What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ship of Stolen Words
A group of goblins steal a boy’s ability to apologize in this middle grade fantasy.
No matter how much trouble Sam gets in, he knows that he can always rely on his magic word, “sorry,” to get him out of a pinch. Teasing his little sister too much? Sorry! Hurt someone’s feelings in class? Sorry! Forgot to do his chores? So sorry! But when goblins come and steal his “sorry,” he can’t apologize for anything anymore. To get his “sorry” back and stop the goblins from stealing anyone else’s words, Sam will have to enter the goblins’ world and try and find the depository of stolen words.
There, he meets Tolver, a young goblin who’s always dreamed of adventure. Tolver longs to use the goblin technology—which can turn words into fuel to power ships—to set off and explore, but his grandma warns him that the goblin prospectors will only bring trouble.
Together, Tolver and Sam will have to outsmart the cruel prospectors and save the day before Sam’s parents ground him forever!
No matter how much trouble Sam gets in, he knows that he can always rely on his magic word, “sorry,” to get him out of a pinch. Teasing his little sister too much? Sorry! Hurt someone’s feelings in class? Sorry! Forgot to do his chores? So sorry! But when goblins come and steal his “sorry,” he can’t apologize for anything anymore. To get his “sorry” back and stop the goblins from stealing anyone else’s words, Sam will have to enter the goblins’ world and try and find the depository of stolen words.
There, he meets Tolver, a young goblin who’s always dreamed of adventure. Tolver longs to use the goblin technology—which can turn words into fuel to power ships—to set off and explore, but his grandma warns him that the goblin prospectors will only bring trouble.
Together, Tolver and Sam will have to outsmart the cruel prospectors and save the day before Sam’s parents ground him forever!
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2021
12 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Fran Wilde
116 books524 followersTwo-time Nebula Award-winner Fran Wilde has (so far) published nine novels, a poetry collection, and over 70 short stories for adults, teens, and kids. Her stories have been finalists for six Nebula Awards, a World Fantasy Award, four Hugo Awards, four Locus Awards, and a Lodestar. They include her Nebula- and Compton Crook-winning debut novel Updraft, and her Nebula-winning, Best of NPR 2019, debut Middle Grade novel Riverland. Her short stories appear in Asimov’s Science Fiction, Tor.com, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Shimmer, Nature, Uncanny Magazine, and multiple years' best anthologies.
The Managing Editor for The Sunday Morning Transport, Fran teaches or has taught for schools including Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She writes nonfiction for publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, and Tor.com. You can find her on Instagram, Bluesky, and at franwilde.net.
The Managing Editor for The Sunday Morning Transport, Fran teaches or has taught for schools including Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She writes nonfiction for publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, and Tor.com. You can find her on Instagram, Bluesky, and at franwilde.net.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 12, 2023
I read the synopsis and bought it but a few minutes later. I just couldn’t help myself. The concept was just too darn creative for me to pass up on. And I haven’t regretted it even for one second.
Sam knows he can get in trouble and get himself out of it in an instant with one simple magic word: sorry. But when goblins come and steal his magic word, he realizes he can’t get out of trouble anymore. There’s only one solution, he needs his magic word back. He embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to the goblin world to get it.
The world building in the goblin world is not only very creative but also expertly and seemingly effortlessly crafted. What I like most about the world building is that seemingly everything we get to experience from this world is always relevant to either characters or plot. There are at first glance no unnecessary details given about the goblin world, yet nothing feels like it gets left behind. This gives us readers a fascinating world to explore that feels realistic and authentic.
While the plot moves at a fast and exciting pace, there is more than meets the eye in this book. It subtly features some very important values and life lessons like friendship, family and the value of words. It makes it painfully clear that if you overuse certain words without meaning them, they start to lose their value. Also the parallels with our own world, where technology impacts and changes the world we are living in, is not only relevant but also very recognizable, yet thought-provoking in a very subtle way.
This book blew me away. It features creative world building, valuable life lessons, cool characters and a fun plot. Definitely recommended.
Sam knows he can get in trouble and get himself out of it in an instant with one simple magic word: sorry. But when goblins come and steal his magic word, he realizes he can’t get out of trouble anymore. There’s only one solution, he needs his magic word back. He embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to the goblin world to get it.
The world building in the goblin world is not only very creative but also expertly and seemingly effortlessly crafted. What I like most about the world building is that seemingly everything we get to experience from this world is always relevant to either characters or plot. There are at first glance no unnecessary details given about the goblin world, yet nothing feels like it gets left behind. This gives us readers a fascinating world to explore that feels realistic and authentic.
