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The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley
Moving house is no fun. And no one knows that better than Noah Bradley.
A curse has forced his family to move thirteen times. Whether it's a typhoon, a flash floor or a flock of persistent birds, the curse always wins. Now, the Bradley family have just moved into their thirteenth home. Noah loves everything about it. He has his own room. He's made friends at school. He's happy. So when the curse returns, Noah decides that this time, there will be no more running away. The Bradleys are staying put... no matter what it takes. A powerful story of hope, family and what home really means.
A curse has forced his family to move thirteen times. Whether it's a typhoon, a flash floor or a flock of persistent birds, the curse always wins. Now, the Bradley family have just moved into their thirteenth home. Noah loves everything about it. He has his own room. He's made friends at school. He's happy. So when the curse returns, Noah decides that this time, there will be no more running away. The Bradleys are staying put... no matter what it takes. A powerful story of hope, family and what home really means.
Unknown Binding
Published April 2, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 24, 2020
The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley by Amber Lee Dodd has everything you could wish for in a book: a curse, some of the most endearing characters I’ve come across, adventure, suspense and twists. And if you are looking for danger, beware the black birds of the north. I absolutely loved this tale. I moved around a lot as a kid and could relate to Noah's yearning for friends and a home to finally call home. This book is perfect for boys and girls looking for a page-turner not to mention some brilliant facts about animals. A must-read!
July 19, 2020
I was so excited to pick this up when I got to it, because not only did I love Amber’s first two books, I had been told by a friend that this book could actually have been written for me, which was obviously deeply intriguing (the main reason for this being I’m terrified of most birds, and convinced they are cursed, but a character who is hard of hearing like I am in Billy was another huge draw). So, the book is about a boy named Noah who as the title suggests has lived in thirteen homes, because his family need to keep going on the run due to the black birds that terrorise them and prevent them from settling down anywhere as the result of a curse placed on their ancestors. I really loved the magic in here- it was so interesting- and the way the plot relating to this unfolds is great, there was a twist I wasn’t expecting and I thought it was so clever! The characters are another definite highlight- none of our main trio of Noah, Billy and Neena are perfect, but that’s what made them feel so realistic and made me love them so much. The way the book blends the fantastical elements with the contemporary elements is great too, and it felt very balanced between them which I enjoyed. I also really like the way Amber Lee Dodd depicts what life at school is often actually like, and shows how difficult it can be for anyone who’s in any way “different”. This is a great read, and I’ll definitely be picking up whatever Amber writes next because all her books to date are wonderful, and she just keeps getting better. 4.5/5
May 26, 2020
The perfect hook adorns the back cover.
Moving house is no fun. And no one knows that better than Noah Bradley.
As soon as I read these two small sentences, I was immediately drawn in.
There are three main elements to this tale that will sweep you off your feet: the unique plot, Noah and Billy’s relationship and the curse.
Firstly, the unique plot. The blurb summed up the story quite well, but Dodd took it to a whole new level from the first page. The Bradley family’s multiple moves across countries has led to some very interesting experiences for Noah and his mum, dad and brother. Though the story focused on Noah trying very hard to find ways to stay in their thirteenth home, the barriers to this became more and more inventive the longer they stayed where they were.
Secondly, the dynamic between Noah and Billy. I absolutely love solid sibling relationships, especially between younger ones. Though Noah had a bit of tunnel vision when it came to fitting in, he always kept an eye on his brother and made sure that he was okay. This trust between the two was one of my favourite elements in the story, as when everything was going south, you could rely on the two having each other’s back.
Finally, the curse. Oh man, I love me some magic. The curse that prevents the Bradley’s from staying in one place was the main obstacle in this story, and it was ultimately overcome through sheer grit, determination, trust and a little magic of their own.
Thank you @scholastic_aus for gifting me a copy to read and review!
Moving house is no fun. And no one knows that better than Noah Bradley.
As soon as I read these two small sentences, I was immediately drawn in.
There are three main elements to this tale that will sweep you off your feet: the unique plot, Noah and Billy’s relationship and the curse.
Firstly, the unique plot. The blurb summed up the story quite well, but Dodd took it to a whole new level from the first page. The Bradley family’s multiple moves across countries has led to some very interesting experiences for Noah and his mum, dad and brother. Though the story focused on Noah trying very hard to find ways to stay in their thirteenth home, the barriers to this became more and more inventive the longer they stayed where they were.
Secondly, the dynamic between Noah and Billy. I absolutely love solid sibling relationships, especially between younger ones. Though Noah had a bit of tunnel vision when it came to fitting in, he always kept an eye on his brother and made sure that he was okay. This trust between the two was one of my favourite elements in the story, as when everything was going south, you could rely on the two having each other’s back.
Finally, the curse. Oh man, I love me some magic. The curse that prevents the Bradley’s from staying in one place was the main obstacle in this story, and it was ultimately overcome through sheer grit, determination, trust and a little magic of their own.
