82 pages 2 hours read

Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Black Cloak

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty follows the adventures of 12-year-old Serafina, who secretly lives in the basement of the historic Biltmore Estate in 1899. When children start disappearing, Serafina discovers that the villain known as the Man in the Black Cloak is responsible and sets out to uncover his identity and stop him. Along the way, she learns about her mysterious origins and many unusual skills.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Robert Beatty's Serafina and the Black Cloak skillfully blends mystery, fantasy, and historical elements, garnering praise for its compelling plot and atmospheric setting. The character of Serafina is highly engaging, though some critics noted the pacing can lag in parts. Overall, it's a captivating read for middle-grade audiences intrigued by supernatural adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Serafina and the Black Cloak?

A reader who enjoys Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty is likely a middle-grade student who loves historical mysteries, supernatural elements, and strong, young female protagonists. Similar readers might enjoy The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.

RecommendedReading Age

9-12years

Lexile Level

850L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Topics

Animals

Themes

Relationships: Family

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil