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How to Make a Golem
"You think you're a fairy godmother or something?" I asked.
"Or something," Michael agreed.
Edda is tired of her nickname, 'Mouse', and wants to be braver. But when her house is burgled on her thirteenth birthday, Edda is more afraid than ever. That is until new boy Michael Scot starts school. There's something peculiar -- and very annoying -- about know-it-all Michael. He claims to be a great alchemist who can help Edda overcome her fears by teaching her to build a golem. But surely they can't bring a giant mud monster to life? Can they?
Winner of the Kelpies Prize 2011.
"Or something," Michael agreed.
Edda is tired of her nickname, 'Mouse', and wants to be braver. But when her house is burgled on her thirteenth birthday, Edda is more afraid than ever. That is until new boy Michael Scot starts school. There's something peculiar -- and very annoying -- about know-it-all Michael. He claims to be a great alchemist who can help Edda overcome her fears by teaching her to build a golem. But surely they can't bring a giant mud monster to life? Can they?
Winner of the Kelpies Prize 2011.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2011
3 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Alette J. Willis
3 books21 followersAlette J. Willis was born in Oxford, England, to Canadian parents. Her family returned to Ottawa, Canada when she was three years old. She moved back across the Atlantic three years ago, settling in Edinburgh with her husband and their big black poodle. She is a graduate of the New Hampshire Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop. After gaining some success writing short stories for adults (one of which was published in an award-winning Canadian anthology) she turned to her first love, children's fiction. For the past two years she has also indulged her obsession with stories by volunteering as a Talking Trees Storyteller at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Alette holds a PhD in human geography and environmental studies. When she is not peddling stories or walking her dog through city parks, she can be found at the University of Edinburgh where she works as a teaching fellow and researcher.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 7, 2012
"It’s easier to believe in things after dark."
I seem to say this a lot but this book was not what I was expecting.
Maybe I should just start reading synopses and stop throwing myself into books like...um, a literary bull in a library.
Or something along those lines.
This book was an incredibly sweet, well-written story about amouse girl who finds a way to stand up to bullies and weird boys with glasses and get muddy at the same time.
It’s also about facing your fears, friendship and believing in yourself told with lots of humour and lovely dialogue.
I could have done with a bit more action, and perhaps some more mild peril, in some of the chapters and I found myself being sceptical towards the end. There was one point that had me thinking “That would never happen.”
And before you say “What bit was that? The bit where three Scottish children, cute as buttons, made and then tamed a golem out of mud? Was that the part that you thought would never happen?”
Nope… I was on board with all that.
There was another bit that had me frowning a bit.
I still enjoyed it though.
Edda was just lovely and Lucy was brilliant.
Not completely decided on Euan yet though.
Also, as a further note: It appears that a golem, a creature I am not very familiar with, is similar to a boggart.
So, if you find yourself faced with one you grab a bunny and tickle its feet with their fluffy tails.
Or laugh at it.
Bunnies are cuter though… and it would give you a valid excuse to carry them around in your handbag.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers.
I seem to say this a lot but this book was not what I was expecting.
Maybe I should just start reading synopses and stop throwing myself into books like...um, a literary bull in a library.
Or something along those lines.
This book was an incredibly sweet, well-written story about a
It’s also about facing your fears, friendship and believing in yourself told with lots of humour and lovely dialogue.
I could have done with a bit more action, and perhaps some more mild peril, in some of the chapters and I found myself being sceptical towards the end. There was one point that had me thinking “That would never happen.”
And before you say “What bit was that? The bit where three Scottish children, cute as buttons, made and then tamed a golem out of mud? Was that the part that you thought would never happen?”
Nope… I was on board with all that.
There was another bit that had me frowning a bit.
I still enjoyed it though.
Edda was just lovely and Lucy was brilliant.
Not completely decided on Euan yet though.
Also, as a further note: It appears that a golem, a creature I am not very familiar with, is similar to a boggart.
So, if you find yourself faced with one you grab a bunny and tickle its feet with their fluffy tails.
Or laugh at it.
Bunnies are cuter though… and it would give you a valid excuse to carry them around in your handbag.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers.
June 23, 2012
Another irresistible title that made me say "Yes, please" when I came across it. I was pleased to be able to download a time-limited review copy from Netgalley. On the surface, this was another children's book with an assemblage of elements that border on being clichés. Edda the protagonist is a shy mostly-loner who wishes she were more brave and assertive. There is a bully, but he eventually becomes friends with Edda, or at least achieves a sort of détente with her. There is a mysterious wizard.
But there is a deft sensitivity here that is not often found in children's books. The author deals with how Edda feels when her house is broken into and her sense of security is shaken in a very realistic way. Edda's willingness to go along with the mysterious wizard (actually an alchemist and a historical figure, Michael Scot) stems from this. She maintains a little skepticism; her friend Lucy, on the other hand, maintains much more. They have an interesting Mulder and Scully dynamic. By extension, I suppose semi-reformed bully Euan would be Skinner. (I'm talking about The X-Files, in case you weren't around for that.)
