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Cover of The Unseen

The Unseen

Zilpha Keatley Snyder (2004)

SubgenreChildren's Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age10
Goodreads3.47

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Animal HarmBullying

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age HeroineOrphan

Synopsis

Xandra Hobson has always been fascinated by magic. So when she rescues a beautiful wounded bird, she is convinced that the glowing white feather it leaves behind must be magical. When she brings the feather to school, she is surprised to find that Belinda is interested in it, too. Belinda is a weird girl whom everybody makes fun of. Xandra doesn't want to be seen with her, but Belinda seems to know something about the feather--so Xandra decides to befriend her. Belinda calls the feather a key.But a key to what? And how does it work? When Xandra tries to use the key, she becomes aware of an unseen world, full of phantoms. Some are soft and cuddly, like the young animals she has rescued. But others are terrifying monsters. Could the key's magic be evil? Xandra needs Belinda to help her explore the unseen, but she also needs to learn to help herself if the key is to become a gift and not a nightmare.From the Hardcover edition.

Is The Unseen appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A gentle magical adventure about friendship and acceptance. Contains mild peril from supernatural creatures and themes of bullying/social exclusion, but ultimately positive messages about overcoming prejudice and finding inner courage.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal harm and bullying.

Who'll love this

Kids who love magic and animals will enjoy this story about a girl who discovers a magical feather that opens up a hidden world of phantoms.

Tags

Contemporary FantasyMagical RealismSchool SettingAnimal Magic