Have you ever felt afraid to go to school because you thought a bully might hurt you, maybe even with a gun or a knife? Did you ever worry that your school would close and you might never see your classmates or favorite teacher again?

Away back in time more than two hundred years ago and far across the Atlantic Ocean, there were children in Ireland who felt those very same fears. The government of the time made up a set of unfair laws called the Penal Code. Those laws gave property and power to Protestants and the English, while denying power and rights to many children’s families, just because they were Irish Catholics even though they made up 75% of the population. Many Catholics refused to obey laws that forbade them to educate their children in their own language and religion.

Schoolmasters were forbidden to teach, so they searched for secret places to hold their schools.

A family’s home could be burned if they allowed the master to teach classes there. Children and others were often bribed to betray their own friends and family who were involved in keeping the secret schools going. Still, many worked secretly to keep the master fed, sheltered and safe.

Often, a schoolhouse was built — a room scooped out of the thick hedges by the roadside bank. Inside this dark, damp hedge school, students would sit on rocks to learn their lessons. Every illegal lesson, every forbidden story was precious because it could be disrupted at any time by law officers or informers. Each day a student was chosen for the role of lookout. The child stood hidden some way off from the school, prepared to give a warning if enemies came near.

Choosing to be a teacher meant living a dangerous life. Masters caught teaching could be fined, beaten, jailed, deported or worse. Brave teachers, children and families risked much to keep their Irish education alive.

In this story you will read the adventures of Meggy MacGillycuddy, her family, friends and beloved Master Cleary, heroes who lived every day finding a way to keep their beliefs alive.

"The story is extremely well written and readers will be caught up in the drama. I would emphatically recommend this book…" —Classroom Resources
"In this fast paced, toe-tapping snapshot of the past, Margot Griffin reminds us that history has much to say about the present." —Patrick Dunne, Director, London District Catholic School Board
Dancing for Danger was nominated for British Columbia’s Red Cedar Award

The Dance of Life by Margot Griffin, illustrated by P. John Burden, is published by Stoddart Kids.2000.ISBN 0-7737-6136-5

" How can Meggy sit there so close to it?" thought Dan with a shudder. "How can Mam and Mrs. McSorley wash it, dress it, and even brush it’s hair?"

Dan looked in horror at the corpse laid out on the table — their only table — and moaned. "Mam, how am I ever going to be eatin' me dinner off our table again."

Much to Danny's disgust, this book begins with the body of dance master, Fancy Feet O'Flaherty laid out on the MacGillycuddy's table — ready for his wake.

With the mysterious death of dear Fancy Feet and the terrifying night of the banshee still fresh in her mind, Meggy is a changed person. Danger lurks everywhere and traitors are among them. But still, she is determined that the children in her village will have a school where they can learn in safety. It will take all of her courage and the help of her friends to make certain they don't pay with their lives.

So come and join Meggy as this adventure leads her to new danger, new villains and a secret place in a Crystal Cave. She, Danny, Fiona, and Roddy are already there and waiting for you.

" Children will enjoy reading about Meggy's adventures, and the book would make an entertaining choice for historical-fiction assignments." School Library Journal
" While providing a history lesson, this book is foremost a celebration of youthful initiative. On these pages, the children, especially Meggy, are the heroes." The London Free Press

Secret of the Crystal Cave by Margot Griffin, illustrated by P. John Burden, is published by.Stoddart Kids.2001.ISBN:0-7737-6226-4

Meggy MacGillycuddy is back and facing her most dangerous dancing adventure. In her short life, she has protected her beloved 'hedge school' from traitorous spies, cruel soldiers, and even a red witch. On the dark night of the banshee she saved her schoolmaster’s life.

But now Meggy faces her toughest task. Her dear Da is seriously injured and can't work. The greedy landlord gives notice that he will evict them on Christmas Day. Meggy must find a way to earn enough to pay their rent. Of course Fiona, young Dan and the suddenly handsome Roddy are part of her secret plans.

She competes as no female has ever done before to become County Kerry's newest dance master. But Meggy must leave her family behind in Copperkin. She must risk her life, traveling from village to village down the black roads of night. Soldiers are determinedly hunting for the beautiful Dance Mistress MacGillycuddy ,who dares to break their laws. They could be waiting for her round any bend or just over the next hill.

Will she make it to each village alive? Will she earn enough money to keep her family from losing their home?

Travel along with Meggy to find out. You will be rewarded with high adventure, the lilt of Irish laughter and perhaps even a spot of romance.

Author’s Note: It was difficult for me to end this book, the third of the trilogy. Meggy, her friends and family have become very real, very dear to me. They have lived in my imagination and my heart for five years. But I love knowing that through my stories you will travel far across the sea and far back in time to adventure with Meggy in beautiful County Kerry, Ireland.

The Dance of Life by Margot Griffin, illustrated by P. John Burden, is published by Fitzhenry&Whiteside.2004.ISBN:1550051253

For more information, go to Fitzhenry & Whiteside by clicking HERE.

To learn about the inspiration and story behind the Meggy stories, click HERE.