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The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: The House with a Clock in Its Walls
Rating: 4.2 (17 reviews)
Author: John Bellairs

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both magicians! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Selenna Izard. It seems that Selenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls—a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can stop… Sign up for the full guide

Middle Grade • 2018 • 179 pages • Grade 5-7

by John Bellairs

4.2

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

10+

This classic gothic mystery follows an orphaned boy who discovers his uncle is a warlock and accidentally raises a malevolent witch from the dead. While the magical elements are whimsical and cozy, the book contains several scenes of genuine suspense, dark occult imagery, and a sense of existential dread regarding the 'Doomsday clock.' It is an ideal spooky read for middle-grade students who enjoy light horror and themes of courage and… Sign up for the full guide

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Is The House with a Clock in Its Walls appropriate for kids?

Content severity in The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Sex None 0/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Mild 2/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in The House with a Clock in Its Walls, moment by moment

p. 12 🍷 Substances 2/10
p. 18 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
p. 24 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10

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Sex and nudity in The House with a Clock in Its Walls

This book contains no sexual content, nudity, or romantic themes. The narrative focuses entirely on the platonic relationship between the young protagonist and his guardian, maintaining a tone appropriate for middle-grade readers. As a classic work of children's gothic fiction, it avoids any mature or suggestive material. Even subtle hints of attraction are absent, as the primary adults, Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann, interact with a bickering, familial camaraderie. The story remains grounded in mystery and…

Violence and gore in The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Moderate for middle-grade horror. Includes a ritual to raise the dead, a character being chased by a ghostly figure, and a final confrontation involving dark magic and the threat of global destruction. Lewis Barnavelt experiences moments of intense supernatural terror, such as seeing a face in a crystal ball and being pursued by a phantom car. The threat of Isaac and Selena Izard is portrayed through unsettling imagery, including a hand of glory and a skeletal figure. While bloodless, the suspense is thick and the…

Language in The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Very mild. Rare uses of terms like 'hell' used in a non-profane context or mild insults appropriate for the 1940s setting. A character occasionally uses 'good grief' or 'darn,' reflecting the era's polite sensibilities. The most aggressive language involves Lewis being teased or called names by his peers, which is emotionally painful but linguistically mild. There are no modern vulgarities or obscenities present in the text. The overall vocabulary is sophisticated but clean, suitable for readers aged ten and older.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Very mild. Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann are shown drinking wine or sherry socially, and Jonathan smokes a pipe. These moments are depicted as cozy, everyday habits of the adult characters rather than instances of intoxication. Lewis is often served hot cocoa or cookies, contrasting the adult's preferences for spirits. There is no mention of illicit drugs or alcohol abuse throughout the story. The depiction of smoking and drinking is purely atmospheric, reinforcing the 1940s domestic setting.

Mature themes in The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Deals with the grief of losing parents, the desire for social acceptance/popularity, and the battle between white and black magic (high stakes occultism). Lewis Barnavelt struggles with his identity as an unathletic boy trying to impress the popular Tarby Corrigan. The story explores the ethics of using magic for personal gain versus the protection of others. Existential dread is present through the ticking of the Doomsday clock hidden within the house. Ultimately, the book emphasizes themes of courage, the…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The House with a Clock in Its Walls appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The House with a Clock in Its Walls is best for ages 10+. This classic gothic mystery follows an orphaned boy who discovers his uncle is a warlock and accidentally raises a malevolent witch from the dead. While the magical elements are whimsical and cozy, the book contains…

What age rating does The House with a Clock in Its Walls have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. The House with a Clock in Its Walls is published for a Middle Grade audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What reading level is The House with a Clock in Its Walls?

The House with a Clock in Its Walls is 179 pages and its reading level is Grade 5-7. Bontent recommends it for ages 10+.

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Is there sex or nudity in The House with a Clock in Its Walls?

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