One thing that this book doesn't have in common with the X-Files is that it isn't doing the textual equivalent of shooting in Vancouver or L.A. and making them look like D.C., middle America, subterranean Russia or all points in between. No, it's set very firmly in the Corstorphine Hill neighborhood of Edinburgh. The Corstorphine Hill Tower is important to the story; also appearing are the Edinburgh Botanic Garden (formerly a physic garden!), the Edinburgh Zoo, and an art museum. As is Loopy Lorna's, a local café. Willis made me feel what it was like to be in those places without going overboard on the description. (Note that the book is a mere 224 pages — pretty slim as these things go.) If you load this map and drag the view over to the west, you can find the Corstorphine Hill neighborhood on it. Look for the cover of this book and you'll have found it.
Small is beautiful — but this book doesn't quite wrap up its loose ends. Euan has stopped bullying people, but the reason why he was doing so is still there. Euan is being straight-up abused by his older brother, who's meant to be taking care of him while their parents are off in the Middle East somewhere being oil engineer and tagalong spouse. We never do find out why Michael Scot was willing to make a golem for Edda. (Willis did her research — traditionally golems have the Hebrew word for truth written on their foreheads. This one had פתד, fear (pahhad or pachad), written on its forehead. For more on the translation and meaning of this word, see here and here.) Was it because he thought it would be a fun experiment, or was it part of a deeper plan? And where did he disappear to? Will there be a sequel?
Some people may find this book to be too simplistic. Personally, I thought it was a little too straightforward for much of the book, but I like the ending and the things the author did and tried to do; I like how Edda realizes that "creating a monster" may have been a bad mistake, but that she has to take responsibility for it. And reading and re-reading the epilogue made me smile. It was like sunshine.
But there is a deft sensitivity here that is not often found in children's books. The author deals with how Edda feels when her house is broken into and her sense of security is shaken in a very realistic way. Edda's willingness to go along with the mysterious wizard (actually an alchemist and a historical figure, Michael Scot) stems from this. She maintains a little skepticism; her friend Lucy, on the other hand, maintains much more. They have an interesting Mulder and Scully dynamic. By extension, I suppose semi-reformed bully Euan would be Skinner. (I'm talking about The X-Files, in case you weren't around for that.)
One thing that this book doesn't have in common with the X-Files is that it isn't doing the textual equivalent of shooting in Vancouver or L.A. and making them look like D.C., middle America, subterranean Russia or all points in between. No, it's set very firmly in the Corstorphine Hill neighborhood of Edinburgh. The Corstorphine Hill Tower is important to the story; also appearing are the Edinburgh Botanic Garden (formerly a physic garden!), the Edinburgh Zoo, and an art museum. As is Loopy Lorna's, a local café. Willis made me feel what it was like to be in those places without going overboard on the description. (Note that the book is a mere 224 pages — pretty slim as these things go.) If you load this map and drag the view over to the west, you can find the Corstorphine Hill neighborhood on it. Look for the cover of this book and you'll have found it.
Small is beautiful — but this book doesn't quite wrap up its loose ends. Euan has stopped bullying people, but the reason why he was doing so is still there. Euan is being straight-up abused by his older brother, who's meant to be taking care of him while their parents are off in the Middle East somewhere being oil engineer and tagalong spouse. We never do find out why Michael Scot was willing to make a golem for Edda. (Willis did her research — traditionally golems have the Hebrew word for truth written on their foreheads. This one had פתד, fear (pahhad or pachad), written on its forehead. For more on the translation and meaning of this word, see here and here.) Was it because he thought it would be a fun experiment, or was it part of a deeper plan? And where did he disappear to? Will there be a sequel?
Some people may find this book to be too simplistic. Personally, I thought it was a little too straightforward for much of the book, but I like the ending and the things the author did and tried to do; I like how Edda realizes that "creating a monster" may have been a bad mistake, but that she has to take responsibility for it. And reading and re-reading the epilogue made me smile. It was like sunshine.
March 12, 2012
Prior to reading this book, I had no idea what a Golem was. I'd only heard of Pokemon Golems. I've since learned about Golems and folklore.
Edda is an easy kid with whom others can identify. Her nickname is 'mouse' and for good reason, she's practically afraid of her own shadow.
She experiences pure terror after her house is broken in to and her birthday students stolen. It's after this episode she meets an odd, eerie boy named Michael. "THE MICHAEL SCOT" only one "T". named after the famous alchemist from the 12th century. This michael is a very bizarre character, obsessed with alchemy and old world magic. He convinces Edda to face her fears by creating a Golem, a large 'earth man' who will protect her and her house from outside influence. She soon regrets her actions and the story ensues.
The characters of this book are incredibly likable. Despite her issues, Edda is a wonderful character. Kids who are small or bullied will relate to her. Euon is the bully who does a complete about face, his story is interesting and bullies and bullied alike will come to like, or at least understand him. Lucy is a great friend to Edda and sticks by her despite what she believes to be Edda's crazy beliefs.