While the plot moves at a fast and exciting pace, there is more than meets the eye in this book. It subtly features some very important values and life lessons like friendship, family and the value of words. It makes it painfully clear that if you overuse certain words without meaning them, they start to lose their value. Also the parallels with our own world, where technology impacts and changes the world we are living in, is not only relevant but also very recognizable, yet thought-provoking in a very subtle way.
This book blew me away. It features creative world building, valuable life lessons, cool characters and a fun plot. Definitely recommended.
Read
October 2, 2020I'm very partial to this book! I love Sam and his wonderful family, his fantastic teacher Ms. Malloy, and the word-stealing boglins they have to chase to get Sam's favorite word back. The flying pigs are a bonus...
Coming in June 2021 & I can't wait for you to read it.
Coming in June 2021 & I can't wait for you to read it.
April 4, 2021
Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC of this book.
How would your world be different if you suddenly lost the ability to say a word on which you frequently relied? Sam’s parents and principal are angry and refuse to let him play summer baseball until he says “sorry” to apologize to his best friend, but they don’t understand that the words he needs have vanished. When his sister’s “sorry” also disappears, Sam discovers a white pig, an older woman with a stick, and a green boy with silver hair who disappear through the neighbourhood Little Free Library are responsible for stealing words. Sam accidentally finds himself in the goblin world when he chases them to get their words back. Sam and Tolver, a word-boglin, strike a deal to help each other but quickly end up over their heads against goblin prospectors, who are also hunting down words to convert them to resources to fuel their ships and machines. Soon it’s not just about saving a few words but saving a whole community from losing their words forever.
I found this an imaginative and entertaining story to read. The characters were colourful, and I particularly enjoyed watching everyone come to value the power of words. The relationship between Sam and his five-year-old sister, Bella, was heartwarming; her devotion to her big brother touched me. I liked the goblin world and how the story addressed the drawbacks of technological advancements from greed. I loved the magic of the Little Free Library and wanted to help Mrs. Lockheart protect it and replant flowers on multiple occasions.
I would recommend THE SHIP OF STOLEN WORDS for Gr. 5-7, and I think it will appeal to fantasy lovers who enjoy portal stories into other worlds to fix problems in the human world. Although I enjoyed this book, the overall length and long chapters will keep me from purchasing it for my collection.
How would your world be different if you suddenly lost the ability to say a word on which you frequently relied? Sam’s parents and principal are angry and refuse to let him play summer baseball until he says “sorry” to apologize to his best friend, but they don’t understand that the words he needs have vanished. When his sister’s “sorry” also disappears, Sam discovers a white pig, an older woman with a stick, and a green boy with silver hair who disappear through the neighbourhood Little Free Library are responsible for stealing words. Sam accidentally finds himself in the goblin world when he chases them to get their words back. Sam and Tolver, a word-boglin, strike a deal to help each other but quickly end up over their heads against goblin prospectors, who are also hunting down words to convert them to resources to fuel their ships and machines. Soon it’s not just about saving a few words but saving a whole community from losing their words forever.
I found this an imaginative and entertaining story to read. The characters were colourful, and I particularly enjoyed watching everyone come to value the power of words. The relationship between Sam and his five-year-old sister, Bella, was heartwarming; her devotion to her big brother touched me. I liked the goblin world and how the story addressed the drawbacks of technological advancements from greed. I loved the magic of the Little Free Library and wanted to help Mrs. Lockheart protect it and replant flowers on multiple occasions.
I would recommend THE SHIP OF STOLEN WORDS for Gr. 5-7, and I think it will appeal to fantasy lovers who enjoy portal stories into other worlds to fix problems in the human world. Although I enjoyed this book, the overall length and long chapters will keep me from purchasing it for my collection.
June 21, 2021
“For a moment, Sam felt the same way he did when he he’d just pulled a tooth out - where that one raw spot was just lacking, before it became a point of pride to stick his tongue through.”
