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38 pages 1 hour read

The Field Guide

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black

The Field Guide

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

114

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • Contemporary

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

600L

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Super Short Summary

The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black follows the three Grace children—Mallory, Jared, and Simon—who, after moving with their mother to a dilapidated Victorian mansion, encounter a mischievous boggart living within the walls. The children uncover a hidden library and discover Arthur Spiderwick's field guide to faeries, leading to a series of magical and troublesome events as they try to appease the creature and learn more about the secret world around them.

Fantastical

Mysterious

Adventurous

Humorous

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

92,067 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black receives praise for its captivating illustrations and engaging narrative, ideal for young readers. Critics commend its imaginative world-building and relatable characters. However, some reviewers note the plot's simplicity and predictability. Overall, it’s a charming introduction to fantasy for children.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Field Guide?

A reader who enjoys The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black is typically a middle-grade fantasy enthusiast who loves richly illustrated books and stories of magical creatures. They might also be fans of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

4.2

92,067 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Jared Grace

A nine-year-old boy who feels lost after his father leaves, Jared is smart but troubled, eventually becoming deeply engaged in solving the mysteries of the Spiderwick mansion.

Jared’s identical twin brother, who is orderly but harbors a love for small animals, and provides steadfast support to Jared, particularly during their investigations.

The 13-year-old older sister of Jared and Simon, Mallory is headstrong and skilled in fencing, acting as both a protective and sometimes impatient figure among her siblings.

The mother of Mallory, Simon, and Jared, who tries to maintain stability for her family after a move, unaware of the magical happenings around them.

A small faerie known as a brownie, living secretly within the house’s walls, whose actions play a crucial role in the unfolding mysteries within the mansion.

The previous owner of the mansion who documented his discoveries about faeries in a field guide, providing critical information to the Grace children.

Book Details
Pages

114

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • Contemporary

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

600L

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