The Little Match Girl Strikes Back

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, set against the backdrop of Victorian London. The story follows Bridie, a young match seller who uses her quick thinking and determination to support her struggling family. Despite her relentless efforts, she faces hardship, with hunger and her mother's illness threatening her survival. After a street accident leaves her with only three matches, Bridie strikes each one, leading her into visions of a better, brighter future. These visions awaken her inner strength and motivate her to lead factory workers in a protest for better treatment, ultimately achieving something extraordinary through unity and courage.

This empowering retelling features a resilient heroine, whose journey stands in stark contrast to the tragic fate of the original match girl. Carroll brings new life to the narrative with historical inspiration, complemented by Lauren Child's striking black-and-white illustrations accented with bold red touches. The book also includes author and illustrator notes, along with vintage photographs, providing additional historical context to deepen the reader's understanding.