Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
Alfie Mandeville suffers insomnia and is sent to Scarbrook House, a sanatorium for wealthy children. Troubled by the eerie atmosphere and skittish patients, Alfie's condition gets worse, not better. As he lies awake one night, Alfie is haunted by visions of a strange creature moving through the darkness at the edge of the patients' beds. The creatures are hunting a demon escaped from the depths of Hell - and that the only protection against them is to be asleep. Suddenly, insomnia becomes the most dangerous condition of all.
Is While the Others Sleep appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This gothic fantasy contains supernatural horror elements including demon-hunting creatures and life-threatening peril tied to sleep. The atmosphere is dark and creepy with moderate frightening imagery, suitable for mature middle grade and teen readers who enjoy spooky stories.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include captivity, death, and mental illness (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who love creepy, suspenseful stories with supernatural monsters will find this nightmare-inducing tale where staying awake becomes a matter of life and death absolutely gripping.