Book description
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Clue when six children navigate a mansion full of secrets—and maybe money—in this “delightful gem” (School Library Journal, starred review) with heart.
Sweet, shy Tabitha Crum, the neglected only child of two parents straight out of a Roald Dahl book, doesn’t have a friend…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Nooks & Crannies as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This story differs from the others on my list, as it takes place in England in the early twentieth century. Setting and time period aside, the plucky main character Tabitha along with her pet rat and fellow detective (in her mind) steal the show and our hearts. We can’t help but root for her despite all she comes up against and all who belittle her as she follows clues in her unique and endearing manner through a giant and possibly haunted estate. Nooks & Crannies does a fine job balancing humor and wit with more serious subjects such as murder…
One part farce, one part tragedy, one part mystery – Nooks & Crannies is for fans of Roald Dahl who love watching the downfall of fiendishly evil authority figures at the hands of soft-spoken, highly intelligent children. That’s the essence of Nooks & Crannies, with lead character Tabitha Crum so used to being kicked around, underfed, and underappreciated that her only friend is a mouse named Pemberley. I loved the audiobook for this title, read by a British actor with a perfect “stiff-upper-lip” delivery.
From Danielle's list on The best middle grade books for a 5th-grade book group.
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