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Eight Keys
Elise and Franklin have always been best friends. Elise has always lived in the big house with her loving Uncle and Aunt, because Elise's parents died when she was too young to remember them. There's always been a barn behind the house with eight locked doors on the second floor.
When Elise and Franklin start middle school, things feel all wrong. Bullying. Not fitting in. Franklin suddenly seems babyish. Then, soon after her 12th birthday, Elise receives a mysterious key left for her by her father. A key that unlocks one of the eight doors upstairs in the bar . . .
When Elise and Franklin start middle school, things feel all wrong. Bullying. Not fitting in. Franklin suddenly seems babyish. Then, soon after her 12th birthday, Elise receives a mysterious key left for her by her father. A key that unlocks one of the eight doors upstairs in the bar . . .
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
335 people are currently reading
4659 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne LaFleur
6 books460 followersI grew up outside Boston in Newton, and later Natick, MA. During the school year I went to Catholic school, did a lot of homework, and read a couple books a week. During the summer I read a couple books a day and spent hours swimming and playing outside at our local pool or beach. I was very much a planner, dreamer, and writer, creating plays and shows for my siblings and the neighborhood kids to be in and filling up entire notebooks with novels. I always read late into the night and slept with a book under my pillow.
I went to college in Lexington, VA at Washington and Lee, where I studied English and European History; I went to grad school in New York City at The New School, where I studied Writing for Children.
Now I divide my time between Natick, MA and New York. Due to my frequent travels, I don't really have a "typical" day, but most days I spend some time writing, reading, exercising (swimming, lifting, or walking), and visiting with friends. I like to warm up for writing by playing computer games. I do my best writing at home in my pajamas, though a lot of days I will venture out to a library to work (in jeans and a sweatshirt, rather than PJ's!). Most days I take a nap, which I tend to do with a book on my chest, whether or not I was actually reading it before I fell asleep. I still read before bed, and, now that I'm older and have a big bed to myself, I slide the book I'm reading under the pillow next to me (rather than the one I'm planning to sleep on!).
Because readers of all ages visit me here on Goodreads, I really do like to put up a genuine record of what I read, whether it's for kids, teens, or adults. The books I read are not intended as recommendations for any particular age group.
I went to college in Lexington, VA at Washington and Lee, where I studied English and European History; I went to grad school in New York City at The New School, where I studied Writing for Children.
Now I divide my time between Natick, MA and New York. Due to my frequent travels, I don't really have a "typical" day, but most days I spend some time writing, reading, exercising (swimming, lifting, or walking), and visiting with friends. I like to warm up for writing by playing computer games. I do my best writing at home in my pajamas, though a lot of days I will venture out to a library to work (in jeans and a sweatshirt, rather than PJ's!). Most days I take a nap, which I tend to do with a book on my chest, whether or not I was actually reading it before I fell asleep. I still read before bed, and, now that I'm older and have a big bed to myself, I slide the book I'm reading under the pillow next to me (rather than the one I'm planning to sleep on!).
Because readers of all ages visit me here on Goodreads, I really do like to put up a genuine record of what I read, whether it's for kids, teens, or adults. The books I read are not intended as recommendations for any particular age group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,056 reviews
June 20, 2017
I liked the book overall. I really like LaFleur's style with YA realistic fiction.
However, I am very disappointed in the way the bullying situation was handled in this book. Elise tried telling two adults at school and her own guardians, to no avail. I hate that one of the messages sent in this book is when you go to an adult with an issue they will not listen to you. That is the wrong message. All children need to know they have an advocate in any adult when it comes to bullying. Adults should be their safety and in this book it was Elise and Franklin against the mean girl. She was really mean, too.
The thing is the adults in Elise's life did care about her. She had tons of support. The message I took from this, from an educator's standpoint, is adults really aren't aware of what children and young adults are dealing with when it comes to bullying in the schools. LaFleur did not send the message to children to TELL AN ADULT when someone is bullying you. She had a perfect opportunity and platform. It was disappointing.
