Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun adventures encourage imagination, free play, inclusion.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE CARDBOARD KINGDOM, 16 neighborhood kids spend the last days of summer making superhero costumes and using their imaginations to have incredible adventures and stage epic battles. Some are heroes, and some might be villains, but all learn lessons about getting along while being true to who they are in real life. The diverse cast deals with divorcing parents, difficult grandparents, bullying, and their own inner doubts and demons.
Is It Any Good?
This kindhearted, warm, and funny graphic novel captures the many delights of imaginative play among both old friends and newcomers to the neighborhood. In The Cardboard Kingdom, Chad Sell and the other writers and illustrators who contribute create a series of interlinked stories with a bold, expressive, and colorful style, perfect for capturing the subtleties of kids with different backgrounds, interests, and abilities. Geared toward younger middle grade readers, the book tells a complete story but also invites further adventures in the sequels—Roar of the Beast and Snow and Sorcery—that follow. Readers may also be inspired to make their own costumes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Cardboard Kingdom promotes imaginative play. How are the neighborhood kids able to make costumes that match their interests?
How can kids with different interests work together and become friends? Is it more fun to play by yourself or to invite others to join you?
How can stories about superheroes change things in the real world? Why are they so popular in different media? What do kids learn from them?
Characters show curiosity, empathy, and teamwork. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times you've shown any of these in your life?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Chad Sell
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Arts , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : July 5, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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