Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy adventure has positive messages and role models.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Based on 233 kid reviews
Kids say this book series is a captivating fantasy adventure suitable for tweens and up, featuring a strong female protagonist, Sophie, whose journey of self-discovery is filled with magic and action, though some users noted its darker themes, such as kidnapping and mild violence. While many praise its engaging plot and relatable characters that promote positive messages, there are criticisms regarding stereotypical representations, particularly concerning race and character depth, suggesting that readers should be aware of potential content sensitivities.
- relatable protagonist
- engaging plot
- dark themes
- character representation
- recommended age
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES, 12-year-old Sophie has been telepathic since she was 5, and it's brought her nothing but trouble, from perennial migraines to the social difficulties of being a prodigy in school. She's kept her talent to herself, as her lovably ordinary family wouldn't understand it. Then one day on a field trip to the museum, she meets a boy who's also a telepath -- and he informs her that she's actually not human, she's an elf who's been hidden in the human world. Soon Sophie is whisked away forever from her family and transported to the elf world, where she must cope with everything from would-be abductors to the pitfalls of middle school, all while trying to fit in and understand who she is.
Is It Any Good?
The first book in the popular series by Shannon Messenger, this book is imaginative, well-conceived, and well-written, with believable, complex characters and a fully realized fantasy world. Friendship, family bonds, and trying to do the right thing in difficult circumstances all come to the fore as Sophie and her friends try to figure out the mystery of her origin and face unexpected dangers in Keeper of the Lost Cities. Some scenes of kidnapping might be scary for younger kids, and crushes are quite a central theme, but that doesn't take away from the strong female character and emotional sensitivity shown around difficult themes, which sets this apart as an enjoyable story with important messages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character strengths shown in Keeper of the Lost Cities. Why are communication, teamwork, compassion, courage, and integrity important qualities? Can you think of times you've shown any of these in real life?
What do you think the story says about difference, acceptance, and belonging?
Sophie is a strong role model, but some boys also make sexist comments about girls. How do you feel about the way the book portrays girls and boys, men and women?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Aladdin
- Publication date : October 2, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 496
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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