Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting Paris-based adventure delves into Verne's legacy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE JULES VERNE PROPHECY, or rather, La Prophétie de Jules Verne, is a mysterious old book found in a Paris bookshop by 13-year-old skater Owen, who's spending the summer there. His mom's a genius scientist who's always busy at a conference, so she's signed him up for a summer-school deep dive into the works of Jules Verne -- in French, of course. Owen soon makes friends with fellow teens Rose and Nas, which is good, because things get strange fast. Their professor disappears, and that's just the beginning, as a whole lot of people seem to want the rare Verne book -- where, it's clear, the author left a few secrets not revealed in his lifetime. It all quickly leads to creepy catacombs, boat-to-boat chase scenes, hot-air balloon thefts, and many lessons on looking beyond appearances.
Is It Any Good?
Launching a Paris-based adventure series, this tale of a mysterious old book and those who want it offers thrills, laughs, and eye-rolling misadventures from Le Dome skate park to the Eiffel Tower. The Prophecy of Jules Verne finds three 13-year-olds (two French, one American) learning a whole lot about the father of science fiction -- and the secrets he may have left behind in a book they just discovered, which a lot of creepy people seem to want. Be prepared for puzzles, ciphers, codes, and brain-teasers. Also for bones. Lots of bones.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories set in Paris -- past, present, and future. Do you have any favorites? How does the version of Paris that appears in The Jules Verne Prophecy compare?
Jules Verne remarked, "All that is impossible remains to be accomplished." Do you think this is an inspiring reminder that much of what we take for granted today was once considered impossible?
Rose's brother is a celebrity athlete who's known around the world, but she says, "To you, he's this super-amazing skater with an attitude. But to me, he's an annoying big brother who burps in my face." Have you ever known someone whose private and public selves were really different? What were they like?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Euan Cook
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Christy Ottaviano Books
- Publication date : June 27, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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