Goblin Secrets

In the city of Zombay, young Rownie lives under the care of a witch named Graba along with her other "grandchildren." He searches for his missing brother Rowan, who disappeared after joining an illegal acting troupe of goblins - former humans who have been transformed. The strict laws of Zombay forbid masks and acting by humans, yet the mysterious goblin performers continue their craft in defiance. When Rownie joins these theatrical outcasts, he learns their secrets while hoping to find answers about his brother's fate. Mechanical magic, clockwork machines, and dark forces shape life in Zombay as Rownie navigates between the world of Graba's control and the dangerous freedom of the goblin players. The story builds toward a climactic performance that could change everything for the city and its inhabitants. This fantasy novel explores themes of identity, transformation, and the power of performance through its blend of steampunk elements and theatrical traditions. The masks that characters wear or reject become central symbols in a tale about finding one's true self.

Readers describe this book as unique but uneven. Many found the theatrical and goblins elements creative, with the masks and performance aspects standing out as memorable elements. Likes: - Fast-paced adventure suitable for middle-grade readers - Original take on goblins and magic - Strong world-building and atmosphere - Appeals to theater-loving kids Dislikes: - Character development feels rushed - Plot threads left unresolved - World-building lacks clear explanations - Some readers struggled to connect emotionally with the story Multiple reviews note the book requires patience, with one Goodreads reviewer stating "the story takes time to find its footing but rewards careful reading." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (80+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 The book won the 2012 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, though reader reactions trend more moderate than critical acclaim would suggest.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern A tale of two rival magicians who create performances with real magic in a mysterious traveling circus combines theatrical elements and hidden magic in the same way as Goblin Secrets.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman This story of an orphaned boy raised by supernatural creatures in a graveyard shares themes of found family and dark magic with Goblin Secrets.

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson A young girl lives in a house that walks on chicken legs while her grandmother guides the dead to the afterlife, offering the same blend of folklore and theater found in Goblin Secrets.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner The story follows a clever thief navigating political intrigue and ancient magic in a world where performances and deception play central roles.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley A boy seeks out a magical circus to save his grandfather, weaving together themes of performance, magic, and family bonds that mirror those in Goblin Secrets.

🏆 "Goblin Secrets" won the 2012 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, making William Alexander one of the few debut authors to receive this prestigious honor. 🎭 The story's unique blend of steampunk and theatrical elements was inspired by Alexander's background in theater and his fascination with clockwork mechanics. 🌍 The fictional city of Zombay, where the story takes place, was partly influenced by the author's experiences living in Minneapolis, particularly its theater scene and industrial history. 🎪 The goblins in the book are traveling actors who wear masks, drawing from various cultural traditions where masks are used in storytelling and performance art. 🔄 The author wrote significant portions of the novel while riding the city bus to and from his job teaching at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.