July 17, 2021
11-year-old, Sam Culver has been unable to say he’s sorry ever since a strange encounter with an old lady and her pig. It’s never been a problem until now. However, after making an insensitive comment that hurts the feelings of his brown-skinned friend, Mason, Sam longs to say he’s sorry. The school expects him to, but no matter what he does, the words won’t come out. To get out of hot water and with the help of supportive adults, Sam embarks on a journey into the world of goblin word thieves to get back his word. The family and friend dynamics are well developed and play a big part in the character’s development. The character experiences a lot of growth and grows on the reader. Twists and turns keep the readers engaged while teaching them an important lesson. Fans of The Far Edge Chronicles, Nevermoor, and Fablehaven series will enjoy reading this book. The book is filled with diverse characters from all different backgrounds. Recommended for libraries where magical realism, fantasy, and adventure are popular. 4 stars, Grades 3 to 7
Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.
Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.
February 13, 2021
I love this book. It was an absolute delight to spend some time with Sam, Tolver, Mason, Ms. Malloy, Bella, Nana, and all the others, and it made me teary at least three times near the end. I could go on and on about how wonderful it is, but we have to choose our words carefully and mean each one, so here's my summary:
"A magical adventure about the meaning of language, family, and friendship—this book won't steal your words, but it might steal your heart."
"A magical adventure about the meaning of language, family, and friendship—this book won't steal your words, but it might steal your heart."
November 24, 2024
Absolutely delightful.
June 2, 2021
Listened to the audiobook
Pigs fly in this whimsical novel about the importance of meaning what you say and not relying too heavily on short cuts to getting out of trouble. Fifth grader Sam is ready to kick off summer but when teasing goes too far and a little library gets vandalized, he loses the ability to use his favorite word, “sorry.” The culprits are goblins, and we’re set off on an adventure featuring prospectors, goblins, and ships powered by words.
A delight from start to finish, it was wonderful to watch Sam learn the importance of action behind meaning and Tolver learning the hard way that just because he can, doesn’t mean he should.
Treats here include understanding adults, uneven roads to forgiveness, plus Ursula K. Le Guin elementary which I wish was actually a thing I could claim as a place where I studied.
Tolver and Sam worked so brilliantly opposite each other. I greatly enjoyed how the two boys find themselves in a similar pickle despite one of them trying to make life better for him and his nan and the other tries to save his own hide. It’s effective, and the word play here is clever. In the audiobook, the bits where characters try to say words which were stolen from them were executed in such a fun way. But it also works within the narrative, with character reactions ranging from empathy on one of the spectrum to frustration on the other.
The relationships between the kids were great, but I loved the inclusion of complicated and not-always-right adults. Even these relationship have several dimensions and don’t all look like each other. My particular favorite is the evolution of Sam’s relationship with Ms. Malloy from the beginning to the end of the book.
Wilde cleverly delivers a hard-learned lesson about not misusing words with the way Sam develops from start to finish. Getting the words back doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is fixed. But he is one step closer to healing old wounds, and it is so neatly wrapped up in the end.
Pigs fly in this whimsical novel about the importance of meaning what you say and not relying too heavily on short cuts to getting out of trouble. Fifth grader Sam is ready to kick off summer but when teasing goes too far and a little library gets vandalized, he loses the ability to use his favorite word, “sorry.” The culprits are goblins, and we’re set off on an adventure featuring prospectors, goblins, and ships powered by words.
A delight from start to finish, it was wonderful to watch Sam learn the importance of action behind meaning and Tolver learning the hard way that just because he can, doesn’t mean he should.
Treats here include understanding adults, uneven roads to forgiveness, plus Ursula K. Le Guin elementary which I wish was actually a thing I could claim as a place where I studied.
Tolver and Sam worked so brilliantly opposite each other. I greatly enjoyed how the two boys find themselves in a similar pickle despite one of them trying to make life better for him and his nan and the other tries to save his own hide. It’s effective, and the word play here is clever. In the audiobook, the bits where characters try to say words which were stolen from them were executed in such a fun way. But it also works within the narrative, with character reactions ranging from empathy on one of the spectrum to frustration on the other.
The relationships between the kids were great, but I loved the inclusion of complicated and not-always-right adults. Even these relationship have several dimensions and don’t all look like each other. My particular favorite is the evolution of Sam’s relationship with Ms. Malloy from the beginning to the end of the book.
Wilde cleverly delivers a hard-learned lesson about not misusing words with the way Sam develops from start to finish. Getting the words back doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is fixed. But he is one step closer to healing old wounds, and it is so neatly wrapped up in the end.
June 8, 2021
Wilde's portal stories are some of my absolute favorites, but this book--with its message about the power of words and how we use them--is doubly special and incredibly relevant today as we grapple with words and their meaning in terms of politics, social issues, and more. Since finishing The Ship of Stolen Words, I have noticed myself choosing my words with extra care, both in casual conversation and in my work, and I can't remember the last time a book had such a positive impact on me.
