Surrender the Key
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016 · Est. 5 hour read

Surrender the Key

By D.J. MacHale

Book #1 in the The Library series

Unlock a library of unfinished tales where stories can turn deadly.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 811 ratings
272 pages· 46,713 words· Est. 5 hour read
$7.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Marcus and his friends discover a key to a mysterious library filled with unfinished stories. Haunted by strange figures and cryptic warnings, they must solve the puzzles before time runs out. Will they uncover the truth, or will the stories finish them first?

From the publisher

Previously published as Curse of the Boggin. A fast-paced, thrilling series opener from bestselling author D. J. MacHale. Check out a book–and unlock an adventure! There’s a place filled with tales that don’t have an ending. Puzzles that won’t be solved until someone steps in to finish them. Enter the Library. Marcus and his friends have found the key to open it. And they need to use it, because, clearly, something is up. A strange guy in a bathrobe haunts them; fires rage and flare out in an instant; a peculiar old lady keeps telling them, “Surrender the key. . . .” At first Marcus thinks he’s going nuts, until the mystery gets personal. The Library may hold some answers, but the clock is running out. Because on these library shelves, the stories you don’t finish might just finish you. . . . Kids love Surrender the Key (The Library, Book 1): “A mysterious, hard-to-put-down book with a twisting plot, funny characters, and haunting souls. I can’t wait to hear what adventures they have next.” –A.J. H., age 11 “I read enough in just one day to fill my school reading log for a week.” –Michael C., age 10 “A unique, intriguing book filled with page-turning adventures.” –Madeline H., age 12 “Couldn’t put it down. I stayed up reading until 11:00 p.m. with only one thought in my mind: one more chapter!” –Ben H., age 11

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
272
Words
46,713
Reading age
9–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
580L
Themes & topics
Books about the libraryBooks about books and libraries
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from D.J. MacHale

Explore D.J.'s bookshelf
The Merchant of Death
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1099

The Merchant of Death

Ages 11–15 · 2002

Project Alpha

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Don't Turn Out the Lights

Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Monster Princess

Ages 4–6 · 2010
The series

The The Library series

See the whole series
Sale price
$799

Black Moon Rising

Ages 9–12 · 2017
Sale price
$1699

Oracle of Doom

Ages 9–12 · 2018
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books
Sale price
$899

The Story Collector

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Scritch Scratch

Ages 10–13 · 2020
Sale price
$1799

Spirit Hunters

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls

Ages 9–13 · 2017

Notorious

Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Darkdeep

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Into the Lion's Den

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A Tail of Camelot

Ages 8–12 · 2016
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
4.3
F&P level
~O
AR points
7
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
184699
Publication
Published
September 19, 2017
First published
September 6, 2016
Publisher
Yearling
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781101932568

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: The Goodfather

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo