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The Unseen
Xandra Hobson has always been fascinated by magic. So when she rescues a beautiful wounded bird, she is convinced that the glowing white feather it leaves behind must be magical. When she brings the feather to school, she is surprised to find that Belinda is interested in it, too. Belinda is a weird girl whom everybody makes fun of. Xandra doesn’t want to be seen with her, but Belinda seems to know something about the feather—so Xandra decides to befriend her. Belinda calls the feather a key.
But a key to what? And how does it work? When Xandra tries to use the key, she becomes aware of an unseen world, full of phantoms. Some are soft and cuddly, like the young animals she has rescued. But others are terrifying monsters. Could the key’s magic be evil? Xandra needs Belinda to help her explore the unseen, but she also needs to learn to help herself if the key is to become a gift and not a nightmare.
From the Hardcover edition.
But a key to what? And how does it work? When Xandra tries to use the key, she becomes aware of an unseen world, full of phantoms. Some are soft and cuddly, like the young animals she has rescued. But others are terrifying monsters. Could the key’s magic be evil? Xandra needs Belinda to help her explore the unseen, but she also needs to learn to help herself if the key is to become a gift and not a nightmare.
From the Hardcover edition.
199 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
19 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Zilpha Keatley Snyder
82 books456 followersZilpha Keatley Snyder was an American author of books for children and young adults. Three of Snyder's works were named Newbery Honor books: The Egypt Game, The Headless Cupid and The Witches of Worm. She was most famous for writing adventure stories and fantasies.
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April 4, 2008Not so great. I remember loving The Changeling, and this seemed a watered down version. Too much exegesis in dialog--I want to believe that young adult books don't actually require that. ZKS's prolific, so I guess she was bound to strike out sometime. Or I'm 30 and can't understand.
August 8, 2007
Xandra hates her huge, gifted family, and spends most of her time exploring the forbidden forest around her house and rescuing animals. After rescuing a white bird, Xandra finds the bird missing and only a feather remaining. The weird girl at school teaches her that the feather is a Key into the Unseen. When Xandra uses the Key, she begins to see scary shadowy creatures. Eventually Xandra figures out that she sees scary creatures because she has been mean-spirited to her family and others, and only once she begins to make peace with her brothers and sisters does she begin to be surrounded by friendly unseen spirits. The story has scary parts, but the moral is subtly woven in.
I am a huge fan of Zilpha Keatley Snyder... not my favorite book by her, but still good.
I am a huge fan of Zilpha Keatley Snyder... not my favorite book by her, but still good.
November 18, 2021
Discounted | As much as I loved Snyder's books growing up, and still reread them, this one is not one of her best. | The attitude on Xandra. I understand that's the point, but it's really hard to read a narrative told from the perspective of a brat. Does she have some legitimate (parental) reasons to be a brat? Sure. But I wouldn't have been friends with this little girl, which doesn't make me want to spend a book with her. The inequality is nearly glossed over, and the family's wealth seems designed more to say "even rich families have problems", without fully addressing the Hobson privilege. Shades of The Changeling--a favourite--but not as good or as fully developed.
September 12, 2022
I remember loving this book when I read it when I was in middle school, but now that I'm older and have re-read it, I do have some issues with it. Xandra is a very annoying character, and a terrible "friend" to Belinda. Most of the time I was reading, I was just hoping that she would shut up and apologize for once. The ending is semi-happy and does wrap up the story nicely, but you finish reading it and really (personally) dislike the main character, which really is a disappointing finish. It's a great plot otherwise, and an entertaining adventure, but I can't in good conscience give it more than three stars due to me closing the book, hating the main character's attitude throughout the story.
August 2, 2019
The second read of this book was interesting as I felt I needed to write discussion questions for our book club (coming up next Monday) since there weren't any readily available online. I think writing the questions made me think more deeply about the book, and about how Xandra changes over time in the book. I look forward to discussing it. (Note my questions are at the bottom of this review).