Of course, there is no shortage of middle-grade fun and adventure here! :) Marshbogs and floating cities and goblin pirates and magical portal-opening pookahs--I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up, and I want to put a copy in every Little Free Library for miles just so this story is shared over and over.
Of course, there is no shortage of middle-grade fun and adventure here! :) Marshbogs and floating cities and goblin pirates and magical portal-opening pookahs--I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up, and I want to put a copy in every Little Free Library for miles just so this story is shared over and over.
January 11, 2022
Sam isn't always sincere when he apologizes, but after he has a run in with an old lady and a very tiny pig, suddenly he can't apologize at all— sincerely or otherwise. It's not that he doesn't want to, it's that his words— words like "sorry" and "apologize" have been STOLEN! Until he gets them back from the goblins (or, more specifically, boglins) who've stolen them to power their machines, he'll never be able to apologize again!
September 12, 2021
It's always hard for me to evaluate middle grade books, as I am an adult, and therefore not the target audience, but for me, this was a fun read. The protagonist has had some words stolen, and not being able to use them is leading to some complications that he needs to address by going off on an adventure he never wanted. This story has a lot of important relationships in it, and many of them change over the course of the story. One thing I appreciate is that Sam is the one who has to take initiative and solve problems, but the adults around him are ultimately supportive of him, even if they take a while to understand what's really going on. I also appreciate the fact that Sam has a stepmom who is one of his allies.
July 19, 2021
Sam learns the hard way not to say things he doesn’t really mean. When he is rude to his best friend (or is it former best friend?) and his teacher demands he apologize, Sam finds that the words “sorry,” “regret,” and “apologize” have simply vanished. He can no longer say them. He soon discovers boglins and goblins have been using his neighborhood Little Free Library to visit his town to steal words. Can Sam get his words back? Will he ever be able to apologize to his friend and make amends? You won’t look at Little Free Libraries the same way after reading this.
June 1, 2021
This is a cool adventure story, the concept of magically stolen words and the chaos that brings is a great idea. The settings of the close knit town and rapidly industrializing goblin world were both well written. I also really enjoyed the natural beauty of the islands in the goblin world which also were a great contrast to the city and the massive air ships. The magic system was fascinating; I appreciated the way the goblin world ran on a mix of magic and machinery. It was even more compelling to see how it worked in the human world. Showing how the main human and goblin characters went from advisories to allies as they began to understand each other was well done and gave some great character development. This cast of characters kept me thoroughly engaged throughout the story.
August 2, 2023
This book was very much an impulse purchase at ConFusion, heavily influenced by the fact that it was blurbed by Carlos Hernandez on the back.
It was fine. I read it out loud to the whole family for one of our bedtime story books, and the kids liked it. My sense of justice was strongly violated by all the stealing, and nastiness, and the complete lack of concern for the impacts of their actions on others, on the part of both human and goblin characters. Basically I neither liked nor cared about anyone in this book.
There have been a number of family story time books that one or both of the kids have noted out of because they thought a character was too mean or too negative, but they had nary a complaint about this one, so it could entirely be a matter of I am not the intended audience for this one.
But I was stressed out by this book basically 100% of the time.
It was fine. I read it out loud to the whole family for one of our bedtime story books, and the kids liked it. My sense of justice was strongly violated by all the stealing, and nastiness, and the complete lack of concern for the impacts of their actions on others, on the part of both human and goblin characters. Basically I neither liked nor cared about anyone in this book.
There have been a number of family story time books that one or both of the kids have noted out of because they thought a character was too mean or too negative, but they had nary a complaint about this one, so it could entirely be a matter of I am not the intended audience for this one.
But I was stressed out by this book basically 100% of the time.
February 13, 2021
This story takes us on an adventure chasing down words that have gone missing after being misused and abused. We all have the tendency to throw words around in haste. If we had goblins stealing our words, we might be more careful in how we use them. Especially ones that are magic (I.e. please, thank you, sorry). These characters and the lessons in these pages will stick with me for some time.
Thank you to the publisher through Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to the publisher through Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
May 13, 2021
Here we have a boy messing everything up and a boggling messaging everything up. I like seeing this story from these two completely opposite points of view and love that one of them is not human. It really adds to the fantasy parts of the story. This was a fun middle grade read that reminds me of The Train to Impossible Places.
