Parents' Guide to

The Box and the Dragonfly: The Keepers, Book 1

By Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Twisty brainteaser of a fantasy is a keeper.

Book Ted Sanders Fantasy 2015
The Box and the Dragonfly: The Keepers, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Jodie A.
Jodie A. Parent
May 18, 2018
age 10+

Smart book for smart kids

Not only does this book have gripping action, entertaining characters, and a wonderfully creepy bad guy, it is really well written and does not pander to or talk down to young readers. I don't believe in sheltering kids from certain kinds of language (though if you are concerned about that, the language in here is very very very mild), and I think they are more likely to enjoy reading about characters who think, act, and speak in ways that they can relate to. I appreciate the elements of science included in the book, as well. Definitely a good choice for strong readers who enjoy twists, turns, and excitement!

This title has:

Educational value
Great role models
Amanda K.
Amanda K. Parent
February 6, 2018
age 12+

disappointing dialogue

It's disappointing that such a creative and well thought out story has such unimaginative exclamations. It breaks my heart every time the Lord's name is taken in vain. I'm disappointed in the editor. Those lines could have been removed with no damage to the story. They add nothing of value. I'll be trading this one in. I will not be handing it off to my son. As much as I want to know what happens in book two, I'm not sure I can bring myself to check out the next one, and I won't make the mistake of buying it like I did the first.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

On the bus on his way home from school, Horace can't help noticing a sign with his name on it: Horace F. Andrews. How odd. When he hops off the bus to take a closer look, a strange, thin man follows him. He instinctively runs away and happens upon an alley with the sign "House of Answers." That must have been what he saw. After he answers a riddle to get in, it just gets weirder. A hallway filled with birdcages and a room with many crazy objects labeled in even crazier ways ("Oblong," "Unsavory," "Misplaced") awaits him. A woman tells him to sign in and come back the next day. He gets to choose an object and picks a box he can see through. He's not sure what he's seeing but is too intrigued to part with it. At night the experiments begin as he tries to find out what powers the box holds. Little does he know that he's become a Keeper of one of the most powerful and rare objects around. It leads him to a new friend, Chloe, a Keeper with very different powers, and a whole world of Wardens trying to keep creatures like the impossibly thin man away.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (3):

Here's hoping this book finds a large audience; it's a great find for readers who love to puzzle out the twists and turns of a story. Author Ted Sanders is about 10 frustrating steps ahead, no matter how bright you are, and it's all thanks to Horace's ingenious little box. The climax of the story takes up almost the last 100 pages, because readers see through Horace's box a possible outcome a whole day ahead of the main action. From there you'll spend almost as much time speed-reading as you spend pondering, "Well, if this happens, then this has to happen, but what if ... ?"

At 544 pages, it's a long haul, but it's entertaining most of the way. The time spent developing Horace and Chloe's friendship is definitely worth it. They're a great pair worth rooting for. Sometimes the adults -- such as Mr. Meister -- seem to string out the mystery way longer than needed. Kids are not always patient, especially when adults hold out on the truth. Then the cliffhanger comes on the very last page, guaranteeing that the next book will be another amazing find.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what you would do with Horace's box. How long do you think it would take you to find out what it does?

  • How does this book compare with other fantasy stories you've read? Are you anxious for the next book in the series?

  • Would you rather have the box or the dragonfly? What do you think would be a good match for your personality and gifts?

Book Details

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