This book was recommended to me by a smart, eloquent, well-read, thoughtful 4th grader. I was impressed by Snyder's writing style, her characters and setting are very engaging. First of all, I love that the main character, Xandra, takes her given name of Alexandra and shortens it into something unique. (I wonder is that where "Zilpha" comes from?). I thought that Xandra's attitude toward the kids at school and her attitude toward her siblings changed for the better throughout the book. As far as school Xandra starts off afraid to talk to Belinda since she's not a popular kid - in fact Xandra doesn't even want to be seen with Belinda. By the end of the book, Xandra is open about their friendship. Similarly at the beginning of the book, Xandra seems very disconnected to her "siblings," but by the end, she has gotten closer to all of her brothers and sisters.
The relationship between Xandra and Tory, that they played together as children but grew apart as they got older parallels my daughters' relationships. I liked seeing them grow closer again by the end, and hope ferociously that my children end up close as adults!!
One thing I didn't like about the book was when Xandra asked Belinda and Belinda's grandfather questions and they didn't answer her. I feel frustrated when characters ask questions and don't get the answers or the full answers they are looking for.
Books mentioned:
the Borrowers
Narnia stories
Green Knowe books by: Lucy Boston
JRR Tolkein
The Unseen Discussion Questions:
0.5 The main character’s name is Alexandra, which is often shortened to Alex, Alexa or even Lexie. She shortens it to Xandra....can your name be shortened at all? What other nicknames can your name have? Do you have nicknames that do NOT relate to your name? What are they?
1. At the beginning of the book, Xandra makes it a point to use the term “siblings” instead of “brothers and sisters.” How does her relationship with her “siblings” change throughout the book. At the end of the book, she chooses to sit with her family at dinner, even arriving early for the first time EVER! Xandra says hi to each family member as they come into the dining room. She realizes that all her siblings hate the fact that their parents are often not with them at mealtimes, one twinster says, “‘Yeah another big togetherness night at the Hobsons.’” The other twinster says, “‘And another important lesson in family values, in case any of us might forget what’s really important around here.’” page 167 They all work as a team to eat really fast and be done before the parents get home to give them a taste of their own medicine.:
Augusta (the “baby,” “Darling Little Gussie”) At first how does Xandra feel about Gussie? How do you know (page 21 - jealous of how Clara, the babysitter just “forgot all about everybody else when the beautiful new baby was born.” ) How does Xandra feel about Gussie by the end of the book? Why do you think their relationship changed? (Gussie never tells on Xandra when Xandra gets angry at her and yells and shakes her. When Xandra helps Gussie out when she’s on the skateboard, and they end up talking about how the old things in the basement are things no one wants anymore, and Gussie says the things told her she had to put the skateboard away. Pg 109, 110. Gussie runs into the room with an armful of picture books for Xandra when Xandra is injured and resting on the couch. Xandra makes up a story to tell Gussie (about her little stuffed bear) for the first time ever page 159 Gussie wants to help Xandra carry her books when she picks her up (with Clara) afterschool - even offering to scratch under her itchy bandage pg 181. They hug after Xandra helps Gussie buckle in)
Tory (the pianist, older than Xandra) At first how does Xandra feel about Tory? (Left behind, they used to play together (games like Ragbag) and now Tory was older and practicing music instead) How does Xandra feel about Tory by the end of the book? (like friends) Why do you think their relationship changed? (because Xandra helped Tory to feel calm before her recital by reminding her of the Ragbag Game they used to play. Because Tory invites Xandra into her room - voluntarily interupting her practicing to talk about the old games they used to play, and the pretending they did about being Tarzan and Cleopatra pg 98, 99. Tory also seeks Xandra out in her room to talk about her scary night in the forest - inadvertently helping Xandra stay out of The Unseen. They play scrabble together at the end of the book 196)
The Twinsters aren’t very nice to Xandra when she interrupts their golf game...they catch her and hold her and are about to tape her mouth when Clara (the babysitter) happens by and puts stop to it. How does Xandra feel about the Twinsters by the end of the book? Why do you think their relationship changed? (because the Twinsters rescued her when she was alone in the woods all night, even literally giving her the shirts off their backs ripped into bandages for her leg/ankle, even though it was very cold outside. They send her an apology note after mocking her for her teeth, even complimenting her on her aim when she threw water at them. Pg 185. They bring her kittens to save, too pg 198
2. Gussie likes to go into Xandra’s room and play with her cherished stuffed animals - and Xandra gets very angry with Gussie for doing that. She shakes and slaps Gussie and then worries that she’ll get in trouble. Do you have a sibling (or cousin, or friend) who invades your space and touches your things? How do you deal with it?
3. Xandra and Belinda discuss books that they both love, including:
The Borrowers
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Green Knowe (by: Lucy Boston)
J.R.R. Tolkein’s collection
Have you read any of those? Do you agree that you could read them “over and over”? (page 29)
4. How does Xandra think of Belinda in the beginning vs. the middle vs. the end of the book? (a weirdo that dresses funny, embarassed to be seen with her VERSUS As a friend who should keep in touch when she moves)
5. Xandra helps wounded animals and nurses them back to health. She lets them go when they are better because she doesn’t like the idea of caging wild things. Xandra also takes a later bus, and takes the long way around her neighborhood to avoid being seen with Belinda. Is Xandra a good person? To be a good person do you have to make good choices all the time? Can you be a good person and still do mean things sometimes?
6. When Xandra enters the part of the basement where she keeps her cages for wounded animals, “...she immediately began to feel better, calmer and less impatient.” (page 39) Do you have a place that helps you feel calmer and more patient? Is it a place to be by yourself or with other people?
7. Belinda describes The Unseen as, “‘...not really a place, because it’s everywhere, all the time, only most people can’t see it.’” Have you ever had the feeling that there is more to what’s around us than what we can see?
8. Belinda makes Xandra promise not to use the feather again unless Belinda is there to help her...but after the visit to Belinda’s grandfather, Xandra tries to ask Belinda questions, to which she only replies, “‘You mustn’t use it anymore. Not ever anymore.’” page 207. When people are asked direct questions and they refuse to answer in books, it makes me feel angry. What did you think when Belinda wouldn’t answer Xandra’s questions? If someone didn’t answer your questions, and instead told you not to do something, do you think it would convince you not to use it? Or would it make you want to use it even more? Did you wish (as I did) that Belinda would take the time to explain why Xandra shouldn’t use it, so that Xandra could make an informed decision?
9. After Xandra gets lost in the forest, spending the night outside, and needs medical attention for her injury, her dad is going to take her to the doctor, but when the babysitter offers to drive her instead, HE TAKES HER UP ON THE OFFER! Xandra guesses that he is thinking, “...the broken leg was no more than what a certain person deserved for running away and getting her leg broken and taking the Hobson’s minds off more important things.” page 152 How would it make you feel if your mom or dad had someone else take you to the hospital in this type of instance? Should her dad have done this or something else? (More important the the health of your child?!?!? I’m offended for Xandra! What a terrible parent!!!)
This book was recommended to me by a smart, eloquent, well-read, thoughtful 4th grader. I was impressed by Snyder's writing style, her characters and setting are very engaging. First of all, I love that the main character, Xandra, takes her given name of Alexandra and shortens it into something unique. (I wonder is that where "Zilpha" comes from?). I thought that Xandra's attitude toward the kids at school and her attitude toward her siblings changed for the better throughout the book. As far as school Xandra starts off afraid to talk to Belinda since she's not a popular kid - in fact Xandra doesn't even want to be seen with Belinda. By the end of the book, Xandra is open about their friendship. Similarly at the beginning of the book, Xandra seems very disconnected to her "siblings," but by the end, she has gotten closer to all of her brothers and sisters.
The relationship between Xandra and Tory, that they played together as children but grew apart as they got older parallels my daughters' relationships. I liked seeing them grow closer again by the end, and hope ferociously that my children end up close as adults!!
One thing I didn't like about the book was when Xandra asked Belinda and Belinda's grandfather questions and they didn't answer her. I feel frustrated when characters ask questions and don't get the answers or the full answers they are looking for.
Books mentioned:
the Borrowers
Narnia stories
Green Knowe books by: Lucy Boston
JRR Tolkein
The Unseen Discussion Questions:
0.5 The main character’s name is Alexandra, which is often shortened to Alex, Alexa or even Lexie. She shortens it to Xandra....can your name be shortened at all? What other nicknames can your name have? Do you have nicknames that do NOT relate to your name? What are they?