December 11, 2020
A fantastic adventure with a focus on the unique powers and abilities of words (two words, to be precise). Packed with humor against a backdrop of exploration and discovery, readers will be wanting more!
December 23, 2020
I don't give very many books 5 stars, but I adored this love letter to words, by themselves or combined with other words. This is going to be a gift to younger family and friends for years.
July 13, 2021
Very detailed adventure. Recommend for older elementary students.
July 22, 2021
Charming story filled with likable, imperfect characters striving to make amends for their mistakes. Nifty magic system gives a fresh perspective on the importance of words.
May 29, 2021
Words have magic in them, but one must be careful with how they are used. Sam Culver is counting the minutes until his school lets out for summer vacation. Disappointingly, though, he and his former best friend Mason have been struggling to maintain an amicable relationship, and when an important word goes missing from Sam’s vocabulary, he gets in big trouble. In order to find his missing word and get started on his long awaited summer, Sam must embark on an incredible adventure filled with goblins, pirates, and unlikely companions.
This middle grade story is filled with action and adventure, engaging readers in its fast-paced narrative. Within the element of travel to a parallel world, Sam works hard to come to terms with what apologies really sound like and how he can treat others with more kindness and respect. The messages within this story are profound and universal, connecting readers of all ages to the words they use every day.
Written for a confident middle grade audience, this book utilizes complex vocabulary and longer chapters to tell the story. However, the dialogue and overall premise of the plot are recognizable and easy to digest, making this a great fit for independent middle grade readers. Fantasy elements like magic and goblins are included to spice up the narrative, increasing its appeal to children who enjoy an escape from reality.
Compelling, action-centered sequences propel this dynamic narrative, enhancing the reminder that words have meaning, especially when used correctly. It is easy to overuse certain words, and in the case of this story, words disappear when that happens. Through friendship and adventure, readers experience Sam’s mistakes along with him and will think twice before they next interact with others. This is an enjoyable read for middle grade children and contains a profound reminder of how to treat others to make the world a better place.
This middle grade story is filled with action and adventure, engaging readers in its fast-paced narrative. Within the element of travel to a parallel world, Sam works hard to come to terms with what apologies really sound like and how he can treat others with more kindness and respect. The messages within this story are profound and universal, connecting readers of all ages to the words they use every day.
Written for a confident middle grade audience, this book utilizes complex vocabulary and longer chapters to tell the story. However, the dialogue and overall premise of the plot are recognizable and easy to digest, making this a great fit for independent middle grade readers. Fantasy elements like magic and goblins are included to spice up the narrative, increasing its appeal to children who enjoy an escape from reality.
Compelling, action-centered sequences propel this dynamic narrative, enhancing the reminder that words have meaning, especially when used correctly. It is easy to overuse certain words, and in the case of this story, words disappear when that happens. Through friendship and adventure, readers experience Sam’s mistakes along with him and will think twice before they next interact with others. This is an enjoyable read for middle grade children and contains a profound reminder of how to treat others to make the world a better place.
May 30, 2021
This imaginative story will appeal to middle grade readers who enjoy books about words and portals into other worlds. Fifth grader Sam Culver has been feeling a strain in his relationship with his best friend Mason. It started with good-natured teasing, but it has evolved into some mean-spirited, careless remarks. But he's always been able to get out of trouble and stay in her good graces by saying "Sorry." On the last day of school before summer vacation begins, Sam loses that particular word and is unable to use it when he most needs it. He's in so much trouble at home and at school since his behavior and perceived rudeness are simply unacceptable. Sam and Mason are supposed to maintain a neighborhood Little Free Library, but Sam discovers that it's a portal into a world where goblins steal words that are overused or misused. In desperation, Sam enters the portal where he meets Tolver, a young goblin who is still learning the ropes of word-collecting. Although both of them are uncertain as to whether the other one is trustworthy, eventually they work together, and Sam does get his word back. This time he'll treat his apologies and the word "sorry" with a little more respect. The characters in this book are well written, and the passages about words and how humans learn to use them or misuse or abuse them will resonate with many English teachers. There is depth to this story that goes deeper than the plot and the word-stealing goblins, huge ships, and pigs.
January 16, 2022
Overall, this book was a lot of fun to read. I loved the creativity of word-stealing goblins and shape-shifting pigs and a magical world being taken over by technological advancements threatening a traditional way of life. I liked that the goblins used the words as an energy source and I liked that Tolver and Nana's motivation was to save their island. They didn't see the impact stealing words had.
