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320
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2018
Katherine Tegen Books
Middle grade
8-12 years
Nightbooks by J. A. White follows a boy named Alex who is captured by a witch. To avoid harm, he must read her a new original story each night from his own collection. Alex meets Yasmin, another captive, and together they search for a way to escape the witch's sinister apartment.
Reviews of J. A. White's Nightbooks highlight its engaging, dark fantasy narrative that appeals to middle-grade readers. The storytelling intertwines fairy tale elements with suspense, keeping readers intrigued. However, some critique its predictable plot twists and occasional pacing issues. Overall, it offers a captivating, spooky adventure for young audiences.
Readers who revel in eerie, fantastical tales like Coraline by Neil Gaiman or A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket will find Nightbooks by J. A. White enthralling. Ideal for middle-grade readers, it combines suspense, dark magic, and the power of storytelling, appealing to those who enjoy immersive, spine-tingling adventures.
Yasmin
A supporting character who forms a friendship with Alex while helping him recognize the value of his storytelling. She is known for her resilience and compassion.
Natacha
An enigmatic character who keeps Alex and Yasmin captive and has an ambiguous connection to magic. She appreciates the stories that soothe her captor.
Aunt Gris
The true antagonist and a powerful witch whose magic sustains the enchanted environment where Alex and Yasmin are held. Her obsession with children's fear is a defining trait.
Nightbooks by J. A. White was adapted into a Netflix film in 2021, directed by David Yarovesky, with Krysten Ritter taking on the role of the antagonist, Natacha.
The novel blends elements of dark fantasy with a modern twist, drawing inspiration from classic fairy tales like "Hansel and Gretel" and stories by the Brothers Grimm.
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J. A. White has a background in screenwriting, which may contribute to his dynamic storytelling approach in Nightbooks, engaging readers with vivid and cinematic scenes.
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320
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2018
Katherine Tegen Books
Middle grade
8-12 years
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