1. At the beginning of the book, Xandra makes it a point to use the term “siblings” instead of “brothers and sisters.” How does her relationship with her “siblings” change throughout the book. At the end of the book, she chooses to sit with her family at dinner, even arriving early for the first time EVER! Xandra says hi to each family member as they come into the dining room. She realizes that all her siblings hate the fact that their parents are often not with them at mealtimes, one twinster says, “‘Yeah another big togetherness night at the Hobsons.’” The other twinster says, “‘And another important lesson in family values, in case any of us might forget what’s really important around here.’” page 167 They all work as a team to eat really fast and be done before the parents get home to give them a taste of their own medicine.:
Augusta (the “baby,” “Darling Little Gussie”) At first how does Xandra feel about Gussie? How do you know (page 21 - jealous of how Clara, the babysitter just “forgot all about everybody else when the beautiful new baby was born.” ) How does Xandra feel about Gussie by the end of the book? Why do you think their relationship changed? (Gussie never tells on Xandra when Xandra gets angry at her and yells and shakes her. When Xandra helps Gussie out when she’s on the skateboard, and they end up talking about how the old things in the basement are things no one wants anymore, and Gussie says the things told her she had to put the skateboard away. Pg 109, 110. Gussie runs into the room with an armful of picture books for Xandra when Xandra is injured and resting on the couch. Xandra makes up a story to tell Gussie (about her little stuffed bear) for the first time ever page 159 Gussie wants to help Xandra carry her books when she picks her up (with Clara) afterschool - even offering to scratch under her itchy bandage pg 181. They hug after Xandra helps Gussie buckle in)
Tory (the pianist, older than Xandra) At first how does Xandra feel about Tory? (Left behind, they used to play together (games like Ragbag) and now Tory was older and practicing music instead) How does Xandra feel about Tory by the end of the book? (like friends) Why do you think their relationship changed? (because Xandra helped Tory to feel calm before her recital by reminding her of the Ragbag Game they used to play. Because Tory invites Xandra into her room - voluntarily interupting her practicing to talk about the old games they used to play, and the pretending they did about being Tarzan and Cleopatra pg 98, 99. Tory also seeks Xandra out in her room to talk about her scary night in the forest - inadvertently helping Xandra stay out of The Unseen. They play scrabble together at the end of the book 196)
The Twinsters aren’t very nice to Xandra when she interrupts their golf game...they catch her and hold her and are about to tape her mouth when Clara (the babysitter) happens by and puts stop to it. How does Xandra feel about the Twinsters by the end of the book? Why do you think their relationship changed? (because the Twinsters rescued her when she was alone in the woods all night, even literally giving her the shirts off their backs ripped into bandages for her leg/ankle, even though it was very cold outside. They send her an apology note after mocking her for her teeth, even complimenting her on her aim when she threw water at them. Pg 185. They bring her kittens to save, too pg 198
2. Gussie likes to go into Xandra’s room and play with her cherished stuffed animals - and Xandra gets very angry with Gussie for doing that. She shakes and slaps Gussie and then worries that she’ll get in trouble. Do you have a sibling (or cousin, or friend) who invades your space and touches your things? How do you deal with it?
3. Xandra and Belinda discuss books that they both love, including:
The Borrowers
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Green Knowe (by: Lucy Boston)
J.R.R. Tolkein’s collection
Have you read any of those? Do you agree that you could read them “over and over”? (page 29)
4. How does Xandra think of Belinda in the beginning vs. the middle vs. the end of the book? (a weirdo that dresses funny, embarassed to be seen with her VERSUS As a friend who should keep in touch when she moves)
5. Xandra helps wounded animals and nurses them back to health. She lets them go when they are better because she doesn’t like the idea of caging wild things. Xandra also takes a later bus, and takes the long way around her neighborhood to avoid being seen with Belinda. Is Xandra a good person? To be a good person do you have to make good choices all the time? Can you be a good person and still do mean things sometimes?
6. When Xandra enters the part of the basement where she keeps her cages for wounded animals, “...she immediately began to feel better, calmer and less impatient.” (page 39) Do you have a place that helps you feel calmer and more patient? Is it a place to be by yourself or with other people?
7. Belinda describes The Unseen as, “‘...not really a place, because it’s everywhere, all the time, only most people can’t see it.’” Have you ever had the feeling that there is more to what’s around us than what we can see?
