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Witch Mountain
Escape to Witch Mountain
Some terrifying experience has blocked Tony and Tia's memory of the past. But because they have supernatural powers, they are sure that they come from another world--and that their people still exist somewhere.
Then Tony and Tia find that they must escape from men who want to use their special powers for evil. They begin a desperate search to find their true home--which leads them to the strange and mysterious Witch Mountain.
Then Tony and Tia find that they must escape from men who want to use their special powers for evil. They begin a desperate search to find their true home--which leads them to the strange and mysterious Witch Mountain.
180 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1968
65 people are currently reading
2037 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Key
73 books99 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
An American science fiction writer, most of whose books were aimed at a juvenile audience. He became a nationally known illustrator before he became an author. After he began writing novels for young people, he moved his family to the North Carolina mountains, and most of his books include that wild and rugged landscape.
His novel Escape to Witch Mountain was made into a popular film in 1975 and again in 1995. His novel The Incredible Tide became a popular anime series, Future Boy Conan.
He is known for his portrayals of alien but human-like people who have psychic powers and a close communion with nature, and who can speak with animals. In The Strange White Doves, he professed his belief that animals are conscious and aware, and have subtle ways of communicating, perhaps via telepathy.
The protagonists of Key's books are often ostracized, feared, or persecuted due to their abilities or alien origin, and Key uses this as a clear metaphor for racism and other prejudice. In several of the books (most notably The Case of the Vanishing Boy,) Key portrays some sort of communal withdrawing from society with a group of like-minded individuals. - Wikipedia -
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
An American science fiction writer, most of whose books were aimed at a juvenile audience. He became a nationally known illustrator before he became an author. After he began writing novels for young people, he moved his family to the North Carolina mountains, and most of his books include that wild and rugged landscape.
His novel Escape to Witch Mountain was made into a popular film in 1975 and again in 1995. His novel The Incredible Tide became a popular anime series, Future Boy Conan.
He is known for his portrayals of alien but human-like people who have psychic powers and a close communion with nature, and who can speak with animals. In The Strange White Doves, he professed his belief that animals are conscious and aware, and have subtle ways of communicating, perhaps via telepathy.
The protagonists of Key's books are often ostracized, feared, or persecuted due to their abilities or alien origin, and Key uses this as a clear metaphor for racism and other prejudice. In several of the books (most notably The Case of the Vanishing Boy,) Key portrays some sort of communal withdrawing from society with a group of like-minded individuals. - Wikipedia -
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
August 7, 2014
I grew up with this book and have loved it all my life, so it’s hard for me to tell how well it’s aged. I can say that it was a lot of fun to reread in the Harry Potter era. A few pages in, I started checking “hero” characteristics off in my mind.
Here. Take this handy quiz – maybe you have what it takes to be a hero!
Are you an orphan? (At the beginning of Escape, Tony and his sister Tia have just suffered the loss of the grandmotherly woman who’s cared for them as long as they can remember. She wasn’t really a relative, but she was nice to them. But now she’s dead. And so far as they know, they have no blood ties.)
Are you a good kid who’s surrounded by people who misunderstand and are inclined to assume the worst about you? (Tony “has a bad reputation for fighting,” though all he ever does is fend off bullies. Tia is accused of theft when really she only broke into a building in order to rescue a trapped kitten.)
Do you have any unusual physical characteristics? (No lightning bolts here, but Tony and Tia’s “pale hair” contrasts sharply with their “olive skins” and “dark-blue eyes that were almost black.” Also, Tia is mute, although she can “talk” to her brother – see below.)
Any magical powers to report? (Heck, yeah. Telekinesis, telepathy – you know, the usual. Okay, and some unusual: Tony can get an accurate picture in his head of any place he hears about, even if he’s never been there in his life; Tia has total recall, going all the way back to her toddler years.)
If “yes” to the above, do your magical powers manifest in morally upstanding ways? (Tia can effortlessly open any lock, but only if it’s “right” for her to do so. She could never open a locked door if she was trying to steal money, for instance, but she can get through one in order to save trapped kittens no one else can hear. Tony can play his harmonica so beautifully, even wild animals are charmed. And this music amps his telekinetic abilities.)
