The Battle for the Castle
by Elizabeth Winthrop

Two years have passed since Mrs. Phillips went away. But as William turns twelve years old, he is still small, slight, and gentle-hearted. He still has the toy castle that Mrs. Phillips gave him when he turned ten, though he rarely plays with it now. He is still the star of the gymnastics team, but he isn’t sure he likes the sport any more. And he is more lonely than ever, as his only friend seems to have grown past him. When both boys attempt the local rite of passage called “jumping the trains,” Jason succeeds and William fails – making the difference between them even greater.

So when Mrs. Phillips sends him a magic medallion as his birthday present, William can’t resist inviting Jason to join him on an adventure. Using the medallion to shrink them both enough to enter the toy castle, William introduces Jason to an amazing world of magic, chivalry, and adventure.

Too soon, the friends are caught up in a crisis of deadly seriousness. A shadow of danger hangs over the land where the magic token leads them. Dire prophecies, a gruesome ship of death, and finally an army of flesh-eating rats threaten the lives of all. And because no one believes two boys from the future and a fiercely independent girl named Gudrin, when the danger reaches its peak only William can defend the castle.

This sequel to The Castle in the Attic is equally as effective as the original. Well-paced, well-told, and with a lovable young hero, it tells a touching tale about friendship and courage and the surprising shapes (and sizes) in which they can be found.

Robbie Fischer
USA

Recommended Age: 10+

1/29/06

If you would like to contact Robbie, you may do so here.