Guest post: Darlene Foster chats about Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady and a review

Today, I am delighted to welcome talented children’s author, Darlene Foster, to Robbie’s Inspiration to answer a few questions about her new book Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping lady. I’ve also shared my review of this terrific book for middle school kids.

Amanda and Leah seem to be very good friends. How did they meet?

Amanda first met Leah when she visited the United Arab Emirates in Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask. Leah lived in the same apartment block as Amanda’s aunt and uncle. The girls got along right from the start even though they are quite different. Leah is English and well-travelled as her father’s job takes them to many countries. After the adventure in the UAE, Leah and her parents invite Amanda to spend a week with them in Spain at their timeshare. She also visits Leah in England and Leah visits Amanda in Alberta. Whenever they get together, they tend to have an adventure or a mystery to solve. Like all friends, they don’t always agree with each other, but they always have each other’s back.

Is Leah in all of the books?

Leah has been in all the books except Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind. In that book, Amanda goes on a field trip with her classmates while Leah is at boarding school in England. They meet up again in Holland and now in Malta.

Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady

What Amazon says

“Be prepared to learn a lot about the culture while you follow Amanda on her adventure.”―Laura Best, author, Bitter, Sweet

“What a great way for a young person to learn about a culture and to be inspired to experience other countries themselves.”―Irene Butler, author, Trekking the Globe with Mostly Gentle Footsteps

Amanda receives a postcard from her best friend, Leah, and is surprised to learn that she is in Malta with her aunt. Reading between the lines, she senses Leah is in trouble. Desperate to help her, Amanda travels to Malta with her classmate Caleb and his parents.

Amanda is intrigued by this exotic island in the middle of the Mediterranean, full of colourful history, sun-drenched limestone fortresses, stunning beaches and fascinating birds. But…who is killing the protected birds? Who stole a priceless artifact from the museum? And why is Leah acting so strange? She couldn’t possibly be involved in these illegal activities, or could she?

Join Amanda and her friends as they visit ancient temples, an exciting falconry and the enchanting Popeye Village, as they try to get to the bottom of the mystery of the Sleeping Lady.

Be sure to read all the books in this exciting Amanda Travels series!
1. Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask
2. Amanda in Spain: The Girl in the Painting
3. Amanda in England: The Missing Novel
4. Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone
5. Amanda on the Danube: The Sounds of Music
6. Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind
7. Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action
8. Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady

My review

The Amanda series of books is aimed at middle school children but can be enjoyed by adults too. Amanda in Malta is a fast paced book with lots of action and challenges for Amanda and her friend, Caleb. In this book, Amanda travels to Malta as a guest of Caleb’s family. She has received a message from her friend, Leah, saying that she is in Malta and is concerned about her safety. Amanda is anxious to find Leah and discover more about her worrying note.

Amanda and Caleb travel around Malta visiting a number of fascinating historical and natural sites and keeping and eye open for Leah who eventually pops up unexpectedly. Leah is in Malta with her aunt and believes that she is involved with some shady characters who could do both of them harm. Not long after meeting up with Leah, Caleb and Amanda are at a museum when one of its most famous figurines, the Sleeping Lady, goes missing. There is something very odd about the disappearance and Amanda is determined to find out what it is.

As with all the other Amanda books, this one is packed with historical and natural titbits about Malta, presented in a natural and interesting way. Readers will learn a lot about the food, culture, natural environment, and artwork of this island.

Amanda is a strong female character and is an excellent role model for young girls. She is well rounded with lots of friends and an easy manner. I also like the fact that Amanda is always polite and respectful towards adults and authority figures and does not do unduly foolish or risky things. This is the perfect adventure story for middle school readers.

Purchase links

Amazon Canada here

Amazon UK here 

Amazon US here

Barnes and Noble here

Chapters/Indigo here

About Darlene Foster

Picture of Darlene Foster

Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, traveling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not traveling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining dog, Dot. www.darlenefoster.ca