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The Night Gardener

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Jonathan Auxier

The Night Gardener

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

345

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 19th Century

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690

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Super Short Summary

In The Night Gardener, siblings Molly and Kip flee Ireland and find themselves trapped in a house where a demonic tree drains the life force of the inhabitants. As they navigate the mysterious happenings, they uncover dark secrets about the tree's power and the cost of its wishes, ultimately seeking a way to break the tree's hold on the family living there. Includes themes of death and grief.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.3

22,256 ratings

78%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jonathan Auxier's The Night Gardener impresses with its atmospheric storytelling, engaging characters, and detailed setting. Reviewers praise its ability to blend mystery with a Victorian-era ghost story vibe. However, some find the pacing uneven and the ending slightly predictable. Overall, it's well-received as a spooky, thought-provoking tale suitable for middle-grade readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Night Gardener?

A reader who enjoys dark, atmospheric tales with a mix of mystery and supernatural elements would love The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier. Fans of Coraline by Neil Gaiman and A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket will appreciate its eerie storytelling and richly developed characters.

4.3

22,256 ratings

78%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Molly McConnachie

A protagonist and storyteller who uses her imagination to offer support for herself and her brother, concealing the truth to create a more optimistic reality.

Molly's younger brother who, despite a disability affecting his leg, showcases resilience and strength, carrying a cherished wood-carved crutch named "Courage."

The youngest Windsor child who dislikes her current living situation and finds excitement in Molly's arrival, experiencing changes due to the effects of the house's magic.

The headstrong woman of the Windsor household who defies typical roles of the Victorian Era, struggling with the upkeep of her family amidst magical influences.

The gentle yet timid patriarch of the Windsor family, whose decisions drive much of the family's financial troubles and difficulties with a magical tree.

Penny's older brother, who often bullies others to mask his own insecurities and eventually has significant experiences that influence his behavior.

A wandering storyteller who defies conventional expectations, becoming an influential figure for Molly with a keen understanding of storytelling and truth.

Book Details
Pages

345

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 19th Century

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690

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