Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action, suspense fuel steampunk fantasy set in London.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Jack's search for his missing father soon leads him and little sister Sadie into THE LOST PROPERTY OFFICE, where it's clear something peculiar is going on. Jack learns that his father's been kidnapped, and to save his father he's only got a day to find and then bring the magical Ember to Big Ben by midnight. To make it in time he'll have to fend off mechanical beetles, learn how to work with apprentice clerk Gwen, discover the truth about his family's past, and foil the villainous Clockmaker.
Is It Any Good?
Veteran thriller author James R. Hannibal puts his talents to good use as he turns to younger readers with this fantasy debut full of action, suspense, and a dash of steampunk for good measure. Clever problem-solving, intriguing and spooky glimpses into London's past, and quirky-but-relatable heroes keep the pages of The Lost Property Office turning just as much as during the tense and taut action sequences. Real-life locations like the London Underground are as skillfully evoked as the delightfully mysterious fantasy locations like the Ministry.
Tweens and middle schoolers looking for fast-paced excitement along with their magical, clockwork fantasy will enjoy this series kickoff, and eagerly await the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Lost Property Office shows that Jack and his family are close. Do they seem like a realistic family? Why, or why not?
Which parts about the Great Fire of 1666 do you think are real, and which do you think are made up? How can you find out if you're right?
Why are so many fantasy stories told as series? How would the ending be different if the author didn't plan to continue Jack's adventures?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : November 8, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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