41 pages • 1 hour read
The Willoughbys
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
174
Novel • Fiction
2008
Middle grade
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry is a whimsical middle-grade novel about four children—Tim, Barnaby A, Barnaby B, and Jane—whose parents dislike them and attempt to get rid of them; in revenge, the children plot to kill their parents. Through a darkly humorous lens, the story illustrates the importance of family and learning from mistakes, ultimately leading to the creation of a new, loving household. The book includes descriptions of child neglect.
Humorous
Playful
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
16,975 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry offers a wry, satirical take on classic orphan tales. Readers appreciate its humor, clever writing, and playful subversion of conventions. However, some feel its dark comedic tone and ethical ambiguities may not suit younger audiences. Overall, it’s a witty, engaging read that appeals more to older children and adults.
Who Should Read The Willoughbys?
Fans of clever, dark humor with a nostalgic twist will enjoy The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry. Ideal for readers who appreciate Roald Dahl’s whimsical yet biting style in Matilda or Lemony Snicket’s wry tone in A Series of Unfortunate Events, this book offers a delightfully twisted take on classic orphan tales.
16,975 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
174
Novel • Fiction
2008
Middle grade
8-12 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.