This story is a great middle grade childrens book. Kids will love the Golem. Some scenes involve dead animals and may be a bit much for the tender of heart, but all in all, this is a great book. I give it 5/5 stars. Love the cover of the book. The monochromatic picture just adds to the mystery of the story.
Edda is an easy kid with whom others can identify. Her nickname is 'mouse' and for good reason, she's practically afraid of her own shadow.
She experiences pure terror after her house is broken in to and her birthday students stolen. It's after this episode she meets an odd, eerie boy named Michael. "THE MICHAEL SCOT" only one "T". named after the famous alchemist from the 12th century. This michael is a very bizarre character, obsessed with alchemy and old world magic. He convinces Edda to face her fears by creating a Golem, a large 'earth man' who will protect her and her house from outside influence. She soon regrets her actions and the story ensues.
The characters of this book are incredibly likable. Despite her issues, Edda is a wonderful character. Kids who are small or bullied will relate to her. Euon is the bully who does a complete about face, his story is interesting and bullies and bullied alike will come to like, or at least understand him. Lucy is a great friend to Edda and sticks by her despite what she believes to be Edda's crazy beliefs.
This story is a great middle grade childrens book. Kids will love the Golem. Some scenes involve dead animals and may be a bit much for the tender of heart, but all in all, this is a great book. I give it 5/5 stars. Love the cover of the book. The monochromatic picture just adds to the mystery of the story.
December 28, 2011
I read this age-appropriate book to my son as bedtime reading about managing fear. Edda MacDonald is nicknamed Mouse for being so timid. It doesn't help that she's new at her school (my own son has switched schools two times), the target of a school bully (bingo), and at the opening of the story her parents' home is burglarized on Edda's birthday. It's enough to make a child huddle in a corner - or resort to procuring some extemely unwise protection.
In this case, that protection is achieved with the help of someone who may be the reincarnated (or immortal?) Michael Scot, medieval Scottish mathmetician and scholar. Edda has a good head on her shoulders, but when Michael tempts her with a magical solution to her problems he captures her imagination. The takeaway lesson is that sometimes a poorly chosen solution can be worse than the problem, and ultimately fears can only be faced and conquered through internal resolve.
There's some good stuff here for schoolyard bullies themselves to chew on, about the source of their anger and possible redemption. I can imagine a bully giving this book a shot based on its title, then learning a thing or two. I'm impressed how well it works as a story for educating both sides, sharing both perspectives and with neither side walking away as the villain. It's a fine line to walk, and a rare book that captures it.
In this case, that protection is achieved with the help of someone who may be the reincarnated (or immortal?) Michael Scot, medieval Scottish mathmetician and scholar. Edda has a good head on her shoulders, but when Michael tempts her with a magical solution to her problems he captures her imagination. The takeaway lesson is that sometimes a poorly chosen solution can be worse than the problem, and ultimately fears can only be faced and conquered through internal resolve.
There's some good stuff here for schoolyard bullies themselves to chew on, about the source of their anger and possible redemption. I can imagine a bully giving this book a shot based on its title, then learning a thing or two. I'm impressed how well it works as a story for educating both sides, sharing both perspectives and with neither side walking away as the villain. It's a fine line to walk, and a rare book that captures it.
January 11, 2012
Edda is a young girl whose family constantly moves around. She's finally happy in Edinburgh and it's the longest that they've lived anywhere. The only things getting her down is a serious bully at school named Euan and the fact that she's scared of everything. Then her house gets burglarized on her 12th birthday and Edda feels like she'll be scared forever. She meets a strange boy in her school, Michael Scot, who claims he can help her overcome her fears by building a golem to protect herself. Can Edda overcome her fears? Will she be able to stop the golem from terrorizing the neighborhood? This was like reading an after-school special on the dangers of bullying and how to overcome your fears. It was a cute book, but everyone and everything in it were extremely one-dimensional. I was bored quite a bit as I was reading it and felt like it could've been so much better, with just a little more magic and hint of attitude. But then again, I have no tolerance for weak heroines and Edda wasn't exactly like the Viking she was named for. Not recommended except to teachers or parents wanting to teach about overcoming fear.
VERDICT: 2/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money was exchanged for this review. This book was published November 17th, 2011.*
VERDICT: 2/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money was exchanged for this review. This book was published November 17th, 2011.*
December 15, 2011
Edda is a thirteen year old that lets bullies and other dangers make her scared and anxious. The day after her house is burglarized, a strange boy starts in her class, claiming to be Michael Scot, the alchemist. She befriends Michael since he can give her something to stop her fear-a golem. They set about gathering items to make the creature, and succeed, but at what cost. Now Edda, together with her best friend and worst enemy, must stop the creature. The basic plot is entertaining-frightened child makes a bodyguard, but all goes wrong. Some of the foundational elements are strange. Like Michael Scot, not many children will understand that character, also he seemingly disappears and was always a figment of Edda's imagination. Also, the characters read like fourth graders, not 13 year olds, so at times the book feels much younger than it was intended. The setting is good, and well described, and the golem seems entirely plausible, actually. Children that want a quick otherworldly, but ultimately safe read, will enjoy this book.
