From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

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What Members Thought

Rachel Seigel
Dec 11, 2011 rated it really liked it
This is an absolute masterpiece. It's sophisticated middle grade and it's complex, suspenseful, creepy and impossible to put down. Natalie is a fantastic heroine. She's smart, she's brave, and she's interested in automatons and machines. There are numerous points to discuss in this book, and it touches on the idea of telling the truth to children, and not trying to keep reality from them. I'm still left with a number of questions about the book, and think I will have to ponder it some more and d ...more
Brenda Kahn
Another book that has been on the tbr forever. When I found out it was narrated by a narrator I enjoy, I found my way in through the audiobook. What wonderful worldbuilding and memorable characters! Also, the suspense nearly gave me a heart attack!
Kim
Wow. This story of Natalie and how she saves her little midwestern town from Dr Limberleg (of the Nostrum Fair and Technological Medicine Show, who by the way made a deal with the devil a while back) is amazing. Kate Milford's evocative language puts the reader squarely in the early twentieth century and she blends history and fantasy effortlessly. No horrific ghosts or monsters here, but I have to say I haven't been this chilled reading a story in a long time. I think it's the little guy in the ...more
Amy
Oct 23, 2014 rated it really liked it
Am both in love with and a little perplexed by this book.
Ariel
Jun 07, 2012 rated it did not like it
Shelves: ya
So far not liking this as much as the rest of you guys (Betsy Bird, Jenny Schwartzberg)...It seems to combine Marie Rutkowski's Cabinet of Wonders with Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes. I give up. So many books, so little time. ...more
Mary Ann
Apr 28, 2010 marked it as to-read
The Reading Countess
Jun 05, 2010 marked it as to-read
Shelves: science-fiction
Jennifer
Jun 16, 2010 is currently reading it
Jennifer
Jun 16, 2010 marked it as to-read
Shelves: slj, kids
Shanshad Whelan
Jul 09, 2010 marked it as to-read
Natasha (Vasilly)
Jul 15, 2010 marked it as to-read
Kristen Little
Jul 17, 2010 marked it as to-read
Ellie
Aug 02, 2010 marked it as to-read
Shauna Yusko
Sep 11, 2010 rated it really liked it
Teresa Garrett
Sep 17, 2010 marked it as to-read
Lara Ivey
Sep 18, 2010 marked it as to-read
Jennifer
Oct 09, 2010 marked it as to-read
Melissa
Nov 11, 2010 marked it as to-read
Amy
Dec 19, 2010 rated it liked it
Shelves: teen
Arien
Dec 27, 2010 rated it really liked it
Doret
Apr 05, 2011 rated it really liked it
Sallie
Sep 15, 2011 rated it really liked it
Kimberley Little
Sep 06, 2013 marked it as to-read
Benji Martin
Jan 14, 2014 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Liz
Dec 31, 2014 marked it as to-read-kid-lit