The Castle Key
Napoleon Publishing, for ages 9-12
The tinkle of the bell was so soft at first that my ears barely caught it. Then it grew louder, although it was still a thin wisp of noise. As if tiny elves were ringing delicate glass bells that faintly sounded the colour blue…
My stomach twirled in delighted somersaults and my heart beat doubletime. Was it true? I’d been waiting for years to work magic. Ever since my mother first wove me tales of magic each night before bed, I’d been hoping. For proof. For real magic. And now, had I found it?
Twelve-year-old Moon believes that magic can reunite her with her mother, who mysteriously vanished eight month ago. With the help of her friend Duncan, Moon discovers a magic key that shows visions of medieval times, the life of a girl named Nora, and the origins of a curse that has plagued her family for generations.
Selected for The Magic of Books: Great Canadian Children’s Books About Magic by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre in 2007.
Selected for Read Up On It 2002: The Magic of Books by the National Library of Canada.
Selected by Resource Links as Best of the Year 2000.
“A complex and fascinating story. This is one fantasy novel for young teens that is not to be missed.”
Canadian Children’s Literature
“An exciting, fast-paced, and well-written novel sure to keep readers turning the pages.”
Resource Links
“A thrilling story that will engage the attention of young readers ages 8 to 11 from the first page to last.”
Midwest Book Review
“Moon’s narration is fast-paced and lively, smoothly blending the past-time sequences with the present.”
Canadian Book Review Annual
“This book of fantasy and mystery will delight and entertain. The elements of intrigue, magic, suspense and action keep the reader glued to the page.”
Canadian Review of Materials
“The story flows seamlessly between the magical medieval world of 1250 and Moon’s unhappy present-day reality.”
Read Up on It: The Magic of Books
