The Egypt Game

Book review by Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media
The Egypt Game Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Newbery Honor book is a fun mystery romp.

Zilpha Keatley Snyder Mystery 1985
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 21 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that two children are murdered in this story. The murders aren't described, but the other kids are aware of the events. There is also an attempted child abduction. The information is given and explained in real, yet age-appropriate fashion. The main kid characters, fascinated with ancient Egypt, act out all types of rituals including mummification of a dead pet, god worship, chanting, and the use of oracles.

Community Reviews

Dad-pere
Dad-pere Adult
June 6, 2020
age 18+

Super inappropriate for elementary students

Starts light and w/positive messaging, then nose dives into the murder of children the same age of the characters, in their own neighborhood. Not a mystery. Inappropriate for any age child not able to discern the true threat of stranger danger. Horrifying even for adults to contemplate.

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
McJenigal
McJenigal Adult
April 27, 2022
age 12+

Spoiler alert— Horrifying!

My daughter was assigned this book for 3rd grade literature circles. She was loving the creativity and imagination of the kids until…. child murders and creepy insinuations popped up out of the blue. Now she is afraid to read a new book and is sleeping on my floor. Horrifying trash.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 9 parent reviews

What's the Story?

April is sent to live with her grandmother while her mother tours with a band. Angry, lonely, and determined that her stay will be a short one, April reluctantly makes friends with Melanie, another girl in the apartment building. April soon realizes that she and Melanie have a great deal in common, including an interest in the ancient Egyptians. When horrible and mysterious things start happening, the Egypt gang wonder who or what is causing it and if the events are connected.

Is It Any Good?

EGYPT GAME is a fun, scary, and exciting story at times; at other times the book is a bit slow. Snyder does a great job getting readers to care about the characters. We want to know if April Hall will ever warm up to her grandma and if Marshall Ross will ever give up his stuffed octopus "Security." Will Melanie Ross be able to get the kids at school to understand April's eccentric personality?

Kids will like how Snyder captures the preteen disgust and teasing that accompanies boy/girl relations and how she draws readers into the Egyptian world the gamers create with found objects and their imaginations. Then their world is disrupted by a very adult and tragic event -- the murder of a neighborhood child -- the second in as many years. Of course there are plenty of suspicious characters. And of course the kids are immediately drawn in to the mystery, just as readers will be.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the religion of other cultures, especially the rituals and rites of ancient Egypt. They can also discuss safety issues. What things can they do to stay safe? What can they do if they are ever attacked?

Book Details

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