45 pages • 1 hour read
The Egypt Game
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
California • 1960s
1967
Middle grade
8-12 years
1010L
Super Short Summary
In The Egypt Game, 11-year-old April Hall moves to her grandmother's house due to her mother's career pursuits, and she befriends Melanie, her neighbor. The girls create a detailed imaginary game centered on ancient Egypt in a local antique store's storage area, attracting other children. They navigate adventures, challenges, and community-building, ultimately finding friendship and acceptance. Contains depictions of violence and mental health issues.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Adventurous
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
37,429 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is praised for its engaging storyline, rich character development, and vivid depiction of children's imaginative play. However, some find the plot slow-paced, and there are concerns about dated cultural references. Still, it remains a beloved classic for fostering creativity and critical thinking among readers.
Who Should Read The Egypt Game?
Readers who enjoy imaginative adventures and stories about friendship in diverse communities will love The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. Similar to Bridge to Terabithia and Harriet the Spy, this book appeals to middle-grade readers who appreciate creative play, mystery, and relatable characters.
37,429 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Melanie Ross
Melanie Ross
An 11-year-old sixth grader and daughter of teachers, who shares April's interest in reading and acts as a diplomatic counterpart in their friendship and the Egypt Game.
Marshall Ross
Marshall Ross
Melanie’s observant and quiet four-year-old brother who participates in the Egypt Game, always accompanied by his stuffed octopus, Security.
Dr. Julian Huddleston, “The Professor”
Dr. Julian Huddleston, “The Professor”
The mysterious and solitary owner of A-Z Antiques, initially perceived as threatening by local children.
Caroline Hall
Caroline Hall
April’s grandmother, who provides her with a home and is initially perceived as distant.
Dorothea Hall
Dorothea Hall
April’s mother, who aspires to be a Hollywood star, leaving April with her grandmother due to her career pursuits.
Elizabeth Chung
Elizabeth Chung
A soft-spoken fourth grader resembling Queen Nefertiti, whose insight earns her a spot in the Egypt Game.
Toby Alvillar
Toby Alvillar
A mischievous sixth grader and class prankster, known for his clever ideas and interest in hieroglyphics within the Egypt Game.
240
Novel • Fiction
California • 1960s
1967
Middle grade
8-12 years
1010L
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