Not to get too personal, but can you quite literally speak another species’ language? (See above re Tia and kittehs. Also bears. Pretty much any animal, in fact.)
Have you always felt, well, kind of different from the people around you? (Tony and Tia have sensed all their lives that this world isn’t truly their own. Boy howdy, are they right.)
Might there be a community of people just like you out there somewhere, and are you trying to find them so you can live your life without feeling like such a weirdo all the time? (Yes and yes.)
Got a nemesis? (Big time. The scariest thing about Lucas Deranian is that he doesn’t want to kill Tony and Tia. He wants to own them.)
Okay, pencils down, please. The quiz is over. If you enjoyed it, I recommend this story as a good old-fashioned adventure. (And if you’re old enough to remember the movie – the book is nothing like it. It’s much more serious and intense.)
Here. Take this handy quiz – maybe you have what it takes to be a hero!
Are you an orphan? (At the beginning of Escape, Tony and his sister Tia have just suffered the loss of the grandmotherly woman who’s cared for them as long as they can remember. She wasn’t really a relative, but she was nice to them. But now she’s dead. And so far as they know, they have no blood ties.)
Are you a good kid who’s surrounded by people who misunderstand and are inclined to assume the worst about you? (Tony “has a bad reputation for fighting,” though all he ever does is fend off bullies. Tia is accused of theft when really she only broke into a building in order to rescue a trapped kitten.)
Do you have any unusual physical characteristics? (No lightning bolts here, but Tony and Tia’s “pale hair” contrasts sharply with their “olive skins” and “dark-blue eyes that were almost black.” Also, Tia is mute, although she can “talk” to her brother – see below.)
Any magical powers to report? (Heck, yeah. Telekinesis, telepathy – you know, the usual. Okay, and some unusual: Tony can get an accurate picture in his head of any place he hears about, even if he’s never been there in his life; Tia has total recall, going all the way back to her toddler years.)
If “yes” to the above, do your magical powers manifest in morally upstanding ways? (Tia can effortlessly open any lock, but only if it’s “right” for her to do so. She could never open a locked door if she was trying to steal money, for instance, but she can get through one in order to save trapped kittens no one else can hear. Tony can play his harmonica so beautifully, even wild animals are charmed. And this music amps his telekinetic abilities.)
Not to get too personal, but can you quite literally speak another species’ language? (See above re Tia and kittehs. Also bears. Pretty much any animal, in fact.)
Have you always felt, well, kind of different from the people around you? (Tony and Tia have sensed all their lives that this world isn’t truly their own. Boy howdy, are they right.)
Might there be a community of people just like you out there somewhere, and are you trying to find them so you can live your life without feeling like such a weirdo all the time? (Yes and yes.)
Got a nemesis? (Big time. The scariest thing about Lucas Deranian is that he doesn’t want to kill Tony and Tia. He wants to own them.)
Okay, pencils down, please. The quiz is over. If you enjoyed it, I recommend this story as a good old-fashioned adventure. (And if you’re old enough to remember the movie – the book is nothing like it. It’s much more serious and intense.)
January 9, 2021
I remember quite distinctly reading this book for the first time as a child-- I remember I was reading it in my grandmother's basement and fervently wishing to be like Tia. My dad even helped me make a wooden box with a false bottom and two stars on it, like hers.
It's a pretty strange book in a lot of ways-- the fact that it has stuck with me for over two decades is a testament to that. A swift and engaging read. Though I have to say, I don't remember the anti-Communist priest lol (ah, the 60s).
It's a pretty strange book in a lot of ways-- the fact that it has stuck with me for over two decades is a testament to that. A swift and engaging read. Though I have to say, I don't remember the anti-Communist priest lol (ah, the 60s).
August 11, 2024
Attention, all orphans!
Do not trust Child Protective Services who will put you in false homes. Do not trust the courts who will place you with false families. Do not trust the police who will pounce from dark corners and chase you in prowl cars and in every way try to thwart you as you run away to find your real home. Do not trust country people who have been deputized by the police and have the word "witch" always on the tip of their tongues. If you feel that you don't belong, at least take heart in knowing you don't belong to them.
Do trust the Catholic Church for some reason. (???) They haven't burned a witch in a very long time!