February 27, 2022
I enjoyed the book, even though I am not in its target audience. The illustrations are wonderful. I like the pacing and the vocabulary. I thought that Ms. Willis did a great job of not trying to tie things up in a perfect bow. She left plenty of mystery. You can tell that she is a student of folk tales. Themes of friendship, overcoming fears and bullies, and being willing to continue, even when you not sure about things, seem like the right themes for young readers. Great fun!
May 2, 2021
Wonderful, creepy story with a lovable protagonist and a fascinating foil.
February 20, 2012
Originally reviewed here.
It’s easier to believe in things after dark.
Edda the Mouse is turning thirteen, and her greatest birthday wish is to shed her demeaning nickname and become Edda the Brave. This is hard when she’s moved around so often she’s constantly the new girl, ruthlessly picked on by Euan, and worst of all, her family’s house is broken into and robbed while her and her parents are out for her birthday dinner. Edda loses her presents, her stereo, but more than that she loses her sense of safety in her own home. When she meets the new kid at school, Michael Scot, he seems to present the opportunity Edda is looking for--a way to lose her fear. But could Michael Scot’s plan to make a golem to protect Edda and her home be real?
I first heard about the wizard/alchemist Michael Scot when I recently read The Thirteen Hallows. I didn’t love that book, but my favorite aspect of it was the folklore it presented, and Michael Scot was one of the people mentioned that I spent some time reading about. Thus, when I saw How to Make a Golem and Terrify People with its adorable cover and synopsis mentioning the famed alchemist himself, I knew I had to read it.
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People was a heartwarming book that presented some very real issues--dealing with fear, bullying, personal safety in one’s home--in a magical way. Losing one’s sense of safety at home is such an invasion, and this book reflected it well in both Edda and her mother’s strong reactions to the act. Edda wants to feel safe again, but she also doesn’t want to abandon the place that for the first time in her life is beginning to feel like home. For the first time Edda has a best friend, and even though she is picked on by the bully, Euan, she wants to stay. Everybody tells Edda she has to face her fears and stand up to Euan, but she just can’t, and if she can’t stand up for herself to a boy in her class how is she supposed to confront her fear of the burglars that ravaged her home? Her encounter with Michael Scot presents a timely and in/appropriate solution to her problems by offering Edda the chance to become Edda the Brave in various ways.
This book was more complex than I expected, and though some of the characterizations were a little cliche (like Euan the bullied bully), I didn’t feel like this weakened the story. In fact, to me, the climax was unpredictable, and much more fun than I would have thought possible, though I did feel the story could have been wrapped up a bit faster in the end. I very much enjoyed experiencing Edda’s transformation from Edda the Mouse into Edda the Brave, and loved to see the changes and developments of the other characters throughout the story as well. I did feel that Edda read younger than 13, but she herself admitted she was small and timid in a way that might make her seem younger than she was. This seemed more appropriate as Lucy and Euan were both believable 13 year olds. Besides which, they’re Scottish! Who doesn’t smile and think adorable thoughts at little Scottish kids mucking about?
In the end, I felt How to Make a Golem and Terrify People was a charming story about the power of friendship and self-worth, and I very much enjoyed watching Edda learn and grow in her quest to defeat fear. This book proclaims that ever-true montra: be careful what you wish for.
“The first thing you need to do, if you want your wish to come true, is to say it as though you mean it.” He opened his book and started reading again.
“Fine,” I said, to the messy-haired top of the pompous twit’s head. “I wish I wasn’t afraid all the time.”
“Good,” he said, looking up.
“What’s the second thing?” I asked.
“You have to say it in front of someone who can answer your wish.” He smiled like he knew something funny but wasn’t going to let me in on the joke.
“But who...Oh,” I said, understanding finally. “That’s you, is it?” He nodded, still smiling. “You think you’re a fairy godmother or something?” I asked.
“Or something,” he agreed.
It’s easier to believe in things after dark.
Edda the Mouse is turning thirteen, and her greatest birthday wish is to shed her demeaning nickname and become Edda the Brave. This is hard when she’s moved around so often she’s constantly the new girl, ruthlessly picked on by Euan, and worst of all, her family’s house is broken into and robbed while her and her parents are out for her birthday dinner. Edda loses her presents, her stereo, but more than that she loses her sense of safety in her own home. When she meets the new kid at school, Michael Scot, he seems to present the opportunity Edda is looking for--a way to lose her fear. But could Michael Scot’s plan to make a golem to protect Edda and her home be real?
I first heard about the wizard/alchemist Michael Scot when I recently read The Thirteen Hallows. I didn’t love that book, but my favorite aspect of it was the folklore it presented, and Michael Scot was one of the people mentioned that I spent some time reading about. Thus, when I saw How to Make a Golem and Terrify People with its adorable cover and synopsis mentioning the famed alchemist himself, I knew I had to read it.
