I love this entire series. Charlie discovers his magical ability and has to come to terms with what that means for him and his family. Going to Bloors Academy for the gifted puts him in contact with other magical kids where he makes both friends and enemies. Mysteries abound in this series and through cooperation, friendship and the love of family Charlie finds himself unraveling most of them. Adventurous, good, clean fun!
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Midnight for Charlie Bone: Children of the Red King, Book 1
(2006, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Jenny Nimmo)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Mild but enjoyable fantasy good for middle grades.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Midnight for Charlie Bone: Children of the Red King, Book 1
Parents need to know that this has to be the least violent, least scary of all the thick fantasy books on the market. The worst thing that happens is that a dog gets scratched up by a wolf, and even that is not described.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the comparisons between this series and the Harry Potter books. What are the similarities and differences? What makes one series better than the other?
Our Members Say
See all 17 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
I reccomend the entire series!
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
It's resemblance to Harry Potter has had people criticize it
but I still think it's a very good series, and this was a nice start. I'm currently reading Book 7.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
A half-hearted novel.
Jenny Nimmo seems to have just one day decided to make a series as good as Harry Potter. And yet, the work comes off as only half as good as it could be. Something CB fans may not know is that even though the other four following books are listed here, there are two other CB books that Nimmo released without warning: CHARLIE BONE AND THE BEAST, and CHARLIE BONE AND THE SHADOW, both of which are about as good - if not worse -than this one.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Charlie Bone
This book is okay. I do say that there is some witchcraft in this, so if you don't support witchcraft, this book might not be suitable for you. There are some evil aunts in this book that like to terrorize Charlie and his Uncle. And, of course, they do commercialize the book.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Harry Potter remake
Charlie Bone compared to harry potter is terrible. However, I found the story itself to be entertaining nontheless. But, if you were to ask me which was better, I would definitally say Harry Potter.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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