But most of all trust your binary star, that person with whom your soul and theirs are caught in mutual orbit. How wonderful to have someone like that! In a world that is against orphans, where being witchy and different is constantly used against you, isn't it wonderful to find someone who is strange in the same way you are? Isn't it wonderful to find home in another?
Do not trust Child Protective Services who will put you in false homes. Do not trust the courts who will place you with false families. Do not trust the police who will pounce from dark corners and chase you in prowl cars and in every way try to thwart you as you run away to find your real home. Do not trust country people who have been deputized by the police and have the word "witch" always on the tip of their tongues. If you feel that you don't belong, at least take heart in knowing you don't belong to them.
Do trust the Catholic Church for some reason. (???) They haven't burned a witch in a very long time!
But most of all trust your binary star, that person with whom your soul and theirs are caught in mutual orbit. How wonderful to have someone like that! In a world that is against orphans, where being witchy and different is constantly used against you, isn't it wonderful to find someone who is strange in the same way you are? Isn't it wonderful to find home in another?
July 18, 2017
Escape to Witch Mountain has always been among my favorite Disney live-action films, so when I saw this book at my local library, I had to give it a try. I expected to like it, but I ended up simply adoring it. It's without a question one of the best books I've ever read; the plot is simple but not simplistic and the element of suspense was terrific. Most of all, Escape to Witch Mountain touches on deep themes such as sense of belonging, hating people without justification, and even stewardship of the planet. Its profound questions will haunt you long after the book's end. As you can already tell, I highly recommend this book. Read it as soon as you get the chance!
Side note: if you've watched the movie, there are some major differences. But unlike other instances when I've both read a book and watched the film adaptation, I don't necessarily hate the differences. Yes, I prefer the book, but the movie keeps the mood intact; I appreciate both.
Side note: if you've watched the movie, there are some major differences. But unlike other instances when I've both read a book and watched the film adaptation, I don't necessarily hate the differences. Yes, I prefer the book, but the movie keeps the mood intact; I appreciate both.
January 29, 2021
“She’d always said that there must be something very bad about money, because those who needed it most never had it, and so many who had it would do such awful things to get more of it."
― Alexander Key, Escape to Witch Mountain
My review:
Another great one from childhood! This is one of the best childhood adventure tales. I adored it and loved the movie too.
It's a fun story packed full of adventure and fun and love. Will have to do a reread soon.
― Alexander Key, Escape to Witch Mountain
My review:
Another great one from childhood! This is one of the best childhood adventure tales. I adored it and loved the movie too.
It's a fun story packed full of adventure and fun and love. Will have to do a reread soon.
February 26, 2009
I read this book aloud to my 10-year-old daughter. She loved it. I thought it just OK, at best. Key is a serviceable, if not inspired, wordsmith. The story was rather one-dimensional. I would have found it more enjoyable if the book had focused more on the character of the kids and their gradual uncovering of their abilities, and less on the mechanics of the chase.
April 20, 2009
When I was a kid, the movie Escape to Witch Mountain, and its sequel, Return from Witch Mountain, was on television all the time. I remember watching it with my brother endlessly, and recently I bought the DVD. I had never realized it was based on a book. Opening this up was like settling into my grandmother's recliner with this and Tom Corbett, Space Cadet novels. (I was quite well-read as a child, thanks to my grandpa's old stash.) It has all the feel of that type of novel, especially since my copy, through inter-library loan, was quite old.
This little book is completely fascinating and not at all condescending to its audience. It's straightforward, not cutesy and admirably not campy. It's a great complement to the movie.
This little book is completely fascinating and not at all condescending to its audience. It's straightforward, not cutesy and admirably not campy. It's a great complement to the movie.
March 2, 2020
Very fun read, clean, short, juvenile read. Imaginative. Strong on plot. Weak on character development. Short anti-communist theme, amusingly contradicted, seemingly without irony, by short diatribe about evils of owning property or needing money to buy things.
Two orphaned children with olive skin, pale hair, and mysterious abilities try to discover who they are and where they belong while avoiding devilish bad guys. The kids are helped by a roguish Catholic priest, a former Nam vet with a strong faith, deep goodness, and a strong right arm as well. He is the only character in the book who has any dimension to him at all.
