Comments on: Goblin Secrets

By: Jonathan Hunt

Jonathan Hunt — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:32:04 +0000

Waiting for my hold to come through at the public library . . .

By: Meghan

Meghan — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:07:01 +0000

Nina, I’m nearly done this book now and hear your comments about awkward arrangement. Part of me assumes it’s to assist in the author’s consistent indirect characterization and indirect setting descriptors- a “show-not-tell” approach I guess. However, I feel like I spent a little too much mental effort on discerning the “indirect-ness” than I did appreciating the plot flow, development, literary style, etc. It was distracting for me! Somewhat surprised that it ended up winning the NBA…

By: Mary Ann Scheuer

Mary Ann Scheuer — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:19:07 +0000

For those interested in audio, I would heartily recommend GOBLIN SECRETS on audio. William Alexander does the narration – it is clear that his theater background enables him to create distinct, entertaining voices for the many characters. Jonathan, if you get a chance to read this, I’d be interested in your take.

I’m finding the setting, mood, characters and language to be quite wonderful. I have not yet finished it yet, so can’t comment on Nina’s criticism that the plot does not hang together. I would argue that it certainly does come alive for me, creating a sense of mystery and danger as Rownie tries to escape from an all-powerful witch and search for his lost older brother.

By: Debut Author William Alexander Nabs 2012 National Book Award for Young People | School Library Journal

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:00:13 +0000

[...] William Alexander took home the National Book Award (NBA) for Young People last night for his book Goblin Secrets (S&S, 2012), about a boy who joins a theatrical group of [...]

By: DaNae

DaNae — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:27:44 +0000

A Besty Bird comment on Goodreads, caused me to buy this book. I’d been actively shunning it until the NBA took notice. A student who was present when I discovered the nominations snagged it for the long weekend before I could smuggle it home. I will listen with interest to what other have to say to make a decision on whether to rumble with the kids over possession.

By: mslibrarian

mslibrarian — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 23:13:18 +0000

I read this book quite a while ago. It remains to be a very strong and memorable one. The scenes remain vividly clear and the sense of danger and unsettling emotions is still palpable when I recall the details of this short book. I was really pleased to see that it received some recognition at National Book Awards. And, I’ve read it somewhere that a sequel will follow in 2013.

By: Sondy

Sondy — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 20:15:00 +0000

I was happy that a book nominated for the Cybils middle grade science fiction & fantasy is a finalist. Good excuse to read it!