Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Small-town teens battle monsters in smart horror thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As THE STARS DID WANDER DARKLING opens, Archie Coomes begins to notice weird behavior from the adults in the small coastal town of Seaham, Oregon. Developers have been digging in the cliffs outside town, and something evil is about to be released. Archie and his three friends follow clues that hint at horrors to come, but they can't get the authorities to believe them.
Is It Any Good?
Good middle grade horror novels are hard to find, but this homage to 1980s cinematic and literary thrillers is clever and fun. Author Colin Meloy serves up a spooky sampling of creepy clichés -- from buried monsters to strange men in brown clothing. Anyone who likes Stephen King or Stranger Things will appreciate this send-up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Stars Did Wander Darkling uses the 1980s as a setting. Do you think it's sometimes easier to write about the past than the present? Why, or why not?
Oliver experiences "visions" during the course of the book. How have people with different abilities been treated by neurotypical folks?
Do you ever feel as if your neighbors have been replaced by pod people?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : September 13, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 330
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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