Two orphaned children with olive skin, pale hair, and mysterious abilities try to discover who they are and where they belong while avoiding devilish bad guys. The kids are helped by a roguish Catholic priest, a former Nam vet with a strong faith, deep goodness, and a strong right arm as well. He is the only character in the book who has any dimension to him at all.
October 2, 2016
Loved it as a child; but it has weakened quite a bit with age. The rating is based on my 1970's pre-teen reading and not my current reading.
September 17, 2017
I read this once a super long time ago. It wasn't my favorite, but that's mainly 'cause this genre just isn't my thing. :)
May 6, 2021
I absolutely love the Walt Disney Film and the story was influential in my childhood development. I think many of us misfits related to the story and hoped. I didn't like the Return to Witch Mountain sequel film nearly as much (which is why I'm not currently planning to read the sequel book). It seems Disney created the film before Key wrote the accompanying sequel book. Alexander Key is a master storyteller and I've recently been experiencing more of his works. Key knows how to add just enough mystery to make us think.
Having finally read the book, I would say I personally prefer the movie presentation. Although Escape to Witch Mountain is Alexander Key's most popular and well-known book, I would suggest that The Forgotten Door (1965) and The Case of the Vanishing Boy (1979) are superior science fiction stories when compared to Escape to Witch Mountain (1968). One thing that all three stories have in common is , which certainly adds to the mystery. Coincidentally, the author died the same year that The Case of the Vanishing Boy was published, making Vanishing Boy his last published work.
Favorite Passages:
Dedication
To All Orphans, Of All Worlds.
Star Box
The world, he had learned, didn't like people who were different, and the less others knew about the two of them, the better.
________
There were mountains on the horizon. Mountains, misty blue and mysterious in the distance.
________
"A double star!" she whispered. "And done in gold leaf. That's very uncommon. I teach design, and I've seen this particular one used only once before in my life. It was on a letter."
________
Tony was speechless for a moment. The confusion and the rumbling bus being loaded beside him were forgotten. That curious, unknown world seemed just around the corner.
________
"It was something like Caroway, or Garroway, No, Hideaway seems closer - though that couldn't be it. Anyway, I do recall that he lived in the mountains, but much farther south. Somewhere down in the Blue Ridge."
Out of Yesterday
The drab world around them was forgotten. Here for a moment there was magic. Magic in the music, in the dancing dolls, and in the thought that somewhere, surely, there was a magical place where they could find other people like themselves.
Could it really be in the mountains? And why there?
Flight
There was something about the smile that, along with the lean face and thin curving lips, the sharp nose and dark hair, suddenly made Tony think of a picture he'd seen of the devil.
Mission
"A black cat! Ha! Am I being visited by witches?"
________
"If you're too different, people think you're a kook, or even worse."
________
"I believe that people like you and Tia are far ahead of your time. You belong to the future." He paused, and added hopefully, "You mentioned a broom . . . "
Journey
Uncle Bene. He began repeating the name over and over in his mind. It was like a tiny glow far away in the darkness of yesterday. When he was little there'd been someone he'd called Uncle Bene; someone who, for a short time, had been very important to him. The name had meant comfort and safety in a time of terror.
The Bears
Tony looked around him in amazement. It was a clear, moonless night, and from where he stood he could see - and for the first time in his life - the full sweep of the heavens.
________
He said in wonderment, "There must be spaceships out there somewhere, and other people . . ."
________
Witch Trap
"Hang on to Winkie, and may Heaven protect all stray black cats . . ."
Witch Mountain
After a long while he followed them. He would rather have gone in the opposite direction, but he wanted his first view of Witch Mountain to be in the dusk, when he could catch the honey glow of lights through the mist, and hear again the magic of music that would never be forgotten. After all that had happened, he knew it would be much wiser to wait a while
Having finally read the book, I would say I personally prefer the movie presentation. Although Escape to Witch Mountain is Alexander Key's most popular and well-known book, I would suggest that The Forgotten Door (1965) and The Case of the Vanishing Boy (1979) are superior science fiction stories when compared to Escape to Witch Mountain (1968). One thing that all three stories have in common is , which certainly adds to the mystery. Coincidentally, the author died the same year that The Case of the Vanishing Boy was published, making Vanishing Boy his last published work.
