Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book deals with a mischievous kid who believes her cat is possessed and telling her to do bad things. They should be prepared to answer questions about witchcraft and exorcism, and to deal with cases of the heebie-jeebies.
Families can talk about taking responsibility for one's actions. When Jessica got out of trouble by lying, how did it make her feel? Have you ever done something wrong and gotten away with it? How did you feel afterward? Did you come clean?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Terreece Clarke
Zilpha Keatley Snyder's Newbery Honor-ed tale is fun, spooky, and ideal for anyone who has found themselves joking, "the devil made me do it." A great thing about Snyder's style is she finds a way to weave great detail and information into a story without overloading it or making the reader feel like they are being lectured. There is a moral to the story, but Snyder presents it with subtlety. Kids who love a good mystery will eat this one up.
From The Book
The back of the cave was in deep shadow, and for the first few seconds Jessica could see nothing at all. Then as she inched forward, she saw a deeper shadow that moved slowly and fitfully on the stony floor. At first she thought it was a snake, but as she edged closer, she could make out tiny feet reaching out to scratch helplessly at the hard stone.
Plot Summary:
Jessica Porter, often left alone by her mom and recently on the outs with her best friend, takes up with a strange cat named Worm. When Jessica found him she didn't even like cats, but she started taking care of him anyway. Now she feels like she's somehow under his spell. Is he really talking to her, telling her to do bad things, or is she just imagining it?
Related Books:
Other Books by the Author:
The Unseen
The Egypt Game
The Headless Cupid
Reviewed: 03/19/2008
Rate It!
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ViolenceA creepy cat brings on the chills, and a girl thinks about setting her neighbor's apartment on fire. |
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Social BehaviorA cat is seemingly possessed and a girl uses that to excuse some pretty bad behavior. Everyone eventually comes to their senses and feels remorse. One parent is often absent and selfish. |
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