Serafina and the Black Cloak
By Amanda May Dundas,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Spooky mystery-thriller about supernatural evil.

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Based on 9 parent reviews
Serafina and the Black Cloak review. (Note: Spoilers!)
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Scary!
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What's the Story?
Twelve-year-old Serafina, who lives in the boiler room in the basement of the wealthy Biltmore estate with her pa, longs to know the truth about her life: What happened to her mother, why she must stay hidden away, and whether -- with only eight toes and unusual golden eyes -- she isn't fully human. At night, Serafina stealthily walks about the mansion, borrowing books from the immense library and, as a self-appointed "Chief Rat Catcher," traps rats that roam the mansion. One night, she sees a mysterious and foul-smelling man in a black cloak abducting a child and making her vanish. Serafina, along with the Biltmore's owners' nephew Braeden, sets out to solve the mystery of the man -- and uncovers the truth of her own past in the process.
Is It Any Good?
This terrifying thriller is more than a great story; it's also a portrait of a brave, intelligent, and cunning girl. Despite a very difficult upbringing where she must stay hidden away, she's filled with compassion for the rich children who are in danger. With tantalizing clues dropped throughout, SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK is sure to appeal to mystery lovers and anyone who loves a good yarn -- and doesn't mind being scared!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about scary stories. Why do we like them so much?
What are the ways that you feel different from other people?
Was Serafina's father right to hide the secret of her birth? Is it OK for parents not to tell the truth sometimes?
Book Details
- Author: Robert Beatty
- Genre: Mystery
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date: July 14, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 293
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
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