Favorite Passages:
Dedication
To All Orphans, Of All Worlds.
Star Box
The world, he had learned, didn't like people who were different, and the less others knew about the two of them, the better.
________
There were mountains on the horizon. Mountains, misty blue and mysterious in the distance.
________
"A double star!" she whispered. "And done in gold leaf. That's very uncommon. I teach design, and I've seen this particular one used only once before in my life. It was on a letter."
________
Tony was speechless for a moment. The confusion and the rumbling bus being loaded beside him were forgotten. That curious, unknown world seemed just around the corner.
________
"It was something like Caroway, or Garroway, No, Hideaway seems closer - though that couldn't be it. Anyway, I do recall that he lived in the mountains, but much farther south. Somewhere down in the Blue Ridge."
Out of Yesterday
The drab world around them was forgotten. Here for a moment there was magic. Magic in the music, in the dancing dolls, and in the thought that somewhere, surely, there was a magical place where they could find other people like themselves.
Could it really be in the mountains? And why there?
Flight
There was something about the smile that, along with the lean face and thin curving lips, the sharp nose and dark hair, suddenly made Tony think of a picture he'd seen of the devil.
Mission
"A black cat! Ha! Am I being visited by witches?"
________
"If you're too different, people think you're a kook, or even worse."
________
"I believe that people like you and Tia are far ahead of your time. You belong to the future." He paused, and added hopefully, "You mentioned a broom . . . "
Journey
Uncle Bene. He began repeating the name over and over in his mind. It was like a tiny glow far away in the darkness of yesterday. When he was little there'd been someone he'd called Uncle Bene; someone who, for a short time, had been very important to him. The name had meant comfort and safety in a time of terror.
The Bears
Tony looked around him in amazement. It was a clear, moonless night, and from where he stood he could see - and for the first time in his life - the full sweep of the heavens.
________
He said in wonderment, "There must be spaceships out there somewhere, and other people . . ."
________
Witch Trap
"Hang on to Winkie, and may Heaven protect all stray black cats . . ."
Witch Mountain
After a long while he followed them. He would rather have gone in the opposite direction, but he wanted his first view of Witch Mountain to be in the dusk, when he could catch the honey glow of lights through the mist, and hear again the magic of music that would never be forgotten. After all that had happened, he knew it would be much wiser to wait a while
August 1, 2024
A nostalgic read, because I grew up loving the 1995 movie adaptation with Elisabeth Moss and Erik von Detten. The classic book is much different than that version of the movie, but as written, I see the narrative likely would not have pulled a wide audience on screen. The book has less acts (as in a play) and settings than the 95 movie, but its sci-fi elements are more detailed. Tying Tia and Tony's past to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 forces their story into a certain time and expects readers to understand the complexities of European from then. Restructuring the story to edit that historical element out created the opportunity for others outside that historical scope of understanding to enjoy the core parts of the story - the siblings' powers and where/who they came from. I wish the book explored more about their people and their struggles on Earth, but I realize the intended audience was originally children/tweens. Books that respin this idea with more details would surely interest me, though.
The pacing and intrigue throughout the novel are kept at their peaks. Just enough is provided about characters to see why Tia and Tony trust or distrust them. More showing of Tia and Tony's relationship would be great, but I still have no problem grasping the strength of their bond. Knowing the back story of why know and trust Father O'Day would add more depth and care to his character, but it's not truly necessary to buy into two children trusting a priest above all others.
The pacing and intrigue throughout the novel are kept at their peaks. Just enough is provided about characters to see why Tia and Tony trust or distrust them. More showing of Tia and Tony's relationship would be great, but I still have no problem grasping the strength of their bond. Knowing the back story of why know and trust Father O'Day would add more depth and care to his character, but it's not truly necessary to buy into two children trusting a priest above all others.
January 9, 2024
As a kid I was OBSESSED with this movie and the 90s reboot.
As an adult, the book was less captivating than I hoped. Perhaps I’m too used to contemporary children’s lit, the story is fantastic, the storytelling leaves something to be desired.
