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Lighthouse Keepers #1
The Lighthouse Between the Worlds
Griffin and his father tend to their lighthouse on the craggy coast of Oregon with the same careful routine each day. There are hardly ever any visitors, but they like it that way. Which is why, when a group of oddly dressed strangers suddenly appears, Griffin begins to see just how many secrets his father has been keeping. He never imagined that his lighthouse contains a portal to strange and dangerous worlds, or that a Society of Lighthouse Keepers exists to protect the Earth from a fearsome enemy invasion.
But then Griffin’s dad is pulled through the lens of the lighthouse into one of those other worlds. With his father gone, nobody from the Society is giving Griffin any answers, so he’s on his own. Armed only with a book of mysterious notes from his parents, Griffin is determined to find his dad, no matter what dangers lurk on the other side of the portal.
But then Griffin’s dad is pulled through the lens of the lighthouse into one of those other worlds. With his father gone, nobody from the Society is giving Griffin any answers, so he’s on his own. Armed only with a book of mysterious notes from his parents, Griffin is determined to find his dad, no matter what dangers lurk on the other side of the portal.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2018
11 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Crowder
10 books169 followersMelanie Crowder graduated in 2011 with an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is the author of JUMPER, MAZIE, THREE PENNIES, AN UNINTERRUPTED VIEW OF THE SKY, A NEARER MOON, AUDACITY, PARCHED, and THE LIGHTHOUSE BETWEEN THE WORLDS and A WAY BETWEEN WORLDS.
A West Coast girl at heart, Melanie now lives and writes in the beautiful state of Colorado.
A West Coast girl at heart, Melanie now lives and writes in the beautiful state of Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 3, 2019
Melanie Crowder is one of the most underrated MG/YA authors. She continuously writes excellent books, and she has such a range. This is an excellent example of what she is capable of. This book takes place in a multi-verse where the portal between the worlds is a lighthouse on the pacific coast. It is about imperialism, slavery, totalitarianism, and political rebellion. Those are important topics to tackle in a rather short MG novel, but Crowder handles it with finesse. The characters are well drawn and the action is exciting from start to finish.
April 7, 2019
The Lighthouse Between the Worlds by Melanie Crowder, 242 pages. Atheneum, 2018. $17.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Since Griffin’s mom died, it’s just him and his dad in their lighthouse home. Besides his homeschooling, Griffin is also learning to be a glassmaker. One stormy night a horrible alarm goes off and a helicopter full of people he has never met arrive. When his dad is pulled through one lens and disappears, all kinds of chaos erupts Griffin is on his own to rescue his father. Griffin embarks on a fascinating journey to a different dimension, different place. He has to figure out how to survive and whom he can trust,
This is a well written book, and very original. I loved the story and I am hoping for a sequel. The ending left me believing there might be on. I will book talk this and recommend it to students, faculty and even my grandchildren. I could not put the book down.
Ellen-Anita
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Since Griffin’s mom died, it’s just him and his dad in their lighthouse home. Besides his homeschooling, Griffin is also learning to be a glassmaker. One stormy night a horrible alarm goes off and a helicopter full of people he has never met arrive. When his dad is pulled through one lens and disappears, all kinds of chaos erupts Griffin is on his own to rescue his father. Griffin embarks on a fascinating journey to a different dimension, different place. He has to figure out how to survive and whom he can trust,
This is a well written book, and very original. I loved the story and I am hoping for a sequel. The ending left me believing there might be on. I will book talk this and recommend it to students, faculty and even my grandchildren. I could not put the book down.
Ellen-Anita
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
March 25, 2020
this story has good bones! it's just unsatisfying how little everything is fleshed out, including characters, world building, and something was off with the suspense, like... the plot happened way too fast and the mysteries were not compelling bc we don't have enough information to even start to guess. so... didn't love it... that cover tho mmmm
December 24, 2018
2.5 stars. Old-fashioned Wrinkle in Time-esque story. A little jarring to have an additional POV dropped in about halfway through, and again to realize towards the end this is the first of a series. I don’t think this did enough for me to continue.
June 28, 2018
I loved this book! It is an exciting mystery with everything I could want in it: a vulnerable character, a sci-fi fantasy, a lighthouse that is a portal between worlds! It's full of adventure and mystery, and the plot twists and turns, keeping me on my toes.
