Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Scary, fast-paced monster tale lacks character development.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
ALWAYS OCTOBER, by prolific children's writer Bruce Coville, tells a fast-paced adventure story about middle school-age friends Jacob Doolittle and Lily Harker. Lily, an orphan, lives with her grandpa, who's caretaker at a cemetery. Jake, who lives with his mom, has an unusual family history: His grandfather, Arthur Doolittle, a famous author of horror stories, disappeared when Jake's dad was 10. Jake's dad also vanished without a trace a couple of years before the book begins. When a baby is abandoned on the Doolittles' doorstep, very strange things begin happening in Jake's house, and the two friends discover that Arthur Doolittle's books may not be entirely fictional.
Is It Any Good?
Always October starts with an inventive premise, but the book lacks nuance and character development. The plot moves very quickly in a way that probably appeals to some kids, but, likewise, there's little buildup to create real suspense, and there's little time for either the characters or the reader to marvel at this entirely new monster world. The most meaningful aspect of the book is the charming connection between Jacob and his adopted brother, Little Dumpling; the baby is described very sweetly, and readers do come to care about him and root for Jake and Lily to save him.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how scary the book is for kids. Do you think books are more or less scary than movies? Why?
Why do you think Jacob has a hard time admitting he loves Little Dumpling?
Why do you think Lily likes hanging out in the mausoleum?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : August 28, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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