The Boggart

By Susan Cooper

Part of the The Boggart series

A mischievous spirit trapped in Toronto must use magic and technology to find its way home.

6.0/7 Bookroo expert·3.8/5 Goodreads · 4,981 ratings

240 pages

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Bookroo's summary

When the Volnik family inherits a Scottish castle, they unknowingly bring a mischievous spirit, the Boggart, to Toronto. Chaos ensues as the Boggart's pranks disrupt their lives, leaving Emily accused of causing disturbances. Yearning for home, the Boggart must navigate a world that dismisses magic, relying on a daring mix of technology and ancient spells to return. Can the Boggart find its way back, or will it be trapped forever in a world that doesn't believe?

From the publisher

When Emily and Jess Volnik’s family inherits a remote, crumbling Scottish castle, they also inherit the Boggart – an invisible, mischievious spirit who’s been playing tricks on residents of Castle Keep for generations. Then the Boggart is trapped in a rolltop desk and inadvertently shipped to the Volnik’s home in Toronto, where nothing will ever be the same – for the Volniks or the Boggart. In a world that doesn’t believe in magic, the Boggart’s pranks wreak havoc, particularly for Emily, who is accused of causing psychic disturbances. And even the newfound joys of peanut butter and pizza and fudge sauce eventually wear thin for the Boggart. He wants to go home – but his only hope lies in a risky and daring blend of modern technology and ancient magic.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 240
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 970L

Themes & topics

Books about mythical creatures Books about Canada Books about culture Books about magic Books about siblings

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.

Presence of Death

The opening chapter of this book includes the death of an old man (from old age).

Serious Subject Matter

This book contains 2 instances of the mom accusing a 16-year old friend of one of her children of doing drugs (he doesn't.)

What readers & critics say