Regardless I’m glad I got to know Tony and Tia in their literary form.
As an adult, the book was less captivating than I hoped. Perhaps I’m too used to contemporary children’s lit, the story is fantastic, the storytelling leaves something to be desired.
Regardless I’m glad I got to know Tony and Tia in their literary form.
March 21, 2022
Not a bad introduction to sci fi genre but not the best one either.
While the idea about the kids with special abilities escaping to the witch mountain to find their kind was pretty good the character if Tia is pretty annoying and them remembering their past wasn't too well developed. Still enough action for a middle schooler to enjoy.
As an adult it is interesting to read political references considering the time when it was written. And it is a bit confusing. Somehow the author sees both communism and money as evil. I wonder if he knew what communism was considering that what he wanted sounded like socialism.
While the idea about the kids with special abilities escaping to the witch mountain to find their kind was pretty good the character if Tia is pretty annoying and them remembering their past wasn't too well developed. Still enough action for a middle schooler to enjoy.
As an adult it is interesting to read political references considering the time when it was written. And it is a bit confusing. Somehow the author sees both communism and money as evil. I wonder if he knew what communism was considering that what he wanted sounded like socialism.
October 16, 2014
After learning that author Alexander Key had been inspired by the "Brown Mountain Lights" phenomenon (a true unsolved mystery in my backyard here in the Blue Ridge Mountains) to create the Witch Mountain of the title, I knew I had to read this classic work of juvenile science fiction. I'm glad I did.
Orphaned Tony and Tia know their abilities (such as telekinesis and communicating witho animals) make them special, and they know the man falsely claiming to be their uncle has evil intentions toward them. The majority of the novel is an extended chase sequence, but along the way, the siblings encounter some of the worst of humanity, including the jaded indifference of the city and the fearful suspicion of the country. All they need is one trustworthy adult to believe and help them in their quest to find their people.
Not only did I enjoy how this handled the "humanity through the eyes of extraterrestrials" trope, but I also appreciated the themes of open-mindedness, moral courage, and compassion that this stressed. A friend of mine told me that reading this novel as a child helped to foster her lifelong love of science fiction and fantasy, and I easily can see why this would be the case. I can think of no better compliment for any book.
And Father O'Day rocks: "Do you think the Lord on high is so frail that this little planet, with it's greedy little people, is all that He can do? Bah!... Go tell the rest of your kind there are marvels in Creation far beyond their narrow dreaming." Enough said!
Orphaned Tony and Tia know their abilities (such as telekinesis and communicating witho animals) make them special, and they know the man falsely claiming to be their uncle has evil intentions toward them. The majority of the novel is an extended chase sequence, but along the way, the siblings encounter some of the worst of humanity, including the jaded indifference of the city and the fearful suspicion of the country. All they need is one trustworthy adult to believe and help them in their quest to find their people.
Not only did I enjoy how this handled the "humanity through the eyes of extraterrestrials" trope, but I also appreciated the themes of open-mindedness, moral courage, and compassion that this stressed. A friend of mine told me that reading this novel as a child helped to foster her lifelong love of science fiction and fantasy, and I easily can see why this would be the case. I can think of no better compliment for any book.
And Father O'Day rocks: "Do you think the Lord on high is so frail that this little planet, with it's greedy little people, is all that He can do? Bah!... Go tell the rest of your kind there are marvels in Creation far beyond their narrow dreaming." Enough said!
June 1, 2019
I remember this movie so fondly from when I was a child that I grabbed this book to devour it when I stumbled across it not long ago. I have to say I was not disappointed.
While the story differs from the movie, I find that the book follows along more logically, and with more uncertainty and adventure as it progresses, making this a more gripping tale than the movie was. For that, I am delighted.
Tia and Tony are orphan children, unusually skilled. The problem with being different means that there are those in the world who would take them and use them for their own purposes. The very fact that Tia cannot speak tells you a little of the trauma they've already been witness to. That they would be pursued so aggressively seems cruel. It's no wonder they run, following the only clues they have in an attempt to find their own people.
The story takes them on a wild journey that includes a cat and one very irritated bear, making this an adventure of a lifetime. Thankfully they also find allies, proving the world is not all cruelty and unkindness.
