sierra_color's review against another edition
5.0
A story that, even though it doesn't have any magic in it, is utterly enchanting. Filled to the brim with wonderful characters, Zach, Alice and Poppy, this book was an utter joy to read!
The story captivated me so much, I couldn't stop thinking about this book, wondering how things will turn out, or how this quest of theirs will end. It also surprised me as well, since I expected this story to end in a certain way, but it didn't! And the unexpected ending wasn't bad at all, in fact, it felt perfectly earned.
Honestly, Black has such an imagination, and it shows in this book, she writes about stories in a way that is loving, and caring, and writes about these kids who love stories in the same way. I love how, by the end of it, the kids are okay with how they're changing, and they aren't ashamed of being different than their peers.
So, not only is this (in my opinion) the perfect autumn read, but it's also just the perfect read in general. It's a book filled with fantastic story telling, realistic characters and swashbuckling adventure, and honestly I already can't wait to read it again.
The story captivated me so much, I couldn't stop thinking about this book, wondering how things will turn out, or how this quest of theirs will end. It also surprised me as well, since I expected this story to end in a certain way, but it didn't! And the unexpected ending wasn't bad at all, in fact, it felt perfectly earned.
Honestly, Black has such an imagination, and it shows in this book, she writes about stories in a way that is loving, and caring, and writes about these kids who love stories in the same way. I love how, by the end of it, the kids are okay with how they're changing, and they aren't ashamed of being different than their peers.
So, not only is this (in my opinion) the perfect autumn read, but it's also just the perfect read in general. It's a book filled with fantastic story telling, realistic characters and swashbuckling adventure, and honestly I already can't wait to read it again.
mariethelibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Well, I didnt find it as scary as I had pictured, but I guess if I were younger I would've been a bit freaked out! However I liked the ending and I will recommend it to kids :)
ljg765's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ladyanne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
titanic's review against another edition
4.0
I expected this book to be a lot more childish than it was, it had two important messages, in my opinion, don't change yourself because some else is forcing you and friendships are important. The vibes this book gave off were very Roald Dahl, the whole 'children go on an adventure' reminded me a lot of his books, and the childlike horror that this book implies slightly tips that book onto Roald Dahl's creepier writing, Skin and Other Stories.
The author did a brilliant job and making this book a horror but a child horror, making it acceptable for children to read and, most likely, feel some fear, but not cry and throw the book away. However, I feel like she could have done a better job on the two female characters because, for the life of me, I couldn't tell them apart. They reminded me of each other even though the author clearly described them differently, so maybe that's my fault.
The book was cute and felt really smooth to read. A soft, enjoyable read that entertained me for a few hours before moving onto another book. I'd say this book would be good for children who'd want to read horror, but might not yet be ready for it, let them try this out, for an eighteen-year-old who's scared of sudden noises and the middle of the night, this book wasn't terrifying, but I'm not a seven-year-old kid.
The author did a brilliant job and making this book a horror but a child horror, making it acceptable for children to read and, most likely, feel some fear, but not cry and throw the book away. However, I feel like she could have done a better job on the two female characters because, for the life of me, I couldn't tell them apart. They reminded me of each other even though the author clearly described them differently, so maybe that's my fault.
The book was cute and felt really smooth to read. A soft, enjoyable read that entertained me for a few hours before moving onto another book. I'd say this book would be good for children who'd want to read horror, but might not yet be ready for it, let them try this out, for an eighteen-year-old who's scared of sudden noises and the middle of the night, this book wasn't terrifying, but I'm not a seven-year-old kid.
sarahannkateri's review against another edition
3.0
Zach, Poppy and Alice are best friends who spend their time playing an epic RPG featuring their favorite toys. There are pirates, thieves, and adventures galore, and it's all ruled over by The Queen, a creepy bone china doll that sits in a curio they are not allowed to open. When Zach's father throws away his action figures and tells him he's too old to be playing games like that, Poppy and Alice aren't the only ones who are disappointed. The Queen seems to be angry too...
A good choice for middle graders who want a creepy story, but it didn't quite do it for me.
A good choice for middle graders who want a creepy story, but it didn't quite do it for me.
bensmelanie's review against another edition
2.0
What did I read? This was a weird book with an identity crisis. It didn't know what kind of book it was, so it ended up failing all around. I'm not sure what the Newbery panel was thinking when they read this book.
crey18's review against another edition
4.0
Very creepy. My favorite element of this book has absolutely nothing to do with the creepy doll, but rather with the tension of growing up that Zach battles with through the entire book. That thread through the story made the it real to me.
athoffman18's review against another edition
3.0
Three 12 year old friends; Poppy, Alice and Zach have been playing a wonderful game with their action figures. They've entered a whole new world, until the fateful day that Zach's father throws out all his action figures when he is away at school one day. Too angry to tell the girls the truth, he just pushes them aside and tells them he doesn't want to play the game any longer. When Poppy and Alice show up at his house late at night to tell him a strange secret, they don't realize that their quest is about to turn into a test of friendship and somewhat a coming of age story.
d_sebek's review against another edition
3.0
Holly Black starts with an interesting premise: middle school aged children with over-active imaginations think they have a haunted doll. In an attempt to quiet the poltergeist, they go on a journey to bury the doll with the body that is missing its spirit.
The "quest" left the reader wanting more and the ending felt predictable once a certain page limit was reached. Overall a good read for students but a miss for adults.
The "quest" left the reader wanting more and the ending felt predictable once a certain page limit was reached. Overall a good read for students but a miss for adults.