Common Sense Media Review
Spooky mystery-thriller about supernatural evil.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 33 kid reviews
Kids say this book is an engaging read with a perfect balance of mystery and suspense, appealing to children who enjoy adventure and strong female protagonists. However, it does include some scary and violent elements that vary in intensity, leading to differing opinions on its appropriateness for younger readers, with many suggesting it's best suited for kids aged 9 and up.
- engaging read
- strong female protagonist
- intense elements
- age-appropriate debate
- good mystery
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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