The Whitby Witches (Whitby, Book 1) - Hardcover

Jarvis, Robin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0811854132 ISBN 13: 9780811854139

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2006

Synopsis

At first glance, the small seaside town of Whitby seems quiet and charming, but eight year-old Ben and his older sister Jennet soon learn that things are not always as they seem. Moved about from foster home to foster home, Ben and Jennet hope to make a fresh start in Whitby. But Ben sees things and people others cannot. There's something unusual about Alice Boston, their new guardian. And what is that horrible howling Jennet hears late at night? Something wicked's brewing in Whitby. Can Ben and Jennet put it to rest?

About this title

About the Author:

Robin Jarvis studied graphic design in college and worked in television and advertising before becoming a full-time author and illustrator. Mr. Jarvis resides in England.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-8–Ben, 8, and Jennet, 12, have been bouncing in and out of various foster homes for the past two years because of Ben's unique ability–he sees ghosts. They are now being sent to an old friend of their deceased parents and are determined to make this home permanent. As part of that goal, Ben is supposed to hide his gift and not do anything weird. Then they meet their foster parent, 92-year-old Alice Boston. She is eccentric and loving, and accepts Ben's power without a blink–until an evil force appears, and her friends begin dying one by one. It is then up to Alice and the children to save the town and themselves. Witches is a dark but delightful read that involves ghosts, evil magicians (and good ones), and an ancient curse. There is just the right amount of suspense to make the book creepy, but not enough to make it truly scary for younger readers. The characters are believable and likable, and Jarvis has easily straddled the line between (mild) horror and fantasy. Give this to lovers of R. L. Stine for an equally satisfying but more challenging read.–Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ
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About this edition

• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0811854132
• ISBN 13: 9780811854139
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 296