Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Haunting tale of friendship and magic in Victorian times.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As SWEEP opens, 11-year-old Nan Sparrow ranks among the best "chimney boys" in Victorian London, even though she happens to be a girl. But when she gets caught in a chimney fire, she figures her days are over, until she wakes up in the attic of an abandoned building. At first believing she's alone, Nan discovers a strange creature hiding with her: a golem made from soot and ash. The artificial man grows in size and strength until he has the ability to protect Nan as she attempts to lead her own life, free from the cruel master who wishes to enslave her again.
Is It Any Good?
The Victorian Age may seem a long time ago, but as this clever, moving, and insightful novel shows, the problems people faced then still impact modern-day readers. With Sweep, Jonathan Auxier has constructed a complex fable of friendship and sacrifice. Nan, Charlie, Toby, and the vile Mr. Crudd are vivid creations, and the story uses them all to their best effect. Full of suspense, action, and humor, Sweep has the feel of a classic, and it should appeal to a wide range of readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sweep portrays child labor in Victorian times. Why is it now illegal to employ children under a certain age?
A character in Sweep is basically sold into slavery as an indentured servant. Do such things happen today? If so, how do people prevent the practice?
What does it mean to be an "anti-Semite"? How do Jewish people cope with prejudice today? What effect does the media have on bigotry?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Puffin Books
- Publication date : September 25, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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