Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky illustrated tale of silliness, perils, storytelling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE BOOK THAT NO ONE WANTED TO READ sits atop a very tall bookshelf, hoping against hope to entice a potential reader -- that's you -- to pick it up and dive in. There may -- as the book readily admits -- be very little point to the story, if there is a story. However, the fussy narrator, who really wants to avoid being recycled into toilet paper, persists and manages to serve up laughs, advice, wisdom, and enticing possibilities. As well as a deep appreciation for books and libraries, with and without interdimensional portals.
Is It Any Good?
Lots of books have wacky narrators, but this time around the wacky narrator is the book, so there are several extra layers of silly along with sly encouragement to write the story of your own life. If you're looking for a regular story with a regular plot, this one's not for you, but if you like your life lessons and pro tips mixed with a lot of sidetracks and whimsy, dive right in to The Book That No One Wanted to Read. Books, libraries, arcane bits of knowledge, and whatever else pops into the head of British author/actor Richard Ayoade (the voice of Zero in The Mandalorian) become part of the story as he spins the sad tale of the horrible fates that await the title character, the quest for a better outcome, and how you -- yes you! -- can make it happen. Tor Freeman's plentiful, lively illustrations offer laughs and inspiration along the way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about books -- and why they often turn out to be really important to characters in a story. How is The Book That No One Wanted to Read similar to other book-themed stories you've read, and how is it different?
Is there a story you really want to write (or maybe you already did)? What's it about, and have you told it to anyone else? What did they think?
Do you go to the library? What's your favorite section? What do you like to do there?
Does the narrator or any other character in the book show courage? How? Does it take courage to discover and share your story?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Tor Freeman
- Genre : Humor
- Topics : Arts
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Walker Books U.S.
- Publication date : March 14, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 128
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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