Saturday, January 23, 2021

The Ash House by Angharad Walker - OPTIONAL

 The Ash House by Angharad Walker, narrated by Simon Vance. 336 pages. Scholastic, FEB 2021. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G ; Violence: PG (hunted, mauled by dogs) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The 11yo boy has been dropped off at a place that he is told is his last chance. Given the name Sol (short for Solitude) by Dom (Freedom), he wants to fit in, buts starts by making a major mistake and now the other kids are wary of him. He also finds out that the Headmaster hasn’t been seen for three years. Sol believes he has been brought here for a cure, but when he finally gets the attention of the Doctor, the strangeness of the Ash House takes a menacing, life-threatening turn. 

The potential for a seriously spooky novel exists here, but the ending doesn’t bring the anticipated emotional payout. Small Spaces by Katherine Arden would be a better choice. The audiobook was provided by The King’s English Bookshop through libro.fm 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Welcome to Kiss the Book Jr.!

Welcome! Kiss the Book Jr. is for board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books.  Also, any novels and non-fiction that we ag...