Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween/big-kid fantasy brims with charm, adventure, heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE LIBRARY OF UNRULY TREASURES is the story of 11-year-old Gwen, who goes to stay with her Great Uncle Matthew for a couple of weeks in summer. Near his house is a library that shares her last name, MacKinnon. Out of curiosity and because she loves to read, she goes to check it out on her first full day at Uncle Matthew's. There she finds a portrait of a probable ancestor of hers, the founder of the library, and she gets involved in what people over 6 think is a game the younger children play in the library, involving tiny people with turquoise hair and wings. Soon Gwen finds herself deeply involved in the lives of the Lahdukan, as the tiny folk are called, and that takes her to places neither she nor her new friends, nor Pumpkin the dog, could have imagined.
Is It Any Good?
Author Jeanne Birdsall brings all the charm, heart, humor, and colorful characters readers love about the Penderwicks series to this standalone fantasy. And this time she excels at showing what love, support, and delicious food can do for a child. Quirky, distinctive characters, especially Pumpkin the odd dog, add humor and are completely believable. The logic within the fantasy world is rock solid. Readers at the younger end of the age range may need help with some vocabulary, but it also would make a great read-aloud. Note the pronunciation guide at the very end of the book before you dive in. It will help with the Lahdukan words. All suspense and scariness have safe resolutions, and it ends on a poignant yet upbeat note.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and scariness in The Library of Unruly Treasures. Is it too much? When you get scared, what makes you feel safe again?
What makes Gwen brave enough to help the Lahdukan even when she's scared? When she starts to feel loved and wanted for the first time in her life, how does she start to change?
What does "unruly" mean? Look it up if you don't already know. Are there unruly treasures in the library? If so, what are they?
Gwen says she never wants to treat anyone the way her parents treat her. What does that tell you about the kind of person she is?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Matt Phelan
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Grandparents ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Humility , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : August 5, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 17, 2025
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