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I really loved the first 90% of this book, and then felt a little let down by the ending. It's not that the ending was bad, but I had built up certain expectations during my reading that weren't met. I don't think it's quite a spoiler to say that I wanted to know so much more about the Night Gardener himself. As I've said in many a review, a shallowly developed villain character always gets my goat. If an author takes the time to flesh out the villain, to give him a compelling back story, it tak
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Grades 5-8. Two orphaned children travel to a rundown English manor house to earn a living as servants. They are warned to avoid the "sourwoods," where the house sits amid an eerily quiet forest where no animals or people seem to ever survive. The focal point of the property and the story is a gnarled old tree that seems to be a part of the house. A mysterious green door leads to a forbidden room that is closely guarded by the residents. It isn't long before Molly and Kip discover the sinister s
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Pretty much flawless. Highly recommended!
4.5 stars
This was wonderfully spooky. Tension builds throughout the story, as the mystery of the night gardener and the tree become intertwined with the family. Kip and Molly have a strong relationship, even though they each keep secrets from each other. Penny and Alistair aren't quite as well developed, but they help to make the story accessible for middle grade readers. Highly recommended. ...more
This was wonderfully spooky. Tension builds throughout the story, as the mystery of the night gardener and the tree become intertwined with the family. Kip and Molly have a strong relationship, even though they each keep secrets from each other. Penny and Alistair aren't quite as well developed, but they help to make the story accessible for middle grade readers. Highly recommended. ...more
Mr. Auxier definitely knows how to create a dark and creepy atmosphere thrown together with storytelling and mystery. I'm thinking this book is really better for older students--it's a borderline young adult book in my mind(because of the violence and scary factor). A very well written book.
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Spooky story about two Irish orphans who encounter a soul-stealing spirit. This book is on lots of the Newbery contender lists. I hope that there is a more distinguished book out there.
A delightfully spooky story that manages to intrigue, but does not leave a scary phantom in my brain. The main characters are plucky, but able to make mistakes and learn from them.
Jan 06, 2014
Sarah
marked it as to-read
Jan 30, 2014
Julie
marked it as to-read
Apr 11, 2014
Barbara
marked it as to-read
May 31, 2014
Geni
marked it as to-read
Jun 17, 2014
Maria Caplin
marked it as to-read
Jun 23, 2014
Leslie
marked it as to-read
Jul 29, 2014
Margo Jantzi
marked it as to-read
Nov 23, 2014
Jane
marked it as to-read
