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Cover of Samuel Blink and the Runaway Troll

Samuel Blink and the Runaway Troll

Matt Haig (2008)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age10
Goodreads3.88
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Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Death of Parent

Positive tags

AdventureFriendshipHumorHeartwarmingComing of Age

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age ProtagonistFish out of WaterDuo / Partners

Tropes

Fish out of WaterComing of AgeFound FamilyReluctant HeroMentor FigureFellowshipForbidden Magic

Themes

GriefFriendshipCourageComing of AgeIdentityFamilyLoss

Synopsis

Having been careful to heed his Aunt Eda's warnings to not enter the dangerous Shadow Forest , twelve-year-old Samuel Blink finds himself in a difficult situation when Troll-Son runs away from his Shadow Forest home to come and live with Samuel, his human hero.

Is Samuel Blink and the Runaway Troll appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A whimsical middle grade fantasy about a grieving boy befriending a runaway troll. Contains mild peril and addresses loss of parents, but handles themes gently with humor and heart.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death of parent.

Who'll love this

Kids will love the funny friendship between Samuel and the misfit troll, plus the mystery of the dangerous Shadow Forest.

Tags

Contemporary FantasyMagical RealismTroll FictionAdventure