Here it is: the November challenge

Lavinia Heggs, lucky thing, was awarded a prize by Ibstock Sunday school in 1905. She received 'Struggling upward: A tale of the goldfields' by S J Jones who, the title page informs me, had previously found a modicum of fame as author of 'Downward'. The measure of Lavinia's delight is not recorded, but the book remains remarkably pristine.

At Libre Livre one of our interests is in late nineteenth century prize books. These were churned out in their hundreds of thousands, doubtless all with the best intentions. Brave lads set sail for the colonies to make their fortunes, whilst their long suffering sisters were induced to works of piety and charity. Reviewers recorded their admiration in terms such as 'no manly boy could fail to be inspired by this tale of courage and adventure'; 'every girl will find pleasure in this quaint story of adversity overcome'. Echoes of a lost world.

This month we invite our readers to send us a review of a prize book, real or imaginary, in not more than 50 words. As usual, entries can be submitted by email, snail mail or blog-comment to reach us by 30 November. The lucky winner will receive a token of appreciation.