READ THIS! Trust me - You'll love the ride. :)
READ THIS! Trust me - You'll love the ride. :)
January 7, 2020
I thought this book was boring and slow (until about the last 1/4 at which time it was hard to keep up). It’s about half description of a fantastical series of 6 (that’s right SIX) worlds and none of the worlds are really well done. There’s so much fantasy that it starts kind of sliding off your brain after awhile. And there is a second book which I will obvs not be reading. Why? And why did I read this whole book?
Also, I am annoyed that a 10 year old boy describes hearing a story from his mom as “sentimental”. NO KID TALKS LIKE THAT.
Also, I am annoyed that a 10 year old boy describes hearing a story from his mom as “sentimental”. NO KID TALKS LIKE THAT.
January 5, 2020
I couldn't get into it.
August 17, 2019
3.5. Interesting story
June 29, 2018
A rollicking, fantasy adventure!
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July 18, 2018Beautiful writing, sympathetic characters, imaginative settings and details, and plenty of mystery and suspense. Melanie Crowder never disappoints, and she’s written another absolutely lovely middle grade novel—this one an exciting portal fantasy.
September 13, 2019
This is an intriguing fantasy novel of portals that link a lighthouse to fantastical, unique worlds. I really enjoyed most of the book and hope the author is just getting going with this as a series.
November 24, 2019
Thank you to Curious City for sharing this book (and its sequel) with Collabookation.
Griffin has been working alongside his father in his lighthouse and glassmaking workshop for the last three years. But when an alarm suddenly goes off, and strangers invade, Griffin knows there's more to his father's small life than he knows. Although his father initially refuses to help the invaders, he ultimately decides he must assist. Leaving Griffin with his journal and the ominous words, "You know more than you think you do." Being the normal adolescent, instead of staying put, as his father asked him to, he decides to find a way to follow his father. This is when Griffin is unwittingly pulled into a mysterious adventure, ultimately uncovering new worlds he must navigate through in order to rescue his father.
First, I have to compliment the actual writing. Within the first few chapters, I found myself reaching for post-it after post-it to note some fantastic examples of personification, compare and contrast, and other literary tools I love to share with my students. Secondly, I'm in love with the fact that this has a sequel (and I'm honestly hoping for more than that!). I'm excited to pull elements of this book to show my students beautiful examples of world-building.
Halfway through the book, the perspective shifts. While unsettling at first, it was ultimately enjoyable to meet a new and intriguing character, and I think kids will enjoy this shift as well.
Highly recommend this book to students in fifth grade and up! Very excited to dive into the sequel!
I highly recommend this book to students who love mysterious fantasy, but it'd be entertaining
Griffin has been working alongside his father in his lighthouse and glassmaking workshop for the last three years. But when an alarm suddenly goes off, and strangers invade, Griffin knows there's more to his father's small life than he knows. Although his father initially refuses to help the invaders, he ultimately decides he must assist. Leaving Griffin with his journal and the ominous words, "You know more than you think you do." Being the normal adolescent, instead of staying put, as his father asked him to, he decides to find a way to follow his father. This is when Griffin is unwittingly pulled into a mysterious adventure, ultimately uncovering new worlds he must navigate through in order to rescue his father.
First, I have to compliment the actual writing. Within the first few chapters, I found myself reaching for post-it after post-it to note some fantastic examples of personification, compare and contrast, and other literary tools I love to share with my students. Secondly, I'm in love with the fact that this has a sequel (and I'm honestly hoping for more than that!). I'm excited to pull elements of this book to show my students beautiful examples of world-building.
Halfway through the book, the perspective shifts. While unsettling at first, it was ultimately enjoyable to meet a new and intriguing character, and I think kids will enjoy this shift as well.
Highly recommend this book to students in fifth grade and up! Very excited to dive into the sequel!
I highly recommend this book to students who love mysterious fantasy, but it'd be entertaining
July 20, 2018
I am not a fan of fantasy but when Melanie Crowder, author of some of my favorite novels—Audacity, An Uninterrupted View of the Sky, and Three Pennies—sent me her newest novel, I was going to dive in and hope for the best. And that’s what I got—The Best.
