61 pages • 2 hours read
The Phantom Tollbooth
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Book Brief
248
Novel • Fiction
1961
Middle grade
8-12 years
1000L
Super Short Summary
In Norton Juster’s 1961 middle-grade fantasy adventure The Phantom Tollbooth, a bored young boy visits a magical land whose people suffer from a strange delusion and volunteers to find a source of wisdom that can heal them. The book is a touchstone for generations of young readers; it has sold nearly five million copies in more than a dozen languages and has been adapted for film, stage, and symphony hall.
Fantastical
Adventurous
Playful
Humorous
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
302,572 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth receives widespread acclaim for its wit, creativity, and ability to appeal to both children and adults. Critics laud its clever wordplay and engaging adventures but note that some younger readers may find its language challenging. Overall, it stands out as a timeless, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Phantom Tollbooth?
A reader who enjoys whimsical adventures, wordplay, and clever illustrations will be captivated by Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth. Fans of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will find similar joy in this imaginative tale that blends fantasy and philosophy.
302,572 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
248
Novel • Fiction
1961
Middle grade
8-12 years
1000L
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