8. Belinda makes Xandra promise not to use the feather again unless Belinda is there to help her...but after the visit to Belinda’s grandfather, Xandra tries to ask Belinda questions, to which she only replies, “‘You mustn’t use it anymore. Not ever anymore.’” page 207. When people are asked direct questions and they refuse to answer in books, it makes me feel angry. What did you think when Belinda wouldn’t answer Xandra’s questions? If someone didn’t answer your questions, and instead told you not to do something, do you think it would convince you not to use it? Or would it make you want to use it even more? Did you wish (as I did) that Belinda would take the time to explain why Xandra shouldn’t use it, so that Xandra could make an informed decision?
9. After Xandra gets lost in the forest, spending the night outside, and needs medical attention for her injury, her dad is going to take her to the doctor, but when the babysitter offers to drive her instead, HE TAKES HER UP ON THE OFFER! Xandra guesses that he is thinking, “...the broken leg was no more than what a certain person deserved for running away and getting her leg broken and taking the Hobson’s minds off more important things.” page 152 How would it make you feel if your mom or dad had someone else take you to the hospital in this type of instance? Should her dad have done this or something else? (More important the the health of your child?!?!? I’m offended for Xandra! What a terrible parent!!!)
June 11, 2018
I read this book with a group of fourth grade students. They loved discussing Xandra, the main character. She was quite unlikable, which isn't typical for most novels they'd read previously. There was a huge opportunity to discuss character development and how events have the potential to impact characters. I enjoyed the book as an adult, but the real reason I loved it was because of how my students discussed it.
January 29, 2022
I switched my review between 2-3 stars several times. There are quite a lot of filler words (especially conjunctive words and phrases like, "even though," "but," "however," in consecutive sentences). It made the read jolted and distracting for me.
The premise itself was clever, and the growth (and lack of a massive transformation) in the protagonist was very realistic. The resolution wasn't what I wanted, it was what the story needed.
The premise itself was clever, and the growth (and lack of a massive transformation) in the protagonist was very realistic. The resolution wasn't what I wanted, it was what the story needed.
February 5, 2018
The Unseen is a book about a girl named Xandra Hobson who finds a white feather that is a magical feather. But when Xandra realizes that the feather can cause harm to her she must keep a big secret from her family about it. Also, one of the girl's attending Xandra's School named Belinda finds out that Xandra has the feather. She tells her it's more than just a feather. It's a key that leads to something unexpected.
September 22, 2021
"The Unseen", a book written by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is an amazing YA book that I recommend you read. Its an overwhelmingly exciting read, all the way from start to finish. The magical aspects of the book are just so entertaining that you're kept hooked on reading. The theme in general of this book is amazing and I wish for more books like this.
-Alan Martinez
-Alan Martinez
February 26, 2020
I'm just going to say it upfront: Xandra is not really a nice person. So I wasn't a bit surprised, when I learned how the Unseen worked, at the forms the Unseen usually took around her. She does change over the course of the narrative though.
July 16, 2017
Strong female characters with unique viewpoints.
Great YA story with elements of magic and insight.
Great YA story with elements of magic and insight.
September 10, 2019
I love this author and glad to know she’s written a lot more since I first read The Egypt Game in grade school. This book took me longer to decide I liked, but then it was a breeze to finish.
December 28, 2024
it was okay. the unseen world wasn't really explained that well, nor the relationship of the friend and her grandfather. It has great bones, but the story was lacking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
An amazing story
love the plots and twists
and the characters
love the plots and twists
and the characters
October 31, 2025
An interesting idea, but the story doesn't really go anywhere... never gets to the point.... which is?
June 20, 2010
This was a disappointing outing from an author I normally really enjoy. It's got promise: Xandra, who loves animals and feels out of place in her large, talented family, finds a beautiful feather after helping an injured bird. Belinda, the "weird girl" at her private school, sees the feather and pronounces it a Key that can open the wielder to magic. She shows Xandra how to use it, but Xandra quickly discovers that the previously invisible creatures that the Key reveals to her are not all friendly: she is being stalked by dark shadows that bite and burn with hatred.
The problem is, the whole thing lacks Snyder's usual deft hand with relationships. The complicated friendship with Belinda starts out with Snyder's usual aplomb, but then it kind of falls apart. Xandra is not particularly sympathetic, and the changes she goes through feel somewhat facile. What bothered me most, though, is that there is one very important plot point that apparently occurs "off screen" but is never mentioned until Belinda and Xandra are experiencing the consequences. It confused me completely and I was convinced that I had somehow skipped a page or glossed a scene, but I went back and could not find it. It really honestly feels like there was a scene that Snyder just forgot to include.
