Attica - Softcover

Twice shortlisted for the Carnegie prize, world-travelling Garry Kilworth has written a number of acclaimed and much-loved stories for children.

*Starred Review* An unexplored attic is as mysterious and intriguing as an unknown land, one where hidden dangers and potential treasures might be found amid layers of junk and dust, if you only look. Kilworth more than delivers on this premise in his innovative fantasy adventure about Attica, a treacherous but wondrous environment fit for intrepid explorers and treasure hunters alike. Step-siblings Jordy, Chloe, and Alex stumble upon Attica in their search for their landlord’s pocket watch—one moment they are in the attic of their new home, the next, a vast landscape: forests of coat racks, hills of typewriters, plains of bare boards, waterholes of water tanks, villages of wardrobes, brambles of twisted wire coat hangers. As they search for both the pocket watch and the way home, they run into creatures hostile as well as helpful, all of which fit within the environment, such as angry mannequins who dress up their human prey in humiliating garments and mock them before killing them. Kilworth doesn’t skimp on his characterization or story, either. The children have distinct personalities and react to Attica in realistic ways, finding their own strengths in this exhilarating, unpredictable environment. This book is a rare find. Grades 4-8. --Krista Hutley