 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
100 Cupboards: The 100 Cupboards, Book 1
- By N. D. Wilson
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Brilliant idea. Flawed execution. Exciting anyway.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's a smattering of violence, not graphic, and the tone throughout is tense and suspenseful.
What's the story?
Staying with relatives in Kansas since his parents have been kidnapped in Colombia, Henry discovers 99 cupboard doors hidden behind the wall of his attic bedroom. Soon he and his cousin Henrietta realize that they are portals into other worlds. Behind one of the doors is an evil and powerful witch who has been imprisoned there for a very long time, and is eager to escape. And Henry also begins to learn of his own strange past, and that of his uncle and grandfather.
Is it any good?
There's no doubt this is a brilliant idea. Doors that lead to other worlds offer unlimited potential for adventure and magic taking place over a multi-volume series, as this is intended to be. Think of the Wood Between the Worlds in The Magician's Nephew (which also starts in an attic), and you'll get the idea. Unfortunately, at least in this first volume of the series, that idea doesn't pan out too well. Will kids like it? Absolutely. But it could have been so much better.
The first problem is that the reader gets to spend hardly any time in those other worlds. What little interaction the characters do have with other worlds, of course, say it all together -- AWAKENS AN ANCIENT EVIL. Really? Another one? More problematic is that there is nary a likable character to be found anywhere in this story, aside from one very minor character who only really enters the story near the end. It's hard to care about people who are so annoying, and who drive the plot primarily through willfully dimwitted impulsiveness. There's some exciting action, quite a bit of suspense, and a whole attic-full of potential here. In the next volume, the author would do well to make the characters more relatable, and to get them into those other worlds for awhile.
From the Book:
He sat up. A piece of plaster rolled down his forehead, bounced on the tip of his nose, and landed on his chest. He ran one hand through his hair, and more bits of his wall dropped onto his lap. He looked up.
Above him, two small knobs protruded from the plaster of his wall. One of the knobs was turning, very slightly. A small, scraping noise grew until a final thump rained fine plaster dust down on Henry and his bed.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the idea of other worlds and
universes. They appear in many books and movies. Do you think they
could be real? Could there be gateways to other universes here on
earth? Would you like to find one? What would you do if you had the 100
cupboards? Would you have listened to the warnings?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
April 11, 2011
AGE
love this book u gotta read it
i think this book is the beast book because it is a little scary some times then some times funny its a great book for people that love scary/mystery books.
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AGE
Good but expected more......
Good book that's full of imagination. This book keeps us guessing what was behind those cupboards and how they came to be. However, it could have been better executed in the beginning making it more exciting. There is both a good message and a bad message in 100 Cupboards, the good message being to use your imagination. The bad message was telling us to not tell adults about our problems as Henry and Henrietta (the two main characters) didn't tell their parents about their exploration to other worlds. This resulted in chaos and so this bad message king of twisted back into a good message. Overall a good book. It is slightly geared towards the younger crowd but a great book for an adult and a kid to share together.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 28, 2010
AGE
Best Book in the WHOLE WORLD!
Best book I have ever read! I am a kid writing this, but to all the kids out there, you should really read it! This book has surprises lurking around every corner, or should I say behind every door! Henry, the main character, is dropped into a world he doesn't understand. He has to find a way to stop evil he has released, while making friends, and enemies, and fren-emies. I think this is a must read book for everyone, 10 - 110! I guess nine and up could read it, if they appreciate the characters, and the imaginative worlds behind the doors. If they don't try to be Henry, or his cousin Henrietta, they are perfect for this book! Did you hear? There is a movie coming out! It hasn't been filmed, but on N.D. Wilson's blog (the author) he said he optioned away the rights to 100 cupboards! Three cheers!
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AGE
A must read book for everyone!
Guys, this book seriously broadens your imagination, and it makes you want to read each page as fast as you can to see what is going to happen next. I think that there is not a lot of violence. i admit, at a few points there are, but every book has to be a little exciting, otherwise you're nevergoing to get any views. All in all, this is a book you must read!
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AGE
Page-turning time travel
I read it and I thought it was interesting but it dragged a little in the beginning. It took at 5 to 6 chapters before it became a page turner. I just finished it and was unable to put it down.
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AGE
UTTERLY AWESOME!!!!
This is the BEST trilogy EVER(besides LotR and Roman-Britain)
It was pure genius. There was no sexual content(finally!!) and the violence isn't that bad! and I can't wait for his new series!!!!!!!
AND I can't wait for the MOVIE!!! (I hope they cast Joel Courtney as Henry!!!!!)
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AGE
Well written, American fantasy
As an adult, I loved this book. Wilson has a great writing style and good use of language. I am enjoying reading YA fantasy books and this is definitely one of the better ones. Still, this books is rather complicated. I am not sure even all 11-year-olds will understand quite what is happening. The series can get a little violent and odd. But you and your kids may like it.
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AGE
i didn't follow it
the book was the stupidest book i have read in my whole entire life!
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AGE
Imaginative and exciting, better for older kids
Great story, very imaginative and exciting, but a little scary too. Too old for my 6 year old I think, in hindsight, but he likes scary stuff so wasn't disturbed by it... The kids going places without telling anyone or asking was not great role modeling... Overall was a good message and about finding where you belong and kind of a coming of age for Henry, the main character, as well... We listened to the recorded version - great performer!!
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AGE
What happens in the cupboard - doesn't always stay in the cupboard!
A little slow moving at first, it builds and kicks into higher gear about 1/2-way through and keeps the interest due to unpredictable elements of the proverbial "what (or who) is behind door #3?" The story provides some surprises along the way, too. Shows positive character building in the main character and how he looks out for others.
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| Author: | N. D. Wilson |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Random House |
| Publication date: | December 1, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 289 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 10 |
| Read alone: | 11 |
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