Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Creepy chills galore in Southern supernatural thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Twelve-year-old HOODOO Hatcher is an orphan who lives with his grandmother in rural 1930s Alabama. The rest of his family can perform folk magic -- known as "hoodoo" -- but despite his name, Hoodoo lacks the ability to cast a simple spell. When the mysterious, evil-minded Stranger comes to town looking for him, Hoodoo has to find a way to fight back without jeopardizing the safety of his loved ones.
Is It Any Good?
A vividly rendered setting, a deep background in Southern tall tales and folklore, and a likable reluctant hero of a protagonist distinguish this creepy supernatural thriller. Author Ronald L. Smith hits the middle-grade sweet spot with a gripping historical tale, providing plenty of suspense without overindulging in gore. Readers are likely to be captivated by Hoodoo's first-person voice and will root for him as he struggles to define his identity while facing off against a nemesis schooled in the arts of black magic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why stories about the supernatural are popular in a wide variety of media. Why do people tell tales about deals with the devil?
Should you keep secrets from your close family members, even if you think you're protecting them?
Why is it important to be aware of your family history? What can you learn from the lives of your ancestors?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : September 1, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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