless (almost) orphan. Zola tells the story directly to the reader, and the very first page draws you in – Zola is in trouble… again! Zola doesn’t put up with any nonsense, especially from bully-rich-boy Henry. But dealing with an adult (Henry’s father) is a little more scary.

Zola will not stoop to her bullies’ depths, showing her true character, and through the story she learns the truth behind Henry’s bullying. There are plenty of laughs, energy and character building throughout this rolling romp.

Orphans, action, song, and a true baddie to boo at – what more could you want?

Author – Isaac Thackray

Age – 8+

(2023, Mary Egan Publishing, Funny, Humour, Laughs, Scooter, Orphanage, Orphan, Baddie, Villain, Bullying, Name Calling, Theatre, Singing, Song, Opera, Voice, Famous, Crime)