Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Orphan boy seeks lost brother in exciting, funny tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Rownie, an orphan boy of uncertain age (he's told he's 8, but thinks he's 10) lives, along with other waifs, with the witch Graba, who walks on clockwork bird's legs, tends to be possessive, and has a rare skill with curses. He's worried about his older brother, Rowan, who hasn't been heard from for weeks. Rowan's a budding actor, but in the city of Zombay, where they all live, all forms of theater are forbidden by government edict -- and clockwork-enhanced enforcers keep an eye out for violators. Dispatched on an errand for Graba, Rownie learns of an upcoming theatrical performance by goblins, impulsively steals Graba's money, and runs off with the goblins. He's hoping to learn more about his brother, but along the way picks up acting skills and life lessons.
Is It Any Good?
GOBLIN SECRETS delights critics as well as readers for its intriguing world, its characters, their daily adventures, and the struggles they face. As Rownie flees his pursuers, makes new friends, and seeks his missing brother, he also delves into the fascinating world of the theater, where fiction, reality, and magic converge.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about perception and reality -- for example, once Rownie has actually met some goblins, how closely do they resemble the scary stories he's always heard about them?
Why do you think the theme of humans enhanced by technology -- as they are here by clockwork eyes, legs, and more -- is so popular?
If you've ever performed in a play, was your experience of being in a role and assuming another identity like Rownie's?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Margaret K. McElderry
- Publication date : March 6, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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