From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…

The Water Castle

Megan Frazer Blakemore

Start date: July 1, 2013

Finish date: July 31, 2013

Discussion: Book of the Month - 2014

Why we're reading this: Winner of our June Poll.
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Book of the Month - 2014

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What Members Thought

May 13, 2013 Dest rated it liked it

Shelves: middle-grade, magical-realism, sci-fi

In the beginning of The Water Castle by Megan Frazer Blakemore, sixth graders Ephraim, Mallory, and Will are natural enemies. Ephraim Appledore-Smith is the new kid in the town of Crystal Spring, Maine, but he belongs to the rich family that owns the Water Castle (which is not actually a castle, but a large house full of mysteries). Mallory Green is the descendent of the folks who have long been the Water Castle's caretakers--and Mallory is sick of hearing about it from her parents. Will Wylie f ...more

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Sep 27, 2013 Susan Dunn rated it really liked it

Shelves: potential-booktalks, j-fiction

After his father has a stroke, Ephraim and his family move to an old creaky house in Maine called the Water Castle. It's near a specialist for their father, and the home has been in the family for years. The small town surrounding the Water Castle is full of rumors about it and its inhabitants. Some believe that the water has magical powers. Others believe that the water isn't just magical but that it is the Fountain of Youth. Ephraim doesn't really believe the stories, but if they were true, pe ...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Jenna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: middle-grade, fantasy

I have a new favorite middle-grade novel of 2013 (or at least a tie for favorite… I really loved Holly Black’s Doll Bones as well). The Water Castle is a brilliant novel that combines science and fantasy, interweaves past and present, and showcases unique family dynamics and friendships. It is reminiscent of timeless classics. I believe this is a strong contender for Newbery 2014.

The Appledore-Smith family relocates to Crystal Springs, Maine after the father has a stroke and is no longer talking I have a new favorite middle-grade novel of 2013 (or at least a tie for favorite… I really loved Holly Black’s Doll Bones as well). The Water Castle is a brilliant novel that combines science and fantasy, interweaves past and present, and showcases unique family dynamics and friendships. It is reminiscent of timeless classics. I believe this is a strong contender for Newbery 2014.

The Appledore-Smith family relocates to Crystal Springs, Maine after the father has a stroke and is no longer talking and barely moving. The three siblings and their parents move into a grand house called the Water Castle; it’s a house that has been in their family for generations. They quickly discover the house holds many mysteries and is filled with secret rooms and passageways. At school, middle-child Ephraim meets Mallory and Will and discovers that their families have had ties for generations: Mallory’s ancestors were always the caretakers of the Water Castle, and Will’s family has always been the enemy of the Appledore family. What has really brought these families together in the past and the present is the search for the Fountain of Youth which will cure all illnesses and lead to immortality. The story jumps back and forth between the present day and the early 1900s to show the explorations of the Appledore, Darling, and Wylie families then and now.

Many people are drawing comparisons between The Water Castle and Tuck Everlasting because the Fountain of Youth element. Tuck Everlasting is even mentioned in one of the school scenes. However, as I was reading this book, I was reminded more of Holes. Both books focus on past and present and have a strong link connecting the different times. Also, both have this slightly-fantastical mystery that has been part of the family for generations, and must now be solved by the present protagonists. Just being able to draw these comparisons shows the timeless nature of The Water Castle and speaks to its merit.

There are many powerful elements of this book that make it so strong and noteworthy. For example, the book addresses the issues of different types of prejudice. There are issues of race, gender, financial status, and intellect. These provide many outlets for great discussion. The story as a whole is about exploration and growing up, but by bringing in prejudice, rivalry, and family issues, a depth is added to the book. There is a lot to relate to in this story, and a lot to talk about.

I’ve mentioned that this book feels timeless. Part of this is because of the plot, but it’s also largely due to the setting. A mysterious tale in a small town where something is not quite normal and inside this huge old house with a name and history… it all just feels very classic. Add to that Blakemore’s beautiful, descriptive, intelligent writing and even the little black and white illustrations at the start of each chapter. I think this story has the potential to stick around, and I hope that it does.

One last thing that makes this book truly stand out in my opinion is that the author relies on the reader’s intelligence to piece parts of the story together. Not everything is explained in the end, but there are many clues throughout that enable the reader to infer connections and answers.

The Water Castle is a brilliant story, and I highly recommend it. I hope it receives the recognition it deserves. ...more

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Aug 15, 2013 Shannon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2013

This book is marvelous. Complex, compelling, intricate, and still action-filled? Not a bad combination.

I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you or order THE WATER CASTLE on IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978080... ...more

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Jun 06, 2013 Sara rated it really liked it

Another gem that will be in kids' hands (and in their minds) for years to come. I can't find enough books with this kind of elegant story and keen attention to craft. Timeless (especially in a sea of so much that reads as temporary). ...more

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Jul 08, 2013 CLM marked it as to-read

Shelves: childrensbooks, nephews

That is a very long sentence!

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Mar 18, 2013 Erin rated it liked it

Shelves: junior-fiction

3.5 Science, history, mystery, and forgiveness. Compelling, but not Newbery-worthy. For tween nerd lovers and outcasts.

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Jan 08, 2013 Wendy rated it liked it

Shelves: 2013-award-possibilities

Close, but not quite there for me. Lots of good classic elements--magic, secret rooms, and so on--that didn't come together as well as I'd hoped. A good book, not a great one. ...more

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Apr 30, 2013 Rachel rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio, middle-fantasy, read-2015

Complex story that goes back and forth in time, wish the historical characters had a little more near the end, beautiful language with a nice old fashioned feel.

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