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People was a heartwarming book that presented some very real issues--dealing with fear, bullying, personal safety in one’s home--in a magical way. Losing one’s sense of safety at home is such an invasion, and this book reflected it well in both Edda and her mother’s strong reactions to the act. Edda wants to feel safe again, but she also doesn’t want to abandon the place that for the first time in her life is beginning to feel like home. For the first time Edda has a best friend, and even though she is picked on by the bully, Euan, she wants to stay. Everybody tells Edda she has to face her fears and stand up to Euan, but she just can’t, and if she can’t stand up for herself to a boy in her class how is she supposed to confront her fear of the burglars that ravaged her home? Her encounter with Michael Scot presents a timely and in/appropriate solution to her problems by offering Edda the chance to become Edda the Brave in various ways.
This book was more complex than I expected, and though some of the characterizations were a little cliche (like Euan the bullied bully), I didn’t feel like this weakened the story. In fact, to me, the climax was unpredictable, and much more fun than I would have thought possible, though I did feel the story could have been wrapped up a bit faster in the end. I very much enjoyed experiencing Edda’s transformation from Edda the Mouse into Edda the Brave, and loved to see the changes and developments of the other characters throughout the story as well. I did feel that Edda read younger than 13, but she herself admitted she was small and timid in a way that might make her seem younger than she was. This seemed more appropriate as Lucy and Euan were both believable 13 year olds. Besides which, they’re Scottish! Who doesn’t smile and think adorable thoughts at little Scottish kids mucking about?
In the end, I felt How to Make a Golem and Terrify People was a charming story about the power of friendship and self-worth, and I very much enjoyed watching Edda learn and grow in her quest to defeat fear. This book proclaims that ever-true montra: be careful what you wish for.
“The first thing you need to do, if you want your wish to come true, is to say it as though you mean it.” He opened his book and started reading again.
“Fine,” I said, to the messy-haired top of the pompous twit’s head. “I wish I wasn’t afraid all the time.”
“Good,” he said, looking up.
“What’s the second thing?” I asked.
“You have to say it in front of someone who can answer your wish.” He smiled like he knew something funny but wasn’t going to let me in on the joke.
“But who...Oh,” I said, understanding finally. “That’s you, is it?” He nodded, still smiling. “You think you’re a fairy godmother or something?” I asked.
“Or something,” he agreed.
April 10, 2012
A cute coming-of-age middle grade book about facing your fears.
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People is written from Edda’s point of view. The book opens with Edda sitting on her front lawn after burglars have broken into her house and taken her birthday presents. We learn that Edda has moved around quite a bit in her 13 years, is nicknamed Mouse because she is always scared, and has only ever felt at home in this house. Until she no longer does. To keep her parents from moving again, she decides she’s going to stop being Edda the Mouse for good and start being brave. And her new friend, the strange new student Michael Scot, is going to help her. Edda confides in Michael that she is scared and together they set out on an adventure that he promises will cure Edda of her scaredy-cat ways and maybe even keep the school bully away from her for good.
Alette J. Willis does a wonderful job writing this coming-of-age story. As readers we are given the chance to watch Edda grow from a scared little girl into a brave teenager who believes in herself. As the mother of a preschool girl, this is the kind of book I will want my daughter to read as she gets older and Edda is the kind of character I want her looking up to and relating to. While Edda doesn’t always make the best choices, she always learns from her mistakes and makes everything right in the end. There isn’t a lot of depth given to the secondary characters and the younger readers may not understand who Michael Scot is or why he is so strange, but the main characters are all very well written and relatable to the younger readers.
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People is full of suspense and real-life situations. While the title and cover suggest a scary, horror-filled book, the characters are never in much danger. Other than the burglary at the beginning and the short-lived fear the characters feel when faced with the Golem, the book is never too scary. This is ultimately a story about friendships, believing in yourself, working together, and facing your fears, not an action-adventure horror story about monsters.
And that is my favorite part. I would be perfectly happy for my kids to read this and they would be happy to pick up a book with the promise of a Golem inside. Teaching kids how to overcome fears by facing them head-on, that friendships aren’t always easy but always worth it, and that you should always stand up for yourself, whether to the school bully or to your parents, is very important. When a book has both those lessons and a just-right amount of suspense and monsters for the younger readers, we can all be happy with it. I would definitely recommend How to Make a Golem and Terrify People to anyone over the age of eight.
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People is written from Edda’s point of view. The book opens with Edda sitting on her front lawn after burglars have broken into her house and taken her birthday presents. We learn that Edda has moved around quite a bit in her 13 years, is nicknamed Mouse because she is always scared, and has only ever felt at home in this house. Until she no longer does. To keep her parents from moving again, she decides she’s going to stop being Edda the Mouse for good and start being brave. And her new friend, the strange new student Michael Scot, is going to help her. Edda confides in Michael that she is scared and together they set out on an adventure that he promises will cure Edda of her scaredy-cat ways and maybe even keep the school bully away from her for good.
Alette J. Willis does a wonderful job writing this coming-of-age story. As readers we are given the chance to watch Edda grow from a scared little girl into a brave teenager who believes in herself. As the mother of a preschool girl, this is the kind of book I will want my daughter to read as she gets older and Edda is the kind of character I want her looking up to and relating to. While Edda doesn’t always make the best choices, she always learns from her mistakes and makes everything right in the end. There isn’t a lot of depth given to the secondary characters and the younger readers may not understand who Michael Scot is or why he is so strange, but the main characters are all very well written and relatable to the younger readers.