Thank you @scholastic_aus for gifting me a copy to read and review!
August 28, 2025
Had such a feel good cozy vibe to it. When I picked up at the Crossword store for 50% off, I didn't have any idea who the author is. Just liked the premise and thought of giving it a go.
Loved the writing. Almost reminded me of my childhood days which were spent reading Enid Blyton's "The Famous Five" series. Had a similar warmth to it with the kind of adventures that Noah and his faamily embarks upon.
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
However, I didn't get the plotline of the dad leaving them momentarily for his international project. Felt like an addition made just for the sake of it. It didn't quite add anything to the story apart from adding a few paragraphs of marriage troubles and Skype calls. Unnecessary plot point. Might as well have added a dead father figure and kids being raised by a single mother and it would have worked out just as fine; might even have added additional sympathy points to the kids like in the case of Harry Potter.
I also do not understand how Noah's nana could have a half sister who she was in contact with but never knew that she would have at least one of the magical objects? The half sister thing is just so baseless. I mean, they must have shared one parent - a mother or father who must have given one object to Noah's nana and another to Helga, unless the common parent went ahead and married a long lost cousin from the Bradley family tree during his/her second marriage in which case Helga and Noah's nana inherited the object from separate parent figures. But that wasn't implied in the story either, was it?
Plus, the friendship progression between Noah and Neena seemed to have happened out of nowhere. One moment we read he bullies her with his friends and then out of nowhere she becomes his best friend. ODD.
Making Mr. Grey appear as the bad guy was a good plot device to reveal who the actual bad guy was in the end. However, I found his actions unnecessarily evil. If all he wanted was to destroy the magical objects, why not tell the Bradleys right away. You would anyways need 4 different Bradley's to be present for the objects to be destroyed as per the line in the prophecy. Felt like a pointless plot point that was used just for the sake of inducing the surprise factor.
Leaving a 3 star because at the end of the day, this was supposed to be a book for middle grade school kids, so it would be wrong of me to criticize it like I judge adult books. I did have okayish fun reading it, after all.
Loved the writing. Almost reminded me of my childhood days which were spent reading Enid Blyton's "The Famous Five" series. Had a similar warmth to it with the kind of adventures that Noah and his faamily embarks upon.
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
However, I didn't get the plotline of the dad leaving them momentarily for his international project. Felt like an addition made just for the sake of it. It didn't quite add anything to the story apart from adding a few paragraphs of marriage troubles and Skype calls. Unnecessary plot point. Might as well have added a dead father figure and kids being raised by a single mother and it would have worked out just as fine; might even have added additional sympathy points to the kids like in the case of Harry Potter.
I also do not understand how Noah's nana could have a half sister who she was in contact with but never knew that she would have at least one of the magical objects? The half sister thing is just so baseless. I mean, they must have shared one parent - a mother or father who must have given one object to Noah's nana and another to Helga, unless the common parent went ahead and married a long lost cousin from the Bradley family tree during his/her second marriage in which case Helga and Noah's nana inherited the object from separate parent figures. But that wasn't implied in the story either, was it?
Plus, the friendship progression between Noah and Neena seemed to have happened out of nowhere. One moment we read he bullies her with his friends and then out of nowhere she becomes his best friend. ODD.
Making Mr. Grey appear as the bad guy was a good plot device to reveal who the actual bad guy was in the end. However, I found his actions unnecessarily evil. If all he wanted was to destroy the magical objects, why not tell the Bradleys right away. You would anyways need 4 different Bradley's to be present for the objects to be destroyed as per the line in the prophecy. Felt like a pointless plot point that was used just for the sake of inducing the surprise factor.
Leaving a 3 star because at the end of the day, this was supposed to be a book for middle grade school kids, so it would be wrong of me to criticize it like I judge adult books. I did have okayish fun reading it, after all.
June 3, 2020
Thank you to the lovely people at Scholastic Publishing for sending this book to me in exchange for an honest review.
Initially when I first picked this book up, I thought it was going to be a contemporary novel and I quickly found out I was wrong after a few chapters. So this is a upper primary/lower secondary action adventure mystery novel following a cursed family as they try to uncover and break the curse.
I loved the genuine friendships and relatable characters. A well developed friendship can sometimes be better than a romance and I think the author made a good choice by keeping Neena and Noah as friends. I also loved the originality of the plot, this is first time I’ve come across something like this and it made thoroughly enjoy it.
Overall I found this a light enjoyable read. The font size is on the larger size so younger readers shouldn’t be intimidated by the size. Perfect introduction to the world of YA.
Initially when I first picked this book up, I thought it was going to be a contemporary novel and I quickly found out I was wrong after a few chapters. So this is a upper primary/lower secondary action adventure mystery novel following a cursed family as they try to uncover and break the curse.
I loved the genuine friendships and relatable characters. A well developed friendship can sometimes be better than a romance and I think the author made a good choice by keeping Neena and Noah as friends. I also loved the originality of the plot, this is first time I’ve come across something like this and it made thoroughly enjoy it.
