Common Sense Media Review
Kids crack codes on coins in clever series conclusion.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
At the start of THE MESSENGERS, Chess, Emma, amd Finn have rescued their long-missing mother from the alternate world. But when mysterious coins with messages on them begin falling from odd places, the Greystones know they must go back to the other world, to keep its evil from spilling into their own.
Is It Any Good?
It is hard to maintain tension over the course of three big books, but this tale of parallel universes comes to an exciting conclusion before it has worn out its welcome. After cranking up the suspense as The Mayor unveils his dastardly scheme, author Margaret Peterson Haddix ties up loose ends with flair, giving readers plenty to root for as the Greystone kids attempt to repair their family. Chess, Emma, and Finn are as charming as ever. Middle-grade readers will be satisfied by the conclusian of this clever set of puzzles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Messengers depicts mind control. Do politicians in our world try to make people believe things that aren't true?
Why are secret codes useful? Why do people go to jail for revealing what coded messages say?
Do you think watching too much TV is harmful? Does the media ever spread falsehoods?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date : April 6, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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