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People is full of suspense and real-life situations. While the title and cover suggest a scary, horror-filled book, the characters are never in much danger. Other than the burglary at the beginning and the short-lived fear the characters feel when faced with the Golem, the book is never too scary. This is ultimately a story about friendships, believing in yourself, working together, and facing your fears, not an action-adventure horror story about monsters.
And that is my favorite part. I would be perfectly happy for my kids to read this and they would be happy to pick up a book with the promise of a Golem inside. Teaching kids how to overcome fears by facing them head-on, that friendships aren’t always easy but always worth it, and that you should always stand up for yourself, whether to the school bully or to your parents, is very important. When a book has both those lessons and a just-right amount of suspense and monsters for the younger readers, we can all be happy with it. I would definitely recommend How to Make a Golem and Terrify People to anyone over the age of eight.
January 22, 2012
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People made me smile a lot. That's saying something, since right before reading this I was in a bit of a reading slump. I just don't know how you can feel down when adorable Scottish children are romping about on the pages of a book, getting into all sorts of mischief and mayhem. Add in a little bit of alchemy and a few life lessons, and you have a story that is a great read.
Edda was such a sweet young protagonist. Although her character wasn't quite as vivid as I would have liked her to be, she definitely held her own. For Edda life is about familiarity. She's comfortable with her warm, loving home and her best friend. Then, on her twelfth birthday, Edda's life is turned upside down when a her home is burgled. It was easy for me to see how violated and scared she felt. From this point on the reader is treated to a view of Edda's transformation from "mouse" to "Edda the Brave".
The story line is simple enough in this middle grade adventure. All that Edda wants is to be braver. What she soon learns is that being braver simply means learning to believe in yourself. With the help of her friends, one old and one new, she faces her fears and learns to tame them. My one gripe was simply that, as adorable as they were, the characters weren't as fleshed out as they could have been. I had to remind myself multiple times that this is a middle grade book, and it's all about the journey. Honestly I anticipate young readers delightedly accompanying Edda on her spooky (but not too spooky) golem related adventures.
My final verdict on How to Make a Golem and Terrify People is that it is good, clean and fun reading! By the end I was wishing there was more, but then again I'm a sucker for cute protagonists. If you have a younger reader at home who enjoys an adventure, this is for them! A little bit of alchemy and a lot of friendship come together in perfect harmony to create a story that is a sweet and enjoyable read.
Edda was such a sweet young protagonist. Although her character wasn't quite as vivid as I would have liked her to be, she definitely held her own. For Edda life is about familiarity. She's comfortable with her warm, loving home and her best friend. Then, on her twelfth birthday, Edda's life is turned upside down when a her home is burgled. It was easy for me to see how violated and scared she felt. From this point on the reader is treated to a view of Edda's transformation from "mouse" to "Edda the Brave".
The story line is simple enough in this middle grade adventure. All that Edda wants is to be braver. What she soon learns is that being braver simply means learning to believe in yourself. With the help of her friends, one old and one new, she faces her fears and learns to tame them. My one gripe was simply that, as adorable as they were, the characters weren't as fleshed out as they could have been. I had to remind myself multiple times that this is a middle grade book, and it's all about the journey. Honestly I anticipate young readers delightedly accompanying Edda on her spooky (but not too spooky) golem related adventures.
My final verdict on How to Make a Golem and Terrify People is that it is good, clean and fun reading! By the end I was wishing there was more, but then again I'm a sucker for cute protagonists. If you have a younger reader at home who enjoys an adventure, this is for them! A little bit of alchemy and a lot of friendship come together in perfect harmony to create a story that is a sweet and enjoyable read.
February 1, 2012
Edda wants to live up to her first name, which was given to her in reference to a famous Viking and leave her nickname "Mouse" and all it implies behind her.
At school some bully is making her life difficult and the safety she felt at home was shattered when some burglars broke into her home on her birthday. She realizes they took more than her new watch and iPod, but the sense of safety that was always connected for her with her home.
She meets the new kid, who seems to be having special powers and who offers to help her build a Golem, which would protect her. She has to overcome some of her fears to fulfill the tasks he lays out for her to get the ingredients needed.
Yes, it is a tale about bullying and solutions that only seem great for a moment, but bring larger problems and about finding inner courage, but it is also an entertaining story about 2 kids creating a monster and finding and preserving friendship. The message is clear enough but not overly pointed out all the time. The author gives the young readers credit to draw some conclusions in their head without having them pointed out too obviously.
Edda is a likeable character the reader can identify with and the story is written in a light and charming way with constantly growing arc of suspense.
Friendship, alchemy and adventure are whipped up into an enjoyable tale for young readers.
I obtained the digital copy of this book via NetGalley.
At school some bully is making her life difficult and the safety she felt at home was shattered when some burglars broke into her home on her birthday. She realizes they took more than her new watch and iPod, but the sense of safety that was always connected for her with her home.