Right away Crowder’s writing grabbed me—and good writing is my first criterion for reading a book. The choice of wording, the descriptions, everything that lets the reader luxuriate in the writing is there from the first page. In fact, the writing and even parts of the story reminded me of my favorite children’s novel, Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Like Haroun, Griffin has to go to another world to save his father and, like Haroun, he wishes for his mother’s return.
But this is another story, so intricately-crafted and multifaceted that it would be interesting to see Crowder’s storyboard, for surely she must have created one. I was amazed how someone could think up the lands and peoples she describes. Haroun had to save the stories; Griffin uses his mother’s stories and drawings to save worlds—his Earth and the interconnected realms of other beings.
I slowly fell in love with the characters: fifth grader Griffin, still grieving the death of his mother; his father, Philip, a glassmaker; and Fiona, the young Vinean resistance fighter grieving the loss of her family and world. We learn about Katherine, Griffin’s mother, through short chapters that were the bedtime stories in which she imparts information that Griffin will later use.
This is a story of magic, collaboration, and the power of love.
Right away Crowder’s writing grabbed me—and good writing is my first criterion for reading a book. The choice of wording, the descriptions, everything that lets the reader luxuriate in the writing is there from the first page. In fact, the writing and even parts of the story reminded me of my favorite children’s novel, Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Like Haroun, Griffin has to go to another world to save his father and, like Haroun, he wishes for his mother’s return.
But this is another story, so intricately-crafted and multifaceted that it would be interesting to see Crowder’s storyboard, for surely she must have created one. I was amazed how someone could think up the lands and peoples she describes. Haroun had to save the stories; Griffin uses his mother’s stories and drawings to save worlds—his Earth and the interconnected realms of other beings.
I slowly fell in love with the characters: fifth grader Griffin, still grieving the death of his mother; his father, Philip, a glassmaker; and Fiona, the young Vinean resistance fighter grieving the loss of her family and world. We learn about Katherine, Griffin’s mother, through short chapters that were the bedtime stories in which she imparts information that Griffin will later use.
This is a story of magic, collaboration, and the power of love.
May 11, 2019
Maybe I'm becoming too critical to keep reading juvenile fiction, but I found this book a little disappointing. I love a very original concept to drive the plot, and this one was exceptional. The premise was so, so good... but the execution just felt lacking. I read it on Kindle, so I had to check afterwards to see the page count, and once I did it kind of made sense -- 192 pages was about half as many pages as this book needed. The plot felt very rushed throughout, and I would have loved to see the story slow down and take more time to develop characters and worlds, especially because it was obviously written as the first book in a series.
*mild spoilers*
For example, the main character gets taken to a lab/research center right after his father disappears and has in his possession a notebook his father quickly gave him before he left. At the research center, the character glances at the notebook once (once!) before quickly devising a plan and escaping the center -- all in one day, if I remember right. There was no chance to get to know the characters, the setting, the mystery, the tension, etc.
*end spoilers*
I might be invested enough the read the sequel, just because the worlds created were so creative, but I hope the plot slows down significantly.
*mild spoilers*
For example, the main character gets taken to a lab/research center right after his father disappears and has in his possession a notebook his father quickly gave him before he left. At the research center, the character glances at the notebook once (once!) before quickly devising a plan and escaping the center -- all in one day, if I remember right. There was no chance to get to know the characters, the setting, the mystery, the tension, etc.
*end spoilers*
I might be invested enough the read the sequel, just because the worlds created were so creative, but I hope the plot slows down significantly.
March 15, 2022
I'm reading book this as part of a duology, two books that are connected by plot and characters...not a series. Although I can't imagine why it couldn't be extended. Maybe the author decides at the beginning that it feels like the book needs to be published as two books. Maybe the response to the first book encourages the author to write a second book. I'll have to admit, I was lost in the beginning of the book...and the disappearances struck me as weird. "Where is this book going?" I wondered. Eventually my questions were answered. And I realized the imaginative talent that it took for the author to conceive and sustain the plot line. I know that many ten to fifteen year olds love fantasy and travel to other worlds. Griffin is a wonderful character. We feel his grief for the loss of his parents, and also his growing determination to unlock the mystery of the world in which he finds himself. His companion in this world is a spunky girl who turns out to know far more than the reader or Griffin understand.
