The Grand Central Cinema Club
Alan Nolan author Shane Cluskey illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:O'Brien Press Ltd
Published:1st Sep '25
Should be back in stock very soon
Dublin, 1937
At the Grand Central Cinema on O’Connell Street, the children of Dublin watch their Hollywood heroes on the silver screen
When Sylvie meets tenement boy Jem and his daredevil sister Juno, they bond over their love of movies. But an accident means Juno will miss the latest film at the Grando, so they hatch a plot to hijack the movie reel and do a top-secret private showing instead!
Meanwhile, a sneak thief called The Magpie has his eye on the Grand Central Cinema too. Can Sylvie and Jem revive Juno’s ailing spirits by bringing the movies to her? And will they foil The Magpie’s feather-brained plan in time?
Strong in its 1930s setting and made all that more entertaining with the author's signature use of wit, Nolan's new series is a fusion of history and mystery that shines a spotlight on the true magic of the silver screen and the importance of imagination.
-- Children's Books IrelandWith clever twists and a cast of unforgettable characters, this is a beautifully woven story of friendship, adventure and the magic of movies.
-- CBI’s The Best Irish Books of 2025A rip-roaring story set in 1930s Dublin! Alan Nolan delivers a dazzling, cinematic adventure with friendship at its core ... Set against the golden age of cinema in Ireland, this is a perfect read for young dreamers, mystery lovers and anyone who relishes a great story
-- Patricia Forde, Laureate na nÓg (2023-2026)A witty, warm, and exciting adventure about cinema, the power of daydreams, and so much more. A wonderful book!
-- Padraig KennyAlan Nolan has created another brilliant book for young readers, the perfect blend of history and adventure. He brings the world of 1937 Dublin alive and readers will be captivated ... great fun, the plot is fast-paced and there are laughs galore. Perfect for young history and adventure fans. A magnificent ode to early cinema and to the creativity and ingenuity of young people!
Brilliant for all ages. Do yourself a favour and read this book, you won't be disappointed!
-- Sarah WebbA truly heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure and the magic of movies, set in 1937 Dublin … With clever twists and a cast of unforgettable characters, this beautifully woven story invites readers into a world where friendship and imagination light up the screen. With rich descriptions of 1930s Dublin, readers who know the city well will be able to picture the scenes, while readers who are less familiar, might even feel curious to explore the places that inspired this story. Overall, a captivating and very well-written book that leaves you longing for more adventures from the Grand Central Cinema Club.
-- Èrica GónISBN: 9781788496049
Dimensions: 196mm x 129mm x 20mm
Weight: 260g
320 pages