Dickens & Rumi
Cover of SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS

book

SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS

Laura Amy Schlitz

Clara disappears after a puppet show at her 12th birthday party.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The novel combines substantial suspense, kidnapping, grief, threatening villains, supernatural danger, and emotionally complex secrets with middle-grade themes of friendship and courage. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Themes of loss and grief are present, and the threat of death is a plot driver.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric descriptions of dark, gloomy settings, but no graphic injury depictions.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Uses formal, period-appropriate language; no coarse language.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No specific religious content, though it explores themes of morality and magic.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Living-looking puppets, a sinister puppeteer, missing-child suspense, criminal secrets, and a deadly witch create sustained gothic tension.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Threats, pursuit, kidnapping-related danger, and confrontations with criminal and supernatural villains are important, though not primarily graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Children investigate a disappearance, expose dangerous adults, flee threats, and persist despite fear and hardship.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Puppetry, theatrical illusion, vivid gothic world-building, and imaginative supernatural elements strongly invite creative engagement.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the historical context of the time without overt focus on contemporary diversity markers.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers exposure to rich, descriptive vocabulary and Victorian-era historical settings.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Kindness between the children is a central counterpoint to the characters' selfishness.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes regarding the importance of choosing kindness, honesty, and bravery over greed.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The young protagonists demonstrate significant agency, loyalty, and resilience.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereSPLENDORS AND GLOOMS
THE RAVEN BOYSMaggie StiefvaterAges 13+The Adventures of Tom SawyerMark Twain · 1817Ages 12+LINGERMaggie StiefvaterAges 13+SHIVERMaggie StiefvaterAges 13+

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

Report an incorrect rating