She meets the new kid, who seems to be having special powers and who offers to help her build a Golem, which would protect her. She has to overcome some of her fears to fulfill the tasks he lays out for her to get the ingredients needed.
Yes, it is a tale about bullying and solutions that only seem great for a moment, but bring larger problems and about finding inner courage, but it is also an entertaining story about 2 kids creating a monster and finding and preserving friendship. The message is clear enough but not overly pointed out all the time. The author gives the young readers credit to draw some conclusions in their head without having them pointed out too obviously.
Edda is a likeable character the reader can identify with and the story is written in a light and charming way with constantly growing arc of suspense.
Friendship, alchemy and adventure are whipped up into an enjoyable tale for young readers.
I obtained the digital copy of this book via NetGalley.
January 4, 2012
A fantastic and magical tale about how we discover who we are and we grow up by leaving our fears behind.
The story takes place in Edimburg, near the forest and the Corstorphine Hill reservation; the descriptions of the city and the places where all Edda’s adventures happen help us to imagine a completely new world… And, since we all are used to the American literature and its scenarios, I have a bit of trouble picturing the city, so I searched for a few pictures of the place (gorgeous!)
The characters are well developed, the lead ones at least (Edda and Michael, who was so annoying sometimes that I really want to punch him), since the secondary characters, like Edda’s parents, were so plane that I just couldn’t picture them in my mind.
The plot is very simple and develops in a few days, seven days at most, since is a really short book: Edda knowing Michael, Edda going on quest, Edda making the golem… I really don’t think a twelve year old will face her fears in such a short time but, hey, everything is posible
I might ask for a bit more of action, but is not a bad book and I recommend it for all those who want to read something different, but if you are thinking that Michael is going to pull out a wand and do some magic, think twice… and also this is a book for those who want to learn how to make a golem
The story takes place in Edimburg, near the forest and the Corstorphine Hill reservation; the descriptions of the city and the places where all Edda’s adventures happen help us to imagine a completely new world… And, since we all are used to the American literature and its scenarios, I have a bit of trouble picturing the city, so I searched for a few pictures of the place (gorgeous!)
The characters are well developed, the lead ones at least (Edda and Michael, who was so annoying sometimes that I really want to punch him), since the secondary characters, like Edda’s parents, were so plane that I just couldn’t picture them in my mind.
The plot is very simple and develops in a few days, seven days at most, since is a really short book: Edda knowing Michael, Edda going on quest, Edda making the golem… I really don’t think a twelve year old will face her fears in such a short time but, hey, everything is posible
I might ask for a bit more of action, but is not a bad book and I recommend it for all those who want to read something different, but if you are thinking that Michael is going to pull out a wand and do some magic, think twice… and also this is a book for those who want to learn how to make a golem
January 11, 2012
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People by Allete J. Willis is a children's book set for publication on Jan. 23 2012, that is appropriate for children around 10 and older. Younger children with the reading skills for the book will enjoy it as well, but since the main character turns 12, it might be most relatable for those around the same age. The story opens with Edda, nicknamed "Mouse" for her small size and gentle nature. She wants to be braver, but keeps letting herself be frightened by a bully at school and other things in day-to-day life. When her home is robbed while her family is out celebrating her birthday Edda feels even more afraid and thinks that she will never escape her fear. The next day a new boy appears at school, Michael Scot, who is more than a little odd. He offers to help Edda be braver, to defeat her fear. Michael says that he is an alchemist and will help her to build a golem. Edda is reluctant to believe that anyone could bring a giant mud monster to life, but is willing to try. Can they really bring a golem to life and if they do will it really solve Edda's fear problem?
My complete review is available here on Yahoo! Voices.
My complete review is available here on Yahoo! Voices.
February 29, 2012
Willis' well written tale of a girl and her golem was filled with wonderful lessons of bullying, bravery, and friendship.
Edda's turning twelve, unfortunately her big day is ruined when her happy and safe home is violated. Thieves not only took her gifts, they stole her security as well. When she meets the peculiar Michael Scot he offers her a way to be brave and safe with a little help from a golem.
Edda should know, always be careful what you wish for. When her wish does come true but is more hazardous than she imagined, Edda the mouse will have to employ her new found courage, make amends with her best friend, and enlist the help of her worst enemy to set things right.
I found the pacing slow throughout most of the book, while things did pick up at the end, the story wasn't as exciting as I would have liked to keep me interested, but I don't think that will deter the tome's intended audience. While I don't think the book was for me, it does have merits. The book has a solid foundation, the story lines were thought out and executed well. Plus there were plenty of positive underlying themes for young readers.
Edda's turning twelve, unfortunately her big day is ruined when her happy and safe home is violated. Thieves not only took her gifts, they stole her security as well. When she meets the peculiar Michael Scot he offers her a way to be brave and safe with a little help from a golem.
Edda should know, always be careful what you wish for. When her wish does come true but is more hazardous than she imagined, Edda the mouse will have to employ her new found courage, make amends with her best friend, and enlist the help of her worst enemy to set things right.
I found the pacing slow throughout most of the book, while things did pick up at the end, the story wasn't as exciting as I would have liked to keep me interested, but I don't think that will deter the tome's intended audience. While I don't think the book was for me, it does have merits. The book has a solid foundation, the story lines were thought out and executed well. Plus there were plenty of positive underlying themes for young readers.
August 6, 2016
Read the electronic ARC from NetGalley on my Kindle. How to Make a Golem and Terrify People by Alette J. Willis is an enjoyable read! Edda, nicknamed Mouse by her parents for her small size and reticent nature, has to confront her fears and deal with a bully. Michael Scot, the mysterious and annoying new boy in the neighborhood, helps her by teaching her how to make a golem. Willis' writing style is engaging and descriptive. The story takes place in Scotland so some of the language and references may be unfamiliar to American readers, but not enough to hinder understanding. The book gets its point across without being preachy. The characters have enough dimension to make you interested in them. I think this will appeal to middle-grade readers, including reluctant readers, especially those dealing with similar issues. It would be a good catalyst for discussions on bullying and dealing with fear.
March 9, 2012
I read this story out loud to the boys. It took us quite a while because it wasn't real riveting. It took along time for something to actually happen. There were times when we thought the main character, Edda, was not being real nice, especially to her best friend. It took forever to find out whether or not there was really a golem.
The story mostly concerned with Edda trying to learn how to be more brave. She takes a short cut though by building the golem instead of facing her fears herself. I thought the lesson was dealt in a bit of a heavy handed manner.
We didn't like how it ended very well. There were questions we felt were left in the air.
All in all it was okay but we wouldn't necessarily sign up for a sequel.
I received this from netGalley for review
The story mostly concerned with Edda trying to learn how to be more brave. She takes a short cut though by building the golem instead of facing her fears herself. I thought the lesson was dealt in a bit of a heavy handed manner.
We didn't like how it ended very well. There were questions we felt were left in the air.
All in all it was okay but we wouldn't necessarily sign up for a sequel.
I received this from netGalley for review
July 18, 2012
I came into this story knowing pretty much nothing about the plot beyond the title (dang it, Goodreads, why didn't you have a summary for this?). In a way, I'm kind of glad. Despite the rather 'okay' opening, by the time after the burglary and Michael the mysterious starts to make his presence known in Edda's life I found myself irreversibly drawn into Alette Willis' story. Fans of coming-of-age novels with a supernatural bent will certainly enjoy this one. Plus, who doesn't love a good golem in their middle school lit?
You can read my full review of Alette J. Willis' book over at my review blog, Nagareboshi Reviews: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.c...
You can read my full review of Alette J. Willis' book over at my review blog, Nagareboshi Reviews: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.c...
June 22, 2012
Funny reading a book by somebody you know..... it took me a few pages for my conscious brain to shut up and let me enjoy the story, which I did, very much. Edda is a totally believable young woman and the story is gripping. I also never thought of it as a 'kid's book' while I was reading.... My son, aged 7 (but a good reader) started How to Make a Golem when it first came out and, as is his habit and as the pile of books by his bed will testify, came to a stop at two thirds of the way through. Now I'm being pestered with questions about whether the golem is real. Thoroughly recommend to readers from 7 - 97!
April 9, 2013
Edda (also known as Mouse) is tired of being afraid of everything. When her house is broken into, she decides to become braver, teaming up with a boy named Michael. Michael helps her build a golem that will protect her home--only it goes badly and she, her friend Lucy, and her bully Euan need to stop the golem before it all gets out of hand.
This book was...weird. It was a fun read, don't get me wrong, but it was rather odd. The characters left a little to be desired, although the development of Edda was fabulous. You could really see her grow. I'm not terribly fond of the end of the book, but it was a good book to read.
This book was...weird. It was a fun read, don't get me wrong, but it was rather odd. The characters left a little to be desired, although the development of Edda was fabulous. You could really see her grow. I'm not terribly fond of the end of the book, but it was a good book to read.
January 16, 2012
What a cute story! I requested a copy of this book on NetGalley, mainly because it's middle grade and has a catchy theme. I am SO GLAD I did.
I enjoyed the voice of this book from the get-go. The characters were alive, the storyline was perfectly paced--with the PERFECT amount of spine tingles and creepiness thrown in--and the ending worked perfectly. I read it easily in one day, and the longer I sat reading it, the more curious my kids became. It is now in the hands of my 9-year-old son. *grins*
I wholeheartedly recommend this one. It was an absolute pleasure!
I enjoyed the voice of this book from the get-go. The characters were alive, the storyline was perfectly paced--with the PERFECT amount of spine tingles and creepiness thrown in--and the ending worked perfectly. I read it easily in one day, and the longer I sat reading it, the more curious my kids became. It is now in the hands of my 9-year-old son. *grins*
I wholeheartedly recommend this one. It was an absolute pleasure!
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April 3, 2012Good to read to kids before bed.
June 10, 2014
Nice little book with an inventive theme, but a bit moralistic and corny near the end.
June 23, 2015
A nice 3,5
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