October 10, 2018
Griffin lives with his father tending a lighthouse on the Oregon coast. His mother died a few years ago and it has just been Griffin and his dad. Their peaceful life is interrupted by an alarm going off and the arrival of a team of people in strange outfits. Griffin follows them to the lighthouse and sees his dad get sucked into the glass. Turns out the lighthouse is connected to other worlds; worlds not necessarily friendly to Earth. Griffin manages to follow his dad to the world of Sumi. There he encounters enslaved resisters who bring him into their group. With their help he works to rescue his dad and stop the Sumis from enslaving all the worlds.
This is an interesting concept for a book, but it wasn't my favorite. I appreciated Griffin's perseverance in finding his dad, but I was actually more interested in the Vinean resistance and Fiona. I actually thought the addition of Earth as one of the worlds made the story less interesting than if it was just other worlds. This is the beginning of a series so there are a lot of things left unanswered that I am sure will be explored in future books.
This is an interesting concept for a book, but it wasn't my favorite. I appreciated Griffin's perseverance in finding his dad, but I was actually more interested in the Vinean resistance and Fiona. I actually thought the addition of Earth as one of the worlds made the story less interesting than if it was just other worlds. This is the beginning of a series so there are a lot of things left unanswered that I am sure will be explored in future books.
February 14, 2019
Lighthouses fascinate me. They’re so mysterious. Though I’ve never seen a real one, pictures of them hint at secrets that only the lighthouse knows. Author Melanie Crowder’s novel THE LIGHTHOUSE BETWEEN THE WORLDS, is a perfect example of a lighthouse that is more than just a warning for ships to not come near the land. This lighthouse is the story of a family, a mother who is dead, or so they believe, a father who disappears, and a boy who must find the answers to his father’s whereabouts and his mother’s death.
Melanie Crowder has written a touching story about a family torn apart and a lighthouse that is much more than a lighthouse. As I read, the story pulled me deeper and deeper into young Griffin’s life as he finds himself in another world. This novel kept me reading to discover the answers Griffin was seeking. THE LIGHTHOUSE BETWEEN THE WORLDS would make a nice addition to school libraries, public libraries, and your own library. Enjoy.
Melanie Crowder has written a touching story about a family torn apart and a lighthouse that is much more than a lighthouse. As I read, the story pulled me deeper and deeper into young Griffin’s life as he finds himself in another world. This novel kept me reading to discover the answers Griffin was seeking. THE LIGHTHOUSE BETWEEN THE WORLDS would make a nice addition to school libraries, public libraries, and your own library. Enjoy.
March 6, 2021
Too much world, too little book.
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I think Melanie Crowder has created new concepts and diverse worlds in too short of a time frame.
There were many times where the main character had to be filled in with world laws that just turned into big blocks of "info dump." I think the characters were great and I especially loved Fi, but like I said, they needed more time to be able to really make memorable moments.
I think ultimately a longer book was needed in order to really dive into the vast differences of the worlds. In this format it just seemed too rushed for me, personally.
I also thought perhaps a map or illustrated index could be useful to help keep certain worlds/races separate in the reader's mind.
All in all, I think Melanie has/had wonderful fantastical ideas and I will certainly look out for her next story.
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I think Melanie Crowder has created new concepts and diverse worlds in too short of a time frame.
There were many times where the main character had to be filled in with world laws that just turned into big blocks of "info dump." I think the characters were great and I especially loved Fi, but like I said, they needed more time to be able to really make memorable moments.
I think ultimately a longer book was needed in order to really dive into the vast differences of the worlds. In this format it just seemed too rushed for me, personally.
I also thought perhaps a map or illustrated index could be useful to help keep certain worlds/races separate in the reader's mind.
All in all, I think Melanie has/had wonderful fantastical ideas and I will certainly look out for her next story.
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February 27, 2020I finished this book like a week ago but haven't reviewed it bc I just don't know. I think actually? I'm an adult, + people aren't writing middle grade fiction for me. My usual problem with the genre is that it's always about terrible things happening to children, which isn't fun to read! As an adult, imo.
Beyond that, it doesn't end. I guess there will be a sequel, but I'm not going to read it, so I wish there'd been more of a conclusion.
The primary antagonist is an earth scientist who is?? Very obviously doing her best to keep the child out of harm's way + is vilified for that, which is Fine. I dunno.