In short, Snyder doesn't hit it out of the park on this one. I recommend her other books highly, though, particularly the classics The Witches of Worm and The Headless Cupid.
The problem is, the whole thing lacks Snyder's usual deft hand with relationships. The complicated friendship with Belinda starts out with Snyder's usual aplomb, but then it kind of falls apart. Xandra is not particularly sympathetic, and the changes she goes through feel somewhat facile. What bothered me most, though, is that there is one very important plot point that apparently occurs "off screen" but is never mentioned until Belinda and Xandra are experiencing the consequences. It confused me completely and I was convinced that I had somehow skipped a page or glossed a scene, but I went back and could not find it. It really honestly feels like there was a scene that Snyder just forgot to include.
In short, Snyder doesn't hit it out of the park on this one. I recommend her other books highly, though, particularly the classics The Witches of Worm and The Headless Cupid.
May 30, 2013
The Unseen By Zilpha Keatley Snyder is about a girl named Xandra that finds a key to the unseen. Xandra finds a key and doesn't know what it does so a girl named Belinda helps her. Even though that Xandra knows that Belinda is a nerd she has Belinda help her find out what the key does. Xandra knows more about the key now and she is not allowed to use it any more said Belinda so does she uses the key listen to Belinda? Xandra learns more about the key but the is the key dangerous or safe?
I think that the book is somewhat good even though I don’t like fantasy its alright. I would rate the book a 2.5 out of 5 stars. Why 2.5 out of 5 is because it is fantasy and it is really boring to me. The book is very slow getting to the point and is just a slow book in general.
I would recommend this book for kids ages 10 and up because in the book it has some violence in it. But the book would be good for kids because it is fantasy and little kids love fantasy. The book is also a easy to read for me which would probably be easy to read for others. There is no hard words in it so little kids could read it easily.
I think that the book is somewhat good even though I don’t like fantasy its alright. I would rate the book a 2.5 out of 5 stars. Why 2.5 out of 5 is because it is fantasy and it is really boring to me. The book is very slow getting to the point and is just a slow book in general.
I would recommend this book for kids ages 10 and up because in the book it has some violence in it. But the book would be good for kids because it is fantasy and little kids love fantasy. The book is also a easy to read for me which would probably be easy to read for others. There is no hard words in it so little kids could read it easily.
June 10, 2010
This book was mad good. I think that the theme of this book would be don't listen to what people say. you should listen to what you think is right and follow your heart of whats right.this girl name Xandra Hobson has always been fascinated by magic. she was going around a forest one day and she found a wounded bird. So when she rescues a beautiful wounded bird, she is convinced that the glowing white feather leaves behind must be magical. When she brings the feather to school, she is surprised to find that Belinda is interested in it, too. Belinda is a weird girl whom everybody makes fun of. Xandra doesn't want to be seen with her, but Belinda seems to know something about the feather—so Xandra decides to befriend her. Belinda calls the feather a key. so that is where the adventure starts weather the key is a gift or is it evil. if i was staging the part when Xandra Hobson found the feather she should be running around the forest surprise and excited to go to school. she holds the feather like it is a billion dollars. so she should secure it a lot and with love.
June 12, 2012
The main character, Xandra, is a middle school student who finds a Key to a world that others don't see. The interesting thing about Xandra is that through the book, she begins to change from a petulant, angry girl who is always on the outside even among members of her family, to a girl who begins to make bonds with people she has preferred to keep an arm's length away.
The book was slow in several parts and many principles of the "unseen" world were never fully explained but rather wrapped up quickly by Belinda and her grandfather's move from town and the disappearance of the feather/Key.
Perhaps if I was at a different age level I would have enjoyed the book more but for me it was just ok.
Favorite quote: ...Xandra fel miserable and angry. And she started the day by letting everyone know it, without of course, telling them why.
The book was slow in several parts and many principles of the "unseen" world were never fully explained but rather wrapped up quickly by Belinda and her grandfather's move from town and the disappearance of the feather/Key.
Perhaps if I was at a different age level I would have enjoyed the book more but for me it was just ok.
