Common Sense Media Review
By Florencia Orlandoni
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Witchlings fight for justice in gripping magical mystery.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In HOUSE OF ELEPHANTS, the clock is ticking as a stone curse threatens Valley Pepperhorn. Seven Salazar and Thorn Laroux must find a way to save their best friend before the hex reaches her heart. As tensions rise in the Twelve Towns, spares begin disappearing, the Black Moon Ceremony approaches, and a mysterious group of masked witches appears. The story centers on the spares, Mysteries and hidden dangers abound, with questions about the changing town magic, missing spares, and who can be trusted. Seven and Thorn navigate a web of secrets, magical threats, and moral challenges as they try to protect their friends and uncover the truth.
Is It Any Good?
This third gripping installment of the Witchlings saga has mysteries and plot twists at every turn. Each chapter keeps the story alive, engaging, and exciting. House of Elephants deepens the emotional journeys of Seven, Valley, Thorn, and their friends as they navigate magical challenges and personal growth. The lush and whimsical world building provides a ton of fun details and creative elements for fantasy readers to enjoy, especially those with Latino heritage. The story also highlights social injustices faced by the spares, encouraging reflection on fairness, friendship, and courage. Fans of the series or readers who enjoyed books like Harry Potter or Wicked (the musical or movies) will likely be captivated by the suspense, magical intrigue, and strong teen character development.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of social justice and empathy in House of Elephants. What is fairness? Can you think of a time that something felt unfair? How did you feel? Is there something that you did about it or could have done?
How were Seven and her friends courageous? When have you had to be brave? What was it it like? After you did the hard thing, how did you feel?
How do people feel when they are excluded? Is it ever fair to exclude others? Can kids make a difference when things are unfair?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Christopher Stengel
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Activism ( Animal rights , Civic engagement ) , Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : October 1, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 25, 2025
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