Gustav Gloom and the People Taker #1 [Hardcover]

Adam-Troy Castro (Author), Kristen Margiotta (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: August 16, 2012 | Age Range: 8 and up | Series: Gustav Gloom (Book 1)

Enter an exciting new world of shadows from Hugo Award nominee Adam-Troy Castro. Meet Gustav Gloom.

Fernie What finds herself lost in the Gloom mansion after her cat appears to have been chased there by its own shadow. Fernie discovers a library full of every book that was never written, a gallery of statues that are just plain awkward, and finds herself at dinner watching her own shadow take part in the feast!

Along the way Fernie is chased by the People Taker who is determined to take her to the Shadow Country. It's up to Fernie and Gustav to stop the People Taker before he takes Fernie's family.

Featuring a unique cover and beautifully dark full-page illustrations by Kristen Margiotta, Gustav Gloom is sure to be a hit with fans who love a little darkness in their lives.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-Here's a great read for fans of dark tales with happy endings, not to mention wonderful graphite illustrations. Ten-year-old Fernie and her 12-year-old sister, Pearlie, have just moved into their brightly painted house on Sunnyside Terrace amid all the other cheery homes, save for the black mansion directly across the street. This is Gustav Gloom's house. Gustav is a soulful looking 10-year-old with an unusual secret: he is neither human nor shadow and cannot leave the confines of his dark, mysterious house. The People Taker and his Beast and a library in Gustav's house figure significantly in the story. In a clever twist on the perplexing question of self (and possibly inspired by the saying "Afraid of his own shadow"), Castro explores how we are defined by our physical bodies, imbuing shadows with personalities and wills of their own. Fernie is a stereotype-bending heroine who gives readers something to consider when defining gender roles. And finally, the eternal theme of friendship is beautifully explored in the relationship that develops between Fernie and Gustav. Castro's well-paced story keeps readers engaged in these relationships and in the mystery that unfolds. This is a satisfying introduction for middle grade readers into the scary and dark themes that resonate so well with teens. Fans of Adam Gidwitz's A Tale Dark & Grimm (Dutton, 2010) can add this to their list of creepy tales.-Mary Beth Rassulo, Ridgefield Library, CTα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Adam-Troy Castro lives in Miami, Florida.

Kristen Margiotta lives in Newark, Delaware.

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (August 16, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448458330
• ISBN-13: 978-0448458335
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #208,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for kids! August 17, 2012

By Steph

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

OK, let me start by saying I am 45 years old and just read Gustav Gloom And The People Taker. Who says it is only for kids? I adored it! There were no slow parts in the book from beginning to end. What a great mind Mr. Castro has with such strong characters. The only problem is having to wait for the next book to come out. How could this possibly get any better? Not to give anything away, but I had to wipe my eyes at the end! I just want to hug Gustav! I can see a Tim Burton movie out of this series!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for kids and adults September 6, 2012

By Mark A Goldberg

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was surprised at how much I have enjoyed reading Gustav Gloom to my kids, ages 8 and 10. The story moves along at a brisk pace, and I found myself continuing to read the book after they went to bed. Some elements may be a bit too scary for kids under 7 or 8, but if you are looking for a children's book that will provide a fun, challenging read for kids aged 8-15, you will find few that are better than this.

I cannot wait to see further adventures in Gustav's world. Highly recommended

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars If Ever September 14, 2012

By Brundlefly

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If ever a book deserved to be given the big budget movie treatment, rendered in IMAX, 3D and 60 frames per second, it would be GUSTAV GLOOM AND THE PEOPLE TAKER. And even that might not match the imaginative and elegant prose of author Adam-Troy Castro. What a world he creates! Can't wait for the next volume.