Gussy

By Jimmy Cajoleas

A young Protector faces a mysterious threat that breaches her village's defenses.

3.6/5 Goodreads · 93 ratings

336 pages

$16.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Gussy steps into the role of village Protector when her grandfather leaves unexpectedly. Unprepared, she must perform magical Rites to guard against the Great Doom. On her first night, a mysterious girl arrives, forcing Gussy to break the cardinal rule: never open the gates after dark. As the Great Doom infiltrates the village, Gussy must rely on unexpected allies to save her home. Can she uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows and protect her village from destruction?

From the publisher

A magical, lyrical middle grade novel that will enchant fans of Kelly Barnhill and Anne Ursu, about a girl who must take on the ultimate responsibility in her village–and the dangers of secrets kept locked away in the dark. Gussy knows that being a village Protector is a big job, even if Grandpa Widow makes the role look easy. So when Grandpa Widow is suddenly called to travel across the desert surrounding the village, and Gussy has to step into the role of Protector herself, she barely feels ready to perform the magical Rites that keep her village safe from the Great Doom, the mysterious power that threatens the residents in the lands outside.On her very first night in charge, a mysterious young girl arrives in search of shelter, forcing Gussy to break the number one rule of being a Protector: When the sun goes down, keep the gates shut.Soon it becomes clear that the Great Doom has managed to get inside the village walls. And as the villagers all look to Gussy for help, Gussy will have to turn to some surprising allies to save the only home she’s ever known.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 336
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade

Themes & topics

Books about music Books about family Books about performing arts Books about social themes Books about strangers

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Scary Villains and Characters

The force trying to enter the village possesses villagers and makes them do scary things like climb on the walls and ceilings. The force has to be cast out for them to return to normal.

For readers who can't stop at one