I will say, the story felt a bit drawn out. This is partially due to Sam being a kid and not thinking things through, which causes more things to go wrong.
I also felt this book was trying to teach the importance of using words wisely with the goblins only taking words that were misused. However, I felt this idea was never fully fleshed out, because Sam is able to convince Nana and Tolver that stealing any words is wrong, rather than him truly learning the weight of his words. I felt as though the concept of words having a literal weight and containing a magic of their own could have been highlighted more to help Sam see the power of words. That seemed like the main message of the story, but it felt like it was missing a step to me.
But this was a fun book with realistic characters, a unique concept, and a fast-paced plot. I just think the action could have been pulled back a little to allow more room for world-building and focus on the power and magic of words.
I will say, the story felt a bit drawn out. This is partially due to Sam being a kid and not thinking things through, which causes more things to go wrong.
I also felt this book was trying to teach the importance of using words wisely with the goblins only taking words that were misused. However, I felt this idea was never fully fleshed out, because Sam is able to convince Nana and Tolver that stealing any words is wrong, rather than him truly learning the weight of his words. I felt as though the concept of words having a literal weight and containing a magic of their own could have been highlighted more to help Sam see the power of words. That seemed like the main message of the story, but it felt like it was missing a step to me.
But this was a fun book with realistic characters, a unique concept, and a fast-paced plot. I just think the action could have been pulled back a little to allow more room for world-building and focus on the power and magic of words.
May 31, 2021
This is a fun fantasy middle grade book that has fun and also reminds kids about the power of words. Goblins come over to our side of the world and steal words that the speaker has said without any true feeling behind them. Sam has found that “sorry” is a great word to get him out of trouble and make things easier. When an goblin and his grandmother cross into our world to take those words to power their magic, Sam finds that life is very tough without it. To make matters worse the young goblin also takes “regret” and “apologize”. Sam finds out just how hard it is when he can no longer apologize to his friend about something he said to upset her on the last day. And now he must find a way to get his words back and make things right with his friend.
The magic world of the goblins was interesting and some readers may want to see more of how life is for them and how they go about using thoughtless words to fuel their magic. There is some technology innovations on that side that are causing issues for them and I could see more books set in this world.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss
The magic world of the goblins was interesting and some readers may want to see more of how life is for them and how they go about using thoughtless words to fuel their magic. There is some technology innovations on that side that are causing issues for them and I could see more books set in this world.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss
May 18, 2021
Words hold power for good or bad so choose your words wisely. Sam learns this lesson the hard way when a goblin comes and steals his words that he uses carelessly. In the goblin world words are used as currency and to power ships, Tolver, the goblin uses those words to try and buy the island he has his grandmother live on and dreams of adventure. When Sam tries to get his words back from the goblin Sam unknowingly goes through a portal into the goblins world. Tolver dreamed of adventure but not this kind of adventure. Can Sam get his words back and can Tolver save his home? I feel readers grades 4-6 will enjoy this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for an eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for an eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
August 2, 2022
A stpry geared towards middle-grade kids about the importance of words and to not take them for granted.
When Sam can no longer say "Sorry", his whole summer looks bleak. Until he meets a couple of word stealing boglins, learns the importance of words and saves the day.
Very best part is that a Little Free Library is at the center of this adventure!
When Sam can no longer say "Sorry", his whole summer looks bleak. Until he meets a couple of word stealing boglins, learns the importance of words and saves the day.
Very best part is that a Little Free Library is at the center of this adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
An unexpectedly fun read! Wilde created an engaging world, certainly with similarities to other fantasy landscapes, but different enough to stand on its own. I appreciated the core message (not heavy handed thankfully) of being careful and sincere with our words - an important lesson for kids, and not as frequently found in their literature.
My 9-year-old read it on his own and really enjoyed it too.
My 9-year-old read it on his own and really enjoyed it too.
June 16, 2021
I was completely delighted with The Ship of Stolen Words. I loved meeting and getting to know so many of the characters! It was suspenseful, and satisfying, and uplifting. In particular I enjoyed the way the children and adults worked together to find solutions, each using their own particular skills.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who has a love of words.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who has a love of words.
November 8, 2022
This was a fun read. I loved how the conceit didn't just touch on the meaning of words but the importance of using words with intent and meaning. (And also just correctly!) Anyhow, my niece loved it and that earns it all the stars.
August 4, 2024
A decent book. i felt like the pacing of the book was a little slow. I did really enjoy the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews