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100th out of 312 books
—
578 voters
The Castle in the Attic (The Castle in the Attic #1)
by
Elizabeth Winthrop (Goodreads Author)
One of the classic fantastical adventures of all time!
William has just received the best present of his life—an old, real-looking stone and wooden model of a castle, with a drawbridge, a moat, and a fingerhigh knight to guard the gates. It’s the mysterious castle his housekeeper has told him about, and even though William is sad she’s leaving, now the castle is his! Willia...more
William has just received the best present of his life—an old, real-looking stone and wooden model of a castle, with a drawbridge, a moat, and a fingerhigh knight to guard the gates. It’s the mysterious castle his housekeeper has told him about, and even though William is sad she’s leaving, now the castle is his! Willia...more
Paperback, 192 pages
Published
November 1st 1994
by Yearling
(first published September 28th 1985)
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Oct 16, 2008
Jill
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
kids 2nd grade and up, parents and teachers
Recommended to Jill by:
I Found it at the Library
The Castle in the Attic
by Elizabeth Winthrop
Edition: Audio CD
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Great Fantasy, October 15, 2008
I enjoyed this book so much, I have listened to it twice.
William is ten-years-old when he finds out that his house-keeper/nanny is going to leave him. She says,"He is old enough to take care of himself now." William is afraid that with busy parents he will be left alone.
Before she parts for England, Mrs. Phillips gives William a very special gift. She...more
by Elizabeth Winthrop
Edition: Audio CD
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Great Fantasy, October 15, 2008
I enjoyed this book so much, I have listened to it twice.
William is ten-years-old when he finds out that his house-keeper/nanny is going to leave him. She says,"He is old enough to take care of himself now." William is afraid that with busy parents he will be left alone.
Before she parts for England, Mrs. Phillips gives William a very special gift. She...more
I remember reading this as a child, though I don't remember if it was for an assignment or on my own. It was certainly the type of book I enjoyed then. As an adult, I can see the elements that appealed to me as a child, but I can also see some of the things I wouldn't have considered as a child. For one thing, though the main character is a boy, this is not a book for most boys. William is a very sensitive boy, who plays gymnastics, and cries periodically. The story is mostly about the castle he...more
So I took a trip back to my elementary/middle school years with this one. I've read it before in 5th grade, but reading it again, I think I would recommend it for even younger kids than that. It's a pretty good story, but the plot is paced a little strangely. The book is halfway over before they even go into the castle and on their adventure, which makes it seem to me like the adventure part moves much more quickly than it should. I would have liked less of William's whining and self-pity and mo...more
I loved this book as a child. I was enchanted by the idea of having a castle, in the attic no less, that came to life. What a wonderful way to experience chivalry -- travel back in time without being stuck there. I recently reread the book and was surprised by how much I didn't remember. The characters have a mission and are stuck in medieval times until the save whomever it is they are supposed to save. I still liked the book, but it lost much of its enchantment for me. Plus, there was no real...more
I read this in elementary school and adored it. Somebody else described it as being "magical," and for a kid I would agree. Castles and knights and fantasy kingdoms-- the stuff kids' dreams are made of. I read it again in college for an adolescent lit. class, and, of course, as an adult it didn't have the same appeal. But, hey, it wasn't written for adults in the first place, so big deal if my grown-up mind wasn't as hooked as the child of yesteryear. I still give it four stars, merely because t...more
I just read this to my 2 boys (ages 6 & 4) for a bedtime read & I was a little surprised at how much they loved it. It's about a boy who has an adventure with a play castle & knight which come to life. It isn't a book you have to edit at all in the reading & it's captivating to any little boy who wishes he could be a hero. I can't even tell you how fast those turkeys got ready for bed while we were reading this, I hope I can find another one that captures their attention as much...more
Oct 23, 2008
Jess
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Indian in the Cupboard fans, someone who feels racist recommending ndian in the Cupboard
Recommended to Jess by:
fantasy "In the House" project
William receives a large medieval castle model and a knight figurine. While playing, the Silver Knight comes to life and puts William on the path to an Arthurian quest.
William is a little weepy and his attachment to Mrs. Phillips little long-winded (that's not the word but I can't think of one that fits and doesn't reflect something else.) Slow moving at the start but the quest part kicks it up.
I've heard it's enjoyed by elem. kids.
Obviously owes something to Indian in the Cupboard
William is a little weepy and his attachment to Mrs. Phillips little long-winded (that's not the word but I can't think of one that fits and doesn't reflect something else.) Slow moving at the start but the quest part kicks it up.
I've heard it's enjoyed by elem. kids.
Obviously owes something to Indian in the Cupboard
Originally published on my blog: Read Love
I enjoyed The Castle in the Attic so much that I read it in one sitting, breaking only for dinner. Having been bogged down in lengthy books, I wanted to read something fun and uplifting. I picked up and quickly discarded several things, unable to concentrate or focus long enough to be drawn into the stories in those books. So, emboldened by the fact that this was a slim volume, and recaptured by the imaginative promise of the book cover, I began to swif...more
I enjoyed The Castle in the Attic so much that I read it in one sitting, breaking only for dinner. Having been bogged down in lengthy books, I wanted to read something fun and uplifting. I picked up and quickly discarded several things, unable to concentrate or focus long enough to be drawn into the stories in those books. So, emboldened by the fact that this was a slim volume, and recaptured by the imaginative promise of the book cover, I began to swif...more
This book and its sequel are two very different experiences, and while I prefer the straightforward adventure of the sequel, this book still has a lot of charm.
I always like it when someone comes up with a neat concept and plays that concept for all it's worth. In this case, a toy knight that comes to life when its owner picks it up. Sir Simon is in fact a real knight who was changed to lead, and his entire kingdom is reachable via the model castle William was given as a gift. A magic token can...more
I always like it when someone comes up with a neat concept and plays that concept for all it's worth. In this case, a toy knight that comes to life when its owner picks it up. Sir Simon is in fact a real knight who was changed to lead, and his entire kingdom is reachable via the model castle William was given as a gift. A magic token can...more
Reviews Of Unusual Size!
Re: Ten year old William's dear friend and nanny is leaving him and returning to England and he's quite distraught about the whole thing. In an attempt to appease him and to show how much she cares for the boy, Mrs. Phillips gives William a beautiful stone and wood castle that has been in her family for generations, complete with silver knight! William is enchanted, but still quite upset over losing his best friend. When the knight comes to life in William's hand, complet...more
Re: Ten year old William's dear friend and nanny is leaving him and returning to England and he's quite distraught about the whole thing. In an attempt to appease him and to show how much she cares for the boy, Mrs. Phillips gives William a beautiful stone and wood castle that has been in her family for generations, complete with silver knight! William is enchanted, but still quite upset over losing his best friend. When the knight comes to life in William's hand, complet...more
An enchanting yet odd little fantasy. William (definitely not Bill, or god forbid, Billy) is a sensitive and a bit of a loner. He has one other friend in his fifth grade class, and that connection derives from their shared social status. Outcasts.
William is dreamy, but also disciplined and driven as a gymnast. His parents are achievers and doers who have the best intentions, and very little time, for him.
The warmth in William's life comes from the English nanny his parents have hired, Mrs. Phi...more
William is dreamy, but also disciplined and driven as a gymnast. His parents are achievers and doers who have the best intentions, and very little time, for him.
The warmth in William's life comes from the English nanny his parents have hired, Mrs. Phi...more
Mar 23, 2008
Shivam Parikh
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
A fourth or fifth grader
Recommended to Shivam by:
A teacher at my school.
I like this book because of the magical powers used in it.William Gets a castle as a present from Mrs.phillips who is going back to england because she is home sick. In the castle there is a small knight named Sir Simon who has a token that can shrink someone to the size of your index finger. Since William does not want Mrs.Phillips to go, he shrinks her. The only way to get Mrs Phillips to real size is to go to defeat Alastor. William goes on a quest to get the other half of the medallion.
This was one of my favorite books when I was a child. I loved how the two worlds met together with a prophecy and the lines of good and bad were so clearly defined. The story starts off with a ten year old boy getting the present of a large, old, model castle from his English nanny. She is about to leave him to go back to England and she decided it would be a good parting present. When the boy, William, goes to play with it, he picks up the single lead figure. It quickly comes to life, and it in...more
Ten-year-old William is so distraught at the idea of his beloved housekeeper/nanny Mrs. Phillips returning to England that, with the aid of a magic token, he shrinks her into the size of the toy knight which inhabits a wooden castle that has been passed down in her family for generations. To undo his rash deed, William must be miniaturized himself and accompany the silver knight, Sir Simon, on a quest to overthrow Alastor, a wicked magician who long ago usurped the throne of what should have bee...more
1 like · like · see review
This is one of those books that is always sitting on library shelves but that I never read--I just was never drawn to it. After reading it now, that feeling is confirmed. Admittedly I probably would have enjoyed this book more if I were eight and had read the whole thing in an afternoon instead of being 27 and spending three days of commuting to get through it... but it just didn't sparkle in any way.
Part of this may have been the quite mediocre audiobook presentation. It was full-cast, but the...more
Part of this may have been the quite mediocre audiobook presentation. It was full-cast, but the...more
2 likes · like · see review
One of my favorites from childhood. I need to read it again, but I remember loving it. I was probably in the fourth or fifth grade and I had to read this for a book report. I remember being so caught up in the story about a boy who enters his toy castle to fight evil. Obviously the details escape me, but check it out it's great.
Aug 08, 2008
Maggie Stiefvater
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of Indian in the Cupboard
Shelves:
middle-grade
Recommend this one for fans of THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD.
***wondering why all my reviews are five stars? Because I'm only reviewing my favorite books -- not every book I read. Consider a novel's presence on my Goodreads bookshelf as a hearty endorsement. I can't believe I just said "hearty." It sounds like a stew.****
***wondering why all my reviews are five stars? Because I'm only reviewing my favorite books -- not every book I read. Consider a novel's presence on my Goodreads bookshelf as a hearty endorsement. I can't believe I just said "hearty." It sounds like a stew.****
Feb 24, 2013
Melissa
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
5th-grade-preview-books
Adorable story that will quite possibly become our class read aloud. Can't wait to read the sequel!
"William has just received the best present of his life—an old, real-looking stone and wooden model of a castle, with a drawbridge, a moat, and a fingerhigh knight to guard the gates. It’s the mysterious castle his housekeeper has told him about, and even though William is sad she’s leaving, now the castle is his! William can’t wait to play with the castle—he’s certain there’s something magical abo...more
"William has just received the best present of his life—an old, real-looking stone and wooden model of a castle, with a drawbridge, a moat, and a fingerhigh knight to guard the gates. It’s the mysterious castle his housekeeper has told him about, and even though William is sad she’s leaving, now the castle is his! William can’t wait to play with the castle—he’s certain there’s something magical abo...more
Mar 24, 2008
Annette
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
boys age 8-10
Recommended to Annette by:
Aunt Marie
Shelves:
juvenile-fiction,
scifi-fantasy
I'm giving this a high rating because I just got done reading this book with my 10 year old son and he loved it! It is a really good adventure book for kids, especially boys. As a parent, I liked it because it was enjoyable to see how the main character, ten year old, William grows and changes throughout the book.
The Castle in the Attic is a great book. this book is more for kids. It has great adventures and much more.
1 like · like · see review
this book is really for any one who is in an adventerous mood. with this book being all about wizards and battle. William{the main character} finds this out when his housekeeper leaves him a present, a magical stone castle! you really need to read it to get the feel of medieval times.
Fun book. Young boy, 10, is given a toy castle by his nanny who is leaving to go back to England. The boy, William, is very upset that Mrs. Phillips is leaving. When he discovers that the castle, or more accurately, the Silver Knight that comes with it, is enchanted, he devises a plan to keep her with him. And thus begins a very satisfying tale of fantasy and heroism.
I listened to the audio version of this book - read by the author along with an entire cast. I can't say it was the best audio bo...more
I listened to the audio version of this book - read by the author along with an entire cast. I can't say it was the best audio bo...more
Jan 28, 2012
Jason
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Children fantasy fans
Recommended to Jason by:
Mr. Caputo or Mrs. Ruiz (don't remember which)
It was either my third or fourth grade teacher who started reading The Castle in the Attic to my class (this was way back in 1988 or 1989), but I don’t think they finished. I got my own copy of the book (I don’t remember if it was required, but I think I purchased mine through a monthly book club), but I never read it either. I still have that copy though, and I sat down to read it to Vincent over the past month.
Summary
William is a kid. He goes to school, is a bit on the small side, but intellig...more
Summary
William is a kid. He goes to school, is a bit on the small side, but intellig...more
JF Win
fantasy
grades 4-6
The Castle in the Attic is a children's fantasy novel by Elizabeth Winthrop, first published in 1985. The novel has won the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award and the California Young Reader Medal. It has also been nominated for twenty-three state book awards. William is given a realistic model of a castle by the housekeeper, who tells him that it has been in her family for many years and that its silver knight is said to be under a spell. The silver knight,...more
fantasy
grades 4-6
The Castle in the Attic is a children's fantasy novel by Elizabeth Winthrop, first published in 1985. The novel has won the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award and the California Young Reader Medal. It has also been nominated for twenty-three state book awards. William is given a realistic model of a castle by the housekeeper, who tells him that it has been in her family for many years and that its silver knight is said to be under a spell. The silver knight,...more
I did not like this book. It was exiting in different spots. Even I enjoyed this book I will give it a two. I liked different spots. this is a ok book. And so " I SAY SO LONG BOOK".
Just like the last chapter book we finished, Loki was not so into this one. I think he prefers the stuff written for older crowds; when he gets the feeling it was written for "kids" he kind of poo-poos it. That didn't stop him from wanting to read this at every opportunity, however when it was over he said it was ok, rather than truly liking it.
For me it wasn't the best read, I prefer reading the kids books that are a little more advanced, where the language is creative and interesting. Also the...more
For me it wasn't the best read, I prefer reading the kids books that are a little more advanced, where the language is creative and interesting. Also the...more
I think this book is an excellent example of what adults think kids SHOULD like in books. All the Lessons are very heavy-handed and moralistic. The main character forever self-examines all his mistakes and regrets them earnestly. Everything this kid did was earnest! There was never a moment of silliness or sarcasm!
I do not buy that this kid is ten. No way! He comes across as years younger than ten. Perhaps a believable seven?
I think getting an intermediate grade boy to read this all the way th...more
I do not buy that this kid is ten. No way! He comes across as years younger than ten. Perhaps a believable seven?
I think getting an intermediate grade boy to read this all the way th...more
Another of my childhood favorites. Elizabeth tells a great tale of a mid-evil time, right in the middle of William's attic! A very interesting view of the middle ages through the eyes of a ten year old boy. Elizabeth, as a writer, teaches that an writer can even incorporate academics into a story while still being interesting. It is an important characteristic of writing that is quickly being forgotten, which is why Elizabeth, in my book (pun intended) will always be a legend in the writing real...more
Twenty some years after reading this book, my memories of the plot and other details is sketchy but when I'm settling in bed many nights I have a brief almost subconscious flash to the knight telling the boy in this story to never sleep with his back to a door where his enemies can attack. Seeing the cover of the edition my family had and the realization that my sleep routine stemmed from this book reminds me of how powerful and important literature is to children. I so hope my daughter grows to...more
Sep 24, 2007
JJ
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fantasy/medival fans
Shelves:
fantasy,
schoolbooks
an intersting book it was my first school book this year.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What's The Name o...: YA book (or series) about a miniature world in the attic (and entering that world) [s] | 5 | 38 | Apr 06, 2012 04:02pm |
ELIZABETH WINTHROP is the author of over sixty works of fiction for all ages.
Her new picture book, MAIA AND THE MONSTER BABY, with illustrations by Amanda Haley will be published by Holiday House in August, 2012.
Writing as Elizabeth Winthrop Alsop, she has just published an ebook memoir piece entitled DON'T KNOCK UNLESS YOU'RE BLEEDING, Growing up in Cold War Washington. The working title for her...more
More about Elizabeth Winthrop...
Her new picture book, MAIA AND THE MONSTER BABY, with illustrations by Amanda Haley will be published by Holiday House in August, 2012.
Writing as Elizabeth Winthrop Alsop, she has just published an ebook memoir piece entitled DON'T KNOCK UNLESS YOU'RE BLEEDING, Growing up in Cold War Washington. The working title for her...more
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Feb 19, 2008 07:59am