  | Emily and the Spellstone Author: Rubens, Michael | |
| Price: $21.88 | ||
Summary:
Twelve-year-old Emily accidentally releases Gorgo, a carnivorous demon, from the magic Spellstone to which he is bound, and must join him in protecting the Stone from villains planning world domination.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.00 Points: 7.0 Quiz: 189574 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 6-8 Reading Level: 4.30 Points: 13.0 Quiz: 69771 | |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (04/15/17)
School Library Journal (06/01/17)
Booklist (05/15/17)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 05/15/2017 Rubens, whose TV credits include writing for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, brings her comedic touch to middle-grade adventure. Twelve-year-old Emily yearns for a cell phone, but when her parents fail to deliver—thanks to her older sister’s cell phone addiction—she finds something offering a completely different kind of escape from the humdrum of her boring life: a mobile Spellstone. Suddenly, Emily’s awakened a demon, Gorgo, from the depths of the Spellstone, who’s more than willing to do her bidding. Unfortunately, there’s another family, the Venomuches, in a world quite unlike Emily’s, with an eye for the Spellstone. Though some of the secondary characters, in particular the antagonist Kristy, a mean girl without a motive, feel like stock types, the quick pacing, playful narration, and high stakes are plenty to keep reluctant readers and young fantasy fans engaged. While the clever parallels between the mobile Spellstone and the latest smartphones may not hold up over time, Emily’s tweenage ennui and frustrations with her older sister and younger brother are timeless. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 06/01/2017 Gr 4–6—Moving to a new town is not all it is cracked up to be for Emily Edelman. Not only do her parents forget her age on her 12th birthday but she must also deal with a school bully who hates her, a bossy older sister who makes her life miserable, and an annoying little brother who drives her insane. When Emily's parents refuse to buy her a phone for her birthday, she happens upon a strange stone, which initially looks simple but ends up being magical. It hosts an "immortal creature of malignant intent with powers so grand, one can't even imagine." This creature wants to give in to its evil impulses, but by law he must obey Emily's commands. Action commences and laughter ensues as the protagonist embarks upon a fantastical adventure. This fast-paced, twisty title will engage most readers to the very end. VERDICT An outlandish take on the traditional genie-in-the-lamp tale, this humorous fantasy will appeal to middle graders and young teens.—Margie Longoria, Mission High School, TX - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
