Catherine Randall

- AUTHOR -

Catherine Randall

Catherine Randall is a writer of children’s historical fiction. Her debut novel, The White Phoenix, features a determined heroine, 13-year-old Lizzie Hopper, in a timely tale of forbidden friendship, prejudice and plague set in a London bookshop in 1666. When the Great Fire of London breaks out, can Lizzie save the bookshop, as well as the friend she wasn’t supposed to have?

Shortlisted for the Historical Association Young Quills Award 2021.

Catherine is a member of the Time Tunnellers, a group of five children’s historical fiction writers. Click here to read our weekly blog and click here to view our Time Tunnellers videos for schools.

Catherine is also a member of CWISL (Children’s Writers & Illustrators for Stories & Literacy).

The White Phoenix - Available now

The White Phoenix was published by The Book Guild in August 2020 and is available from your local independent bookshop, Waterstones, and online retailers.

The judges of the Historical Association's Young Quills Award 2021 recommended The White Phoenix as 'a strong book that would enhance learning in school'.


'I really enjoyed the book. A wonderful read.'

Lady Antonia Fraser 
Acclaimed biographer and historical writer 


'Lizzie is a wonderfully feisty and strong-willed character. The story is well researched, gripping and tense, full of detail and the reader finds themselves fighting not only for the survival of the bookshop but also for the whole family as fire creeps across the city. Perfect for top KS2 and KS3 readers.'

Barbara Band 
School Library.Reading and Literacy Consultant - @bcb567 

‘Catherine Randall brings the streets of 17th century London vividly to life…A heart-warming and skilfully told tale.’

Ally Sherrick 
Author of Black Powder and The Buried Crown 

Find out more...​

Illustrations © Kate Randall