Written by Jonathan Auxier
Molly and Kip are two Irish kids newly orphaned and alone in England. Molly manages to secure work as maid at a manor, but when they arrive after a long journey what they find is a dilapidated mansion with a large, leafless tree growing up through the middle of it, inhabited by a sickly, troubled family. They have every reason to be wary of the situation, but with no other options they ignore their instincts and stay, becoming entwined in the spell of this mysterious house.
This is an expertly crafted and wonderfully creepy ghost tale that one could easily trick a reader into thinking was written 100-plus years ago rather than today, because of its 19th century setting and accomplished writing. The atmosphere is reminiscent of The Secret Garden (only much more scary.) Besides a good yarn it’s also a great exploration of family relationships and a study in storytelling that exposes the thin lines between storytelling and lying, truth and fiction, reality and fantasy, and similar themes. Highly recommended.
Review by Josh Whiting, Library Specialist, Educational Technology Dept.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-9
Author Website: http://www.thescop.com/
The Night Gardener
Written by Jonathan Auxier
Amulet Books
350 pages
Release Date: May 20, 2014
ISBN: 9781419711442 (hardcover)
While not being a big fan of “creepy”, I’m really tempted to read this book. I’ve heard some good things about it.