2009
WISE Score
An atmospheric Irish mystery where time is literally leaking away and only a trip to the land of the fairies can find the plug.
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A gorgeous, lyrical pick for the kid who likes their fantasy with a side of fiddle music and folklore. It’s a 'quiet' book compared to modern blockbusters, but the payoff is a much deeper connection to the setting and the characters.
If your kid is a musician or just obsessed with Irish culture, this is a non-negotiable must-read. It manages to be magical without being flashy, which is a rare feat in YA fiction.
Perfect for ages 10 to 14. It’s sophisticated enough for young teens but clean enough for precocious 9-year-olds who love a good 'world-next-door' fantasy.
Deeply rooted in family traditions, Irish folk music, and a son's genuine desire to help his mother. It models a healthy, if slightly eccentric, multi-generational household.
A brilliant intersection of Irish mythology and modern life. The concept of 'leaking time' and the portal to Tír na nÓg is handled with more creativity than your average portal fantasy.
Very safe for its target middle-grade and YA audience. There are mentions of an old family scandal involving a death, but it's handled as a mystery rather than anything graphic.
It's a masterclass in Irish culture and folklore. The inclusion of traditional musical scores at the end of chapters provides a rare cross-media enrichment for musical kids.
The New Policeman is one of those books that feels like a well-kept secret. Published in the mid-2000s, it hasn't quite achieved the 'classic' status of Harry Potter, but for the right reader, it’s just as impactful. The story follows J.J. Liddy, a teenager in a family of traditional Irish musicians, who discovers that the reason everyone is so busy is because time is literally leaking out of our world into the land of the fairies.
What sets this apart is the authenticity. Kate Thompson lives in the West of Ireland, and it shows. The dialogue, the weather, and the social importance of a 'session' (a musical gathering) are all spot-on. It’s a great counter-balance to the more commercialized, 'Disney-fied' versions of Irish myth kids usually see.
Each chapter ends with the title of a traditional Irish tune and the actual sheet music for it. It’s a brilliant way to ground the fantasy in reality. If you have a kid who plays the violin, flute, or tin whistle, they can actually play along with the story. Even for non-musicians, it adds a rhythmic layer to the reading experience that makes the world feel incredibly rich.
In an era of 'chosen ones' and world-ending stakes, J.J.’s quest is refreshingly personal: he just wants to buy his mom some more time for her birthday. The stakes eventually grow, but the heart of the book remains in the kitchen and the pub. It’s a mystery that requires a bit of patience, making it a great choice for kids who are ready to move beyond simple plot-driven action into more character-focused literature.
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