I loved finding this book, and now I want to find the movie that I can watch that all over again. This book certainly didn't disappoint, even with its differences. But then the author also wrote, The Forgotten DoorThe Forgotten Door another favorite worth reading.
While the story differs from the movie, I find that the book follows along more logically, and with more uncertainty and adventure as it progresses, making this a more gripping tale than the movie was. For that, I am delighted.
Tia and Tony are orphan children, unusually skilled. The problem with being different means that there are those in the world who would take them and use them for their own purposes. The very fact that Tia cannot speak tells you a little of the trauma they've already been witness to. That they would be pursued so aggressively seems cruel. It's no wonder they run, following the only clues they have in an attempt to find their own people.
The story takes them on a wild journey that includes a cat and one very irritated bear, making this an adventure of a lifetime. Thankfully they also find allies, proving the world is not all cruelty and unkindness.
I loved finding this book, and now I want to find the movie that I can watch that all over again. This book certainly didn't disappoint, even with its differences. But then the author also wrote, The Forgotten DoorThe Forgotten Door another favorite worth reading.
June 8, 2020
Tony and Tia are orphans that have no memory of their past. But because they have supernatural powers, they are sure that they come from a strange place. Tony is an expert in telekinesis, and Tia's strengths include the ability to unlock any door by touch and communicate with animals. They also can talk to each other via ultrasonic speech.
When Lucas Deranian shows up claiming to be their uncle they start to get suspicious. With the help of Catholic priest, Father O'Day, they escape New York and head to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The stress of outwitting Deranian has started to bring back some old memories and they think they will find their missing family once they get there.
This is a quick fun read for children, written in 1968, so I'm not going to judge it the way I would a modern YA fantasy for older children. The story is simple and more effort is put into the trip to Witch Mountain, rather than exploring the children's abilities. It brought back some nice memories of sitting in the living room, watching the movie with my daughter back in the 1980s.
When Lucas Deranian shows up claiming to be their uncle they start to get suspicious. With the help of Catholic priest, Father O'Day, they escape New York and head to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The stress of outwitting Deranian has started to bring back some old memories and they think they will find their missing family once they get there.
This is a quick fun read for children, written in 1968, so I'm not going to judge it the way I would a modern YA fantasy for older children. The story is simple and more effort is put into the trip to Witch Mountain, rather than exploring the children's abilities. It brought back some nice memories of sitting in the living room, watching the movie with my daughter back in the 1980s.
August 21, 2012
Funny how it is with these Goodreads recommendations. If you read this, you'll also like this! And I look at the books and think - oh, yeh, I read these. This is one that looks oh-so-familiar, cover and all. I think I got it AFTER the movie from the 70's came out. (Considering the cover, that would be logical.) I think I liked the movie better. Could be wrong on that one, but I remember really liking the movie and really wanting to be Tia.
February 5, 2014
Quick, fun sci-fi/fantasy read for children and early teens. How orphans with mysterious abilities find help...and a way to their own people...is a great adventure in a simply-told manner.
Originally written in 1968, it is dated, certainly, but somehow that doesn't seem to matter. :)
Originally written in 1968, it is dated, certainly, but somehow that doesn't seem to matter. :)
September 12, 2015
One of my favorite books as a kid.
October 31, 2016
This book was first published in 1968 but it's still quite a sweet and interesting story.
February 16, 2018
Wow, very different from what I remember about the movies. Almost wish there was more to it. It was a good adventure though.
June 1, 2018
Loved the movie as a kid (and just picked this up for no real reason), but man, most of the adults in this book are the worst.
July 24, 2020
An often-overlooked page-turner following siblings Tony and Tia as they flee from a mysterious man claiming to be their uncle, with the unlikely assistance of a priest and a cat. I adore Disney's 1975 adaptation of this story, but the original book is also quite a good adventure/mystery tale. Tony, Tia, and Father O'Day are all easy to like, and the settings are well-realized and advance the plot and atmosphere. I do think it should have been longer(my copy has just 172 pages), because some elements really need more development. The main villain is a rather nebulous figure, which may or may not be intentional. He is clearly a threat to Tony and Tia, but he never seems like a fully realized character. There is also quite a lot of info-dumping towards the end as the kids suddenly recall more and more of their past, but the ending is effective and somehow bittersweet.
Disney may have refined Key's characters and streamlined the storytelling, but the source material is still very worthy of attention. It's a fairly somber and maturely written story, with a hopeful ending and characters you will come away feeling glad for.
Disney may have refined Key's characters and streamlined the storytelling, but the source material is still very worthy of attention. It's a fairly somber and maturely written story, with a hopeful ending and characters you will come away feeling glad for.
November 5, 2023
_Escape to Witch Mountain_ by Alexander Key receives four stars from me. While I liked the book, I found it a bit tedious at times.
First this is juvenile fiction, and I'm clearly not the target audience. However, I have been enjoying books I could or should have read when I was a kid. I remembered wanting to see the movie when I was a kid.
In terms of what I didn't like, I felt like it was a bit of an information dump toward the end. The children are having to remember their early live and these memories are slow in coming, until bam! They seem to know everything. Maybe this is ok for the target audience, but I wonder if the author couldn't have spread this out more.
I feel that the book will still be a good read for kids. It's very plot driven, with a simple moving from point to point plot. There are complications, but these are appropriate for the level and will engage the readers. I think also it could be fun to discuss with kids how things would be different if the book were written today with cell phones and tracking devices etc. They could discuss how to overcome these things.
Recommended: for children? yes.
First this is juvenile fiction, and I'm clearly not the target audience. However, I have been enjoying books I could or should have read when I was a kid. I remembered wanting to see the movie when I was a kid.
In terms of what I didn't like, I felt like it was a bit of an information dump toward the end. The children are having to remember their early live and these memories are slow in coming, until bam! They seem to know everything. Maybe this is ok for the target audience, but I wonder if the author couldn't have spread this out more.
I feel that the book will still be a good read for kids. It's very plot driven, with a simple moving from point to point plot. There are complications, but these are appropriate for the level and will engage the readers. I think also it could be fun to discuss with kids how things would be different if the book were written today with cell phones and tracking devices etc. They could discuss how to overcome these things.
Recommended: for children? yes.
February 2, 2021
Tony and Tia are orphans, who vaguely remember their family dying in a boat wreck of some kind. And they have psi-abilities: Tony can work TK, Tia can unlock doors and talk to animals. Then the sinister Deucanian shows up at the group foster home, insisting he's their uncle, but the kids know better. With the help of a priest, they go on the run, but where can they hide? And where do their abilities come from?
While the basic plot is very close to the movie versions, this book is a good deal grimmer — even with their powers, the kids are in over their head for much of the book. Saintly Catholic priests and sinister Commie spies may date the book for younger readers — then again, Deucanian could as easily be NSA, CIA or Chinese intelligence (there's never going to be a time governments wouldn't like control of a mind reader or two).
While the basic plot is very close to the movie versions, this book is a good deal grimmer — even with their powers, the kids are in over their head for much of the book. Saintly Catholic priests and sinister Commie spies may date the book for younger readers — then again, Deucanian could as easily be NSA, CIA or Chinese intelligence (there's never going to be a time governments wouldn't like control of a mind reader or two).
June 7, 2018
Holds up pretty well any worthy for nostalgia.
October 26, 2020
I listened to this audiobook (the cover illustration of which has a huge spoiler) because I've always loved the movie. The book was in fact great — I especially appreciated the Cold War and theological angles — but this may be a case where the movie is better. The device of having the kids gradually remember their own backstory is kind of a cheat, let's be real.
December 24, 2024
Many likable aspects: plot, characters, pace.. Reminded me of my youth!
July 5, 2021
I loved this movie so much as a little kid! And when I rewatched it a few months ago, I realized it was based on a book! I had a free book credit on thrift books so I picked up this one and was…a bigger fan of the movie.
I was shocked at the political aspects in this book from the mentions of the Hungarian revolution to the dangers of communism and commentary on the catholic faith. None of that was present in the movie.
Overall I liked this one and could see myself maybe reading it again.
I was shocked at the political aspects in this book from the mentions of the Hungarian revolution to the dangers of communism and commentary on the catholic faith. None of that was present in the movie.
Overall I liked this one and could see myself maybe reading it again.
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