It was just a little simplistic for me. The author says over and over again that all the worlds Need to be connected + be stronger together, but it doesn't come to anything; they just say it over and over.
This is a Fine book + I didn't really enjoy it!
Beyond that, it doesn't end. I guess there will be a sequel, but I'm not going to read it, so I wish there'd been more of a conclusion.
The primary antagonist is an earth scientist who is?? Very obviously doing her best to keep the child out of harm's way + is vilified for that, which is Fine. I dunno.
It was just a little simplistic for me. The author says over and over again that all the worlds Need to be connected + be stronger together, but it doesn't come to anything; they just say it over and over.
This is a Fine book + I didn't really enjoy it!
June 24, 2020
Griffin lives with his dad, who's a lighthouse keeper on the Oregon coast. Homeschooled, he's following in his father's footsteps, learning to be a glassblower. They share the same quiet days and the same quiet grief, ever since Griffin's mom died. But then an alarm shatters the quiet, and nothing can be the same again. Because the glass lens in the lighthouse is a portal, linking their world to several others. Secrets and stalemates and bedtime stories. Risks and rebellions and rescue missions.
Crowder's writing style is lyrical and atmospheric. Interesting to see her slant on a more action-based plot. Diving into Bk2 now.
Crowder's writing style is lyrical and atmospheric. Interesting to see her slant on a more action-based plot. Diving into Bk2 now.
May 15, 2019
I am a sucker for portal fantasy, secret societies, parallel worlds, and witches, so this middle-grade adventure was a natural for me. Melanie Crowder starts quiet, with a chapter that deftly sketches out the relationship between Griffin and his widowed father (no spoilers). But then it revs up until we are careening between our world and Somni to thrilling effect. This is a book that adults just may swipe away for a fun, immersive read.
April 18, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It’s a lovely story. Very different to my normal genre. I had purchased it for an upcoming campaign but the cover had me intrigued so had to give it a go. So glad I did.
I’d recommend to anyone who is interested in the story. It’s aimed at young adult readers (middle grade) but please don’t let that put you off. I think anyone could and would enjoy this story.
Will now prepare it for the upcoming Bookfairy Campaign!
I’d recommend to anyone who is interested in the story. It’s aimed at young adult readers (middle grade) but please don’t let that put you off. I think anyone could and would enjoy this story.
Will now prepare it for the upcoming Bookfairy Campaign!
May 23, 2019
It took me a while to get into this one, and I almost gave up hope that I would enjoy it, but I did in the end. I think it could have been better, with a bit more detail into the story's worlds and their inhabitants, but I think it was worth reading. It seems to be the beginning of a series, and I hope that if that's true, the next installment will grow in detail and scope.
June 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book although at times it was a little slow in places. This is a good Science Fiction that leans into an old fashion adventure story like Tom Swift, for those of an older generation. The language is clean. I would recommend this book to fourth graders on up. I think Adults would enjoy it too. I can't wait for the second book to come out.
February 7, 2022
Ok. World creation fell a bit flat. Reasonable book for a young reader but felt jolted and rushed. The underlying premise is promising but the end result is not well developed. The book shifts the point of view half way through in a way that could have led to a more interesting book but ultimately leaves everything underdeveloped.
March 8, 2019
I loved this book. The language is beautiful (I actually re-read some passages, I loved it so much), the characters vivid, and the mystery strong.
Highly recommend, to adults and middle-grade readers alike.
Highly recommend, to adults and middle-grade readers alike.
July 8, 2019
Whether fantasy is your favorite genre or not, this is a good one. Fantasy is typically not my favorite but this book brings together slavery, secrecy, and fear of invasion that was difficult to put down.
January 24, 2020
In every exciting scene, the protagonist is overshadowed by adults. Adults make all the important moves and decisions. In a children's book, this is a cardinal sin. Also, the whole thing started agonizingly slowly.
February 3, 2022
The world's were beautiful, and I feel in love with each wold. However this story was lacking in character development. This is a good prequel book, but I would love to see more from the character in the next book.
September 5, 2022
A good adventure but it was hard to follow at some parts and a little shallow at others. I suppose, since it is a kids book, things had to be cut out to not make it too long. The ending leads into another book and leaves the saga unfinished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews