Tragic events kick off action-packed graphic novel fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
some
The story opens with the death of a parent in a car crash, which some sensitive readers may find disturbing. Another, secondary character dies of old age. A parent is swallowed and kidnapped by a grotesque, tentacled monster.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Even in the aftermath of tragedy, families can stick together. But a commitment to your family's past doesn't mean that you can't find your own way in the world.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Even after having witnessed the death of her father, Emily proves to be a brave, resilient girl. She faces great danger in her attempt to rescue her mother. When given the opportunity to kill one of her opponents, she shows mercy and lets him live.
Educational Value
some
Set in a mysterious fantasy world, The Stonekeeper bears little resemblance to real life, but it does offer lessons about bravery, commitment, and family loyalty.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Stonekeeper is the first book in the Amulet series of fantasy graphic novels. Its prologue features the death of a parent, which might upset some younger readers. A parent is swallowed by a grotesque tentacled monster. Another older character dies later on. Children are in jeopardy throughout, but they are aided by a number of sympathetic helpers. There is no objectionable sex, language, or substance abuse content.
Review written by my 12 year old daughter
Amulet
Of all the many forms of media, graphic novels stand out to me as being the most immersive. Be it an adaptation of a classic work of literature or the latest comic strip, I find myself lost in the colorful pictures and speech balloons. So it comes as no surprise that one of my favorite series happens to be of this genre. Amulet, a grotesquely underappreciated fantasy anthology by Kazu Kibuishi, is both beautifully illustrated and marvelously told. The story follows a young girl named Emily Hayes as she discovers a magical amulet in her grandfather’s house, which transports her, her mom and her brother Navin into a world filled with fantasy and danger.
The children discover an alternate version of their grandfather Silas’s house, which is brimming with robotics ranging from the house itself, which flies, to a pink, bunny-shaped pilot. Emily and Navin learn that their mother has been captured by a race of ghastly monsters, and they must pilot the house to save and reunite her with the family.
The adventure continues across the next books in the series. The Hayes family attempts to get home, whilst learning more about Emily’s amulet and the extent of its powers. They cross paths with a cast of interesting characters, from a bipedal fox to a robotic chef. The art style skillfully combines fantasy and science fiction elements, with tiny details tying each panel into the next with the grace of a weaving spider.
I enjoyed this series because it was filled with thrilling twists and turns and compelling characters. These books are easy to understand yet very complexly narrated, which makes it engaging for those of all ages. Anyone who has not read these graphic novels is missing out on so much, more than can be put into writing. It is both aesthetically pleasing and beautifully lettered. Clear your weekend to read this binge-worthy, seven-book series!
Great for boys and girls looking to move past Cptn. Undies, Dog Man
The opening pages are filled with strong tragedy and emotions are high. However, following the heart-wrenching but non-violent death of the father (auto crash) the author paints a touching picture of the structural reconciliation and emotional progress of the remaining family members. This plot line and the more adventurous ones that follow move very quickly. But this pace unquestionably keeps a child's short attention span well hooked for the next elements of the thriller story. The plot is always just scary enough and balanced with triumph for early grade school students to keep turning pages, trying to read new words, learn new sentence structures and grammar, etc. Great fantasy sci-fi touch with the elves and magic amulet. Top shelf artwork all around: penciling and color.
What's the Story?
After their father is killed in a car accident, Emily and her younger brother, Navin, move to their mother's ancestral home, a creepy edifice seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Strange noises lure them to the basement, and Emily's mom is kidnapped by a gruesome tentacled monster. If the children hope to rescue her, they must make new friends, face many dangers, and learn more about the strange amulet that Emily finds.
THE STONEKEEPER provides a propulsive start for the Amulet series of graphic novels. The tragedy that opens the book sets a somber tone, but once Emily and Navin begin to explore their new home, the tone lightens even as the action becomes more frenetic. Author/illustrator Kazi Kibuishi has a flair for appealing character design, rich backgrounds, and well-choreographed confrontations. Little in the plot is resolved, but the stage is set for further grand adventures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about graphic novels. Why are some stories especially suited for comics while others work best as prose?
Why do some many quest fantasies feature enchanted pieces of jewelry?
In the wake of a family tragedy, why do some people want to move to a new location?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
