Parents' Guide to Things in the Basement, Book 1

Book Ben Hatke Graphic Novel 2023
Things in the Basement book cover: A boy with dark hair and tan skin stands at the top of the stairs to a dark basement

Common Sense Media Review

Michael Berry By Michael Berry , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Touching tale of missing sock and spooky basement adventure.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

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What's the Story?

As THINGS IN THE BASEMENT opens, Milo helps his mother look after her new twins. A pink sock is missing, and he agrees to venture into the basement in search of it. The further he descends, the stranger and odder the residents are, including a ghost, a floating skull, and a hungry monster—and the rat who scurried away with the baby sock!

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Ben Hatke, a fan favorite for the Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl series, concocts an inventive graphic novel filled with half-hidden wonders and a warm story about a boy on a mission. Milo learns lessons about friendship and bravery, while strengthening bonds with his mother. The book invites rereading with propulsive yet simple dialogue and intriguing Easter eggs (look for nods to mythological stories, Bernini's elephant, role-playing games, and Hatke's own previous books).

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Things in the Basement and how it encourages acts of courage. Why are people afraid of the dark?

  • Milo and the underground dwellers display various character strengths: courage, curiosity, and communication. When have you had to be brave or curious to solve a problem?

  • Milo's sister calls him a hero. How do you define a hero?

Book Details

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Things in the Basement book cover: A boy with dark hair and tan skin stands at the top of the stairs to a dark basement

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