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Cover of THE SHADOWS

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THE SHADOWS

Jacqueline West

A girl and her family move into an old mansion where the paintings are more than art.

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? The story has sustained eerie imagery, magical peril, threatening spirits, grief, and emotionally intense danger, but its violence is generally non-graphic and its themes suit middle-grade readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

There is a backstory involving the death of previous inhabitants.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

No strong language.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Spooky paintings, ghosts or spirits, supernatural threats, confinement, and eerie discoveries create sustained frightening tension.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes involve mild supernatural peril and confrontation with shadows.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist repeatedly faces frightening supernatural forces and takes risks to protect friends and uncover the truth.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The enchanted paintings, hidden worlds, magical rules, and inventive problem-solving strongly stimulate imagination and curiosity.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited diversity within the small cast.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on local history and observation skills.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters help each other navigate the mystery.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It supports confronting fear, questioning manipulation, protecting others, building trust, and valuing friendship and family connection.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Olive is a resourceful and inquisitive protagonist.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in THE SHADOWS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE SHADOWS, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE SHADOWS
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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