Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Creepy school holds kids captive in dark, funny fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Ever since their mother died, 12-year-old Tobias and 11-year-old Charlotte Eggers have been stuck with one horrible governess after another rather than being cared for by their father, who isn't coping too well. When a dire prank on the governess takes a worse turn, their dad's had it -- and he dumps them in the middle of the rainy night at the gates of WITHERWOOD REFORM SCHOOL. He doesn't really mean to leave them there for long, but his plans go awry, and soon the terrified but resourceful kids are imprisoned by toothy creatures and creepy adults in this strange academy -- not for long, if they can help it.
Is It Any Good?
Kids who have a hard time seeing the funny side of emotionally harrowing situations, from scary monsters to mourning and parental abandonment, might want to pass on this book. But readers steeped in Neil Gaiman and Lemony Snicket will find Witherwood Reform School a fast, entertaining read. Some will gripe that very little is resolved at the end of this volume, which is largely a setup for future installments. Keith Thompson's appealing illustrations bring the characters and their predicaments to life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories wherein parents abandon their kids to awful fates. Which others do you know? Why do you think some people love these stories and others don't want to hear them?
The kids and their father are struggling to cope with the death of the kids' mom as the story opens. Do you know any kids who are dealing with the loss of a parent? How does it change them and their lives?
Why do you think so many scary stories take place in schools? Make up a creepy tale about your own school.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Keith Thompson
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : March 3, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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