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Cover of The Spoon in the Bathroom Wall

The Spoon in the Bathroom Wall

Tony Johnston (2005)

SubgenreEpic Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age8
Goodreads3.28
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Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Class Struggle

Positive tags

Coming of AgeFound FamilyAdventureHeartwarming

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age HeroineFish out of WaterWorking-Class Heroine

Protagonist archetypes

Chosen One

Tropes

Chosen OneAncient ArtifactComing of AgeFish out of WaterMentor FigureArthurian Legend

Themes

Class StruggleIdentityChosen DestinyCourageSocial OutsiderMythic Resonance

Synopsis

Living in the boiler room of the school where her father is janitor seems normal to fourth grader Martha Snapdragon, until she has experiences with an evil principal, the class bully, and a mysterious giant spoon, all reminiscent of the Arthurian legends.

Is The Spoon in the Bathroom Wall appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 8 and up.

A gentle middle-grade fantasy with Arthurian echoes featuring an underdog protagonist who lives in her school's boiler room. Mild peril from an antagonistic principal and bully, but age-appropriate conflict resolution.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include class struggle.

Who'll love this

Readers who love underdog heroes and magical mysteries will enjoy Martha's Arthurian-inspired adventure with a mysterious giant spoon.

Tags

Magical RealismContemporary FantasyArthurian Retelling