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61 pages 2 hours read

The Phantom Tollbooth

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1961

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Book Brief

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Norton Juster

The Phantom Tollbooth

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

248

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1961

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

1000L

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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

4.5

302,572 ratings

79%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.5

302,572 ratings

79%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

248

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1961

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

1000L

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