Favorite quote: ...Xandra fel miserable and angry. And she started the day by letting everyone know it, without of course, telling them why.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2013
What I liked about this book:
>The concept is interesting. A world unseen unless you have a Key... it's full of possibilities.
>The feeling of not fitting in and being overshadowed is felt relateable and everyone has experienced one way or another.
>The animals were cute and I'm amazed Xandra managed to do all that.
What I didn't like about this book:
>Xandra is whiny, sullen, and sometimes downright petty. Sure, I can understand why she feels that way, but there are situations where I can't help but think she's asking for it, she deserves to be treated the way she has been treated. She doesn't try to get out of her box and blames others for her shortcomings.
>It can get too slow
>The unseen world wasn't delved enough.
Result: 2.5. This is not three starts, but 2.5.
>The concept is interesting. A world unseen unless you have a Key... it's full of possibilities.
>The feeling of not fitting in and being overshadowed is felt relateable and everyone has experienced one way or another.
>The animals were cute and I'm amazed Xandra managed to do all that.
What I didn't like about this book:
>Xandra is whiny, sullen, and sometimes downright petty. Sure, I can understand why she feels that way, but there are situations where I can't help but think she's asking for it, she deserves to be treated the way she has been treated. She doesn't try to get out of her box and blames others for her shortcomings.
>It can get too slow
>The unseen world wasn't delved enough.
Result: 2.5. This is not three starts, but 2.5.
November 7, 2010
I think that the book "the unseen" is a good science fiction. The book is about a parallel world. Xandra goes into the forbidden forest and the hunters come. She hears a gun fire and the bullet hits a white bird. She does not see the bird go down but she see's the wound when the bird comes close. She has to hurry and make sure the bird or herself does not get hit. She picks up the bird and takes it to the stream to wipe the blood off. The hunters dogs soon smell the prey (the bird) and start to try to go after them so Xandra bends down and cuts and bruises her knee but she makes it home safely. Read the book to find out what happens next.
January 30, 2014
I started reading this book to my son as a read-aloud because it is another story by the author of "The Egypt Game," which he really enjoyed. However, he gave up on this story about one third of the way through. Not being one to NOT finish a book, I powered through it. The premise of the story is interesting- an awkward girl finds a magic feather that is a "key" to another world- but it takes so long to really get going that I think the author might lose her audience along the way. If your reader preservers to the end of the book, there is a solid message to be found but some children may not be able to pull it from the text.
September 25, 2014
I have always loved the abilities of Zilpha Keatley Snyder and this book didn't disappoint. A story of a regular girl who discovers and rather extraordinary world hiding in plain sight, this story also managed to be about friendship and learning to love our family in spite of their faults. This is an easy read that would be perfect for emerging readers who are just starting chapter books or readers who need to learn a little about not being a miserable tween. I'd recommend 8-12ish.
June 7, 2017
A fun young adult read. The author likes to end many paragraphs with incomplete sentences, but I think this is for her young audience who wouldn't mind. The story was riveting about a girl who finds a feather which is a magic key that enables her to see unseen spirits and beings who are around us all the time. Good for antisocial teenagers.
May 13, 2010
When I went back and reread it, it wasn't as good as I'd remembered. It's still a great book, though!! Read it when you're young, so the two dimensional characters and stilted writing style don’t annoy you.
June 8, 2009
This was a 'young adult' book and was written in a style appropriate to that audience. I was unaware of that fact when I requested it from the library. An interesting look at family and other relationships from a pre-teen's point of view. Enjoyed the magic/fantasy aspects.
March 13, 2015
I loved it! A lot of her books deal with characters who are very real, and very angry. Xandra is like that & I can really relate to her. She's changed a lot by the end of the book & is really starting to appreciate her family. Short but a terrific read.
September 20, 2010
I really wanted to like this but there wasn't really a coherent plot. And the idea of there being an Unseen world all around us never got more than a few pages of mention, making the book seem pointless.
September 22, 2010
Not a book i would recomend or read again. A plot that goes nowhere, a seriously disfunctional family that show no sighns of changing and a non ending, all things that get a HUGE black mark in my book.
October 20, 2012
It didn't grab me and I guess it's been a while since I was an angsty preteen, but I just didn't connect with the main character. A shame, because I had really looked forward to reading this and now I don't remember why.
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