The Diamond in the Window (The Hall Family Chronicles) [Paperback]

Jane Langton (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 31, 1973 | Age Range: 10 and up | Series: Harper Trophy Books | Lexile Measure: 820L (What's this?)

A very unusual house...

Eddy and Eleanor Hall have always known that their family was a bit out of the ordinary. After all, they live in one of the most remarkable houses in all of Concord. But they never guessed just how extraordinary their house really is, or what tremendous secrets about their family's past it holds. That is, until they discover the magical attic room with its beautiful stained-glass window, abandoned toys, and two perfectly made-up, empty beds that seem to be waitingperhaps for two children just like themselves....

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jane Langton studied astronomy at Wellesley College and the University of Michigan and did graduate work in art history at the University of Michigan and Radcliffe College. Ms. Langton is the author of a dozen books for young people, including seven other fantasies about the Hall family of Concord, Massachusetts: The Diamond in the Window, The Swing in the Summerhouse, The Astonishing Stereoscope, the Newbery Honor Book The Fledgling, The Fragile Flag, The Time Bike, and The Mysterious Circus. Also well known for her mystery novels for adults, Ms. Langton lives in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Age Range: 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (October 31, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064400425
• ISBN-13: 978-0064400428
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've written an awful lot of books. There are eleven for middle-aged children, mostly fantasies. The ones that have hung around the longest are "The Diamond in the Window" and "The Fledgling." The seventh in the series called "The Hall Family Chronicles" came out last spring, "The Mysterious Circus," and I've just finished writing an eighth, "The Dragon Tree."

All eighteen mysteries for adults have the same protagonists, Homer and Mary Kelly. Mary is the sensible one, but I confess I like Homer's rhapsodic flights of fancy. Most of their adventures happen in Massachusetts, but I've also sent them to farflung places I wanted to visit myself, like Florence, Oxford and Venice. Most of the novels are illustrated with my own drawings, but "The Escher Twist" has ten prints by the mysterious Dutch artist M. C. Escher, and the two historical mysteries are illustrated with nineteenth-century photographs.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one flawless diamond! May 5, 2001

By Linda J. Barrett

Format:Paperback

A couple of months ago, my 28 year old son Christopher called me and asked about some long forgotten books of his. He is mentoring some young children who are not book lovers and thought that some of his most beloved books could change their minds about reading. I pulled the box filled with his childhood treasures down from the top shelf of his old closet. Insided, I found not only rusting Hot Wheels and baseball cards, but the book, "Diamond In The Window". I caught my breath, for suddenly I was again a young mother reading to her 9 year old son. I admit to having forgotten about this story through the intervening years, but the moment I looked at the cover, the images came flooding back. Not only did the images come back, but I was immediately compelled to read this book once again. Even after a span of nearly 20 years, between the first time I read this book to now, I can honestly say that this is one of the best children's stories I have ever read. The story revolves around a brother and sister who discover a riddle that mysteriously appears in the attic window of their home. The riddle leads them to another dimension and some long...and very lost relatives. It is up to the children to solve the ever evolving riddle that will bring their relatives back to the present...and in the process, save the entire family from ruin and disgrace.Well, I contacted my son and told him about my "discovery" and mailed him the book. He called the other day to let me know that the book had worked the miracle he was after. After he received it, he began each Saturday morning by reading a portion of the story to the children he mentors. By the third Saturday, the kids were so hooked they insisted that Christopher take them to the library so they could get their own copy of the book and finish reading it! Not only did they finish "Diamond In The Window", but have been back twice to the library to check out more books! This then, is a book I can heartily recommend for any kid at heart...no matter their age...even a 51 year old mother and a 28 year old son. Buy it. You won't regret it.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrills with a touch of Transcendentalism - and treasure September 1, 2000

By Ivy

Format:Paperback

The Diamond in the Window is the start of Jane Langton's Concord series (for children, unlike much of her writing). It is, without question, one of the true classics of children's literature, fit to stand next to E. Nesbit, Edward Eager, and J.K. Rowling.

In The Diamond in the Window, Eleanor and Edward discover a boarded up room in their attic - and with it, a family mystery. Their Uncle Ned and Aunt Nora disappeared, years ago, from that attic room, and a few days later, so did a houseguest. While investigating the disappearances, they find a poem written on the stained glass window of the attic, which leads them to adventure and treasure.

One of Langton's great strengths is the amount of adult references she can pack into a book without alienating her child audience. Diamond is full of Transcendentalism and the history of Concord, but the information is presented in a way that makes it accessible to readers of all ages. This is an ideal book for reading aloud to an older kid (6 - 10) - sure to promote discussion, and able to hold interest for both adults and children.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars !LUFREDNOW October 3, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book had a lasting effect on me when I read it 30 years ago. I especially liked the backwards names that Eddy kept doing. I have my name backwards on my license plate because of this book. I learned more about Thoreau and Emerson in this book than anywhere else in my readings. I recommend this to voracious readers of any age.