Overall I found this a light enjoyable read. The font size is on the larger size so younger readers shouldn’t be intimidated by the size. Perfect introduction to the world of YA.
August 2, 2020
I loved reading this fantasy/mystery/suspense story of 13 year-old Noah Bradley, whose family is utterly cursed due to ancient misdeeds. They are pursued wherever they live by the black crows of the north, and each home they escape to, no matter how remote, is systematically destroyed. In their new home at Verity Close, Noah and his little brother, Billy, and unlikely friend Neena Kapoor, must use all of their courage and strength to figure out a way to defeat the curse... and survive.
It's been about 40 years since I read the wonderful books of Joan Aiken - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Black Hearts in Battersea - but I felt the same thrill in reading The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley.
This will suit a reader who loves to know about the inner lives of the characters, and what makes them tick.
It's been about 40 years since I read the wonderful books of Joan Aiken - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Black Hearts in Battersea - but I felt the same thrill in reading The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley.
This will suit a reader who loves to know about the inner lives of the characters, and what makes them tick.
September 13, 2020
A sweet little yarn that keeps you engaged. A coming of age story that's told from the perspective of Noah Bradley, the titular character, who forms an unlikely friendship to bring to a close a curse that has chased his family and ancestors through centuries. The plot was fast paced but not quite complex; this is a good book for kids aged 9-12 and can be finished in one or two sittings. Fans of major fantasy might find this too simplistic and plot twists too convenient, but I believe the author wasn't really aspiring for Harry Potter style infamy. She has managed to tell a modern fairy tale that is sweet and hopeful, and has just enough adventure and interesting character to fill a few autumn afternoons with a fantastic new take on the meaning of family, and the worth of magic.
July 16, 2020
The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley by Amber Lee Dodd is an amazing, surprising book that I absolutely love!Moving house is no fun,no one knows that better than Noah Bradley.The story is full of mysteries and adventures.It has everything you could want in a book:curses,black birds,shocking news.i have come across adventure,suspense.I highly recommend this book for year 5 and above(it can be a bit scary).I really enjoyed the book and I hope that whoever is reading this book right now enjoys it too.
January 22, 2021
This middle grade book had me hooked from the start. I'd almost call it a fairytale in a way. And we all know how much I love my fairytales! It's an easy read with a sweet MC and fun plot. Not a complex story but it is directed at younger readers so that fits in nicely with the book. The dynamics between the characters was lovely and didn't dip into the usual cliches. I recommend it to all readers 8+ and I give this book 4.5 stars.
Thank you Scholastic Australia for providing me with a copy in return for my independent and honest review.
Thank you Scholastic Australia for providing me with a copy in return for my independent and honest review.
September 2, 2025
A fun read about a family haunted by a curse.
Noah Bradley likes his current house, and he has worked hard to fit in at school, but his family is cursed. This time, when the black birds arrive and an earthquake ruins his house, instead of running, Noah is determined to end the curse.
His neighbour, Neema, becomes his coconspirator, and the pair travel the country looking for people to help them end the curse. What Neema helps Noah discover is that not talking about important things is a curse in itself.
Recommended for readers aged ten years or older
Noah Bradley likes his current house, and he has worked hard to fit in at school, but his family is cursed. This time, when the black birds arrive and an earthquake ruins his house, instead of running, Noah is determined to end the curse.
His neighbour, Neema, becomes his coconspirator, and the pair travel the country looking for people to help them end the curse. What Neema helps Noah discover is that not talking about important things is a curse in itself.
Recommended for readers aged ten years or older
October 3, 2020
Was a bit magical and a bit mystery - a family cursed
But it was a bit long winded and not sure I enjoyed the style of writing. Noah the main character is interesting and trying to work out why his family is cursed in so many ways.
Good for Year 4 upwards - just not my style of book
But it was a bit long winded and not sure I enjoyed the style of writing. Noah the main character is interesting and trying to work out why his family is cursed in so many ways.
Good for Year 4 upwards - just not my style of book
July 20, 2021
Great story and characters - there is a family curse, scary crows, adventure, mystery, and an unlikely friendship that requires combined courage to defeat the curse.
Recommended for school libraries with students 8-14 years old
Recommended for school libraries with students 8-14 years old
July 26, 2025
One of the best books i have read. Even though the cover is not very....eye catching but the story is well written and I love the metaphors in it and the writing style makes you feel indulged in the book. it really makes you feel. I love it
July 10, 2020
I enjoyed this story. Recommended for Year 5 and above.
October 14, 2020
Great upper primary / lower secondary read - if fact an enjoyable story for any age. Family curses and wanting to belong... a well written and engaging story.
June 21, 2023
Read this as our class novel for my Grade 5 students. We really enjoyed this story. Our predictions were not quite correct, leaving us excited to know what was coming next.
January 10, 2025
3.5/5 - a kinda cute and entertaining read after reading something heavy
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews