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The Golden Goblet

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1961

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Book Brief

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Eloise Mcgraw

The Golden Goblet

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1961
Book Details
Pages

248

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ancient Egypt • Antiquity

Publication Year

1961

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

930L

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Super Short Summary

Young Ranofer’s dreams of becoming a goldsmith seem impossible because of his abusive half-brother’s influence unless he can prove the man is a thief in Eloise Jarvis McGraw’s esteemed middle-grade historical mystery, The Golden Goblet (1961). As Ranofer struggles to escape from Gebu’s evil control, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of doing the right thing.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Inspirational

Suspenseful

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

10,143 ratings

68%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Golden Goblet by Eloise McGraw is praised for its vivid depiction of ancient Egypt, engaging story, and well-developed characters. However, some readers found the pacing slow and the prose antiquated. Nevertheless, the novel's educational value and ability to capture the reader's imagination were widely appreciated.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Golden Goblet?

Ideal for middle-grade readers aged 9-12 who enjoy historical fiction. Fans of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia will appreciate the rich storytelling and ancient Egyptian setting of The Golden Goblet by Eloise McGraw. Comparable to The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan for its adventurous spirit.

4.2

10,143 ratings

68%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Ranofer

A determined young boy aspiring to follow in his late father Thutra's footsteps as a goldsmith, Ranofer lives under the oppressive guardianship of his half-brother Gebu, facing challenges that test his resilience and moral strength.

Ranofer's cruel and exploitative half-brother, who controls Ranofer's life and involves him in illegal schemes, using his stonecutting skills for tomb robbing.

A good-natured and clever apprentice at the gold shop, Heqet is one of Ranofer’s first friends who helps break through his reserve and stands by him during difficult times.

A wise and humorous elderly man who befriends Ranofer, offering guidance and friendship, and works by cutting and delivering papyrus.

Ranofer’s master at the gold shop, a gentle and compassionate craftsman who recognizes Ranofer’s talent and allows him to work with gold despite not being an apprentice.

A renowned and skilled goldsmith in Thebes and a friend of Ranofer’s father, Zau offers Ranofer a mentorship opportunity, recognizing the boy's potential.

A clever and conceited dwarf favored by Queen Tiy, Qa-nefer plays a crucial role in validating Ranofer's concerns about tomb robbing, leveraging his position to aid the situation.

The powerful wife of Pharaoh, Queen Tiy investigates Ranofer’s claims about tomb robbing, her engagement revealing her regal authority and influence.

A silent and observant mason who collaborates with Gebu in illegal tunneling and tomb robbing, often perceived as threatening by Ranofer and his friends.

A Babylonian porter at Rekh’s goldsmith shop involved in stealing gold, he tries to appear ingratiating but is ultimately self-serving and untrustworthy.

A Nile boat captain who assists in smuggling stolen gold out of Thebes, later pushed out of the operation for seeking greater profit.

Book Details
Pages

248

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ancient Egypt • Antiquity

Publication Year

1961

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

930L

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