Reading Metrics
Description
Nine, a young orphan pickpocket living in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures, steals a tiny house-shaped ornament that blossoms into a higgledy-piggledy, magical house. Inside, she meets a cast of eccentric characters trapped under a dark curse, and she must unravel the house's secrets to break the spell and protect its residents. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that saving the house might also mean finding a place she can truly call home.
Quick Summary
Ever wonder what would happen if a tiny stolen ornament turned into a sprawling, cursed house that only a pickpocket can set free? That's the wild ride you'll get in Amy Sparkes' "The House at the Edge of Magic," a middle-grade adventure that mixes heist-style mischief with quirky magic and a dash of spooky mystery. The story will especially appeal to readers who love a clever, quick-witted protagonist, fans of laugh-out-loud humor, and anyone who enjoyed the magical mischief of "The Tale of Despereaux" or the mischievous problem-solving in "The Wild Robot." There's a bit of mild danger and a few tense moments (the curse is real, and some creatures are a little scary), but the tone stays lighthearted and the ending is satisfying. Parents will appreciate that the book celebrates redemption and cleverness over brute force, and it's a great choice for kids who are ready for chapter books but still enjoy a sprinkle of whimsy and heart.