However, I am very disappointed in the way the bullying situation was handled in this book. Elise tried telling two adults at school and her own guardians, to no avail. I hate that one of the messages sent in this book is when you go to an adult with an issue they will not listen to you. That is the wrong message. All children need to know they have an advocate in any adult when it comes to bullying. Adults should be their safety and in this book it was Elise and Franklin against the mean girl. She was really mean, too.
The thing is the adults in Elise's life did care about her. She had tons of support. The message I took from this, from an educator's standpoint, is adults really aren't aware of what children and young adults are dealing with when it comes to bullying in the schools. LaFleur did not send the message to children to TELL AN ADULT when someone is bullying you. She had a perfect opportunity and platform. It was disappointing.
August 31, 2016
Eight Keys is a truly beautiful book. I adore everything about the cover, that it’s a hardback without being too big to carry around, and, of course, the story. Eight Keys is an emotional, moving children's book about a 12-year-old girl's realistic experience of life.
The main themes in this book are love, family, friendship, and bullying. Elise, our main character, is far from perfect but the reader cannot help but empathise and encourage her throughout her character development. Eight Keys explores many of the thoughts, feelings, insecurities and experiences that children go through in school, especially during that awkward stage between being a child and a teenager.
A really interesting aspect of the story is what the book's title is derived from. Elise has lived with her aunt and uncle most of her life as her mother died giving birth and her father died of cancer shortly after. After Elise's 12th birthday, she discovers a key that unlocks one of the 8 rooms in her aunt and uncle's barn. She eventually unlocks each of the rooms that her father created especially for her. This was my favourite part of Eight Keys and it's also an extremely emotional part of the story. It was heartbreaking reading Elise say to herself that her existence wasn't worth her mother dying for.
As for the bullying, it's something we've most likely all been through and I thought it was a realistic portrayal. Children often keep it to themselves if they're being bullied and Eight Keys recognises this, and the dilemma, whilst encouraging children to open up.
I loved Eight Keys and I would most likely have loved it even more as a child (its target readership is children aged 9+). I'm looking forward to reading Suzanne LaFleur's debut novel Love, Aubrey.
Thank you Puffin Books for sending me this book to review!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
The main themes in this book are love, family, friendship, and bullying. Elise, our main character, is far from perfect but the reader cannot help but empathise and encourage her throughout her character development. Eight Keys explores many of the thoughts, feelings, insecurities and experiences that children go through in school, especially during that awkward stage between being a child and a teenager.
A really interesting aspect of the story is what the book's title is derived from. Elise has lived with her aunt and uncle most of her life as her mother died giving birth and her father died of cancer shortly after. After Elise's 12th birthday, she discovers a key that unlocks one of the 8 rooms in her aunt and uncle's barn. She eventually unlocks each of the rooms that her father created especially for her. This was my favourite part of Eight Keys and it's also an extremely emotional part of the story. It was heartbreaking reading Elise say to herself that her existence wasn't worth her mother dying for.
As for the bullying, it's something we've most likely all been through and I thought it was a realistic portrayal. Children often keep it to themselves if they're being bullied and Eight Keys recognises this, and the dilemma, whilst encouraging children to open up.
I loved Eight Keys and I would most likely have loved it even more as a child (its target readership is children aged 9+). I'm looking forward to reading Suzanne LaFleur's debut novel Love, Aubrey.
Thank you Puffin Books for sending me this book to review!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
February 1, 2015
A relatively sweet read for younger kids. For a while I was disappointed in the attitude of the main character but she turns out ok. There was one point where her aunt tells her to never doubt a mother's love for a child and that sort of got me thinking. We say that a lot, don't we? Because it sounds nice and it should be true. But it isn't really true. Not always. And not nearly as often as it should be.
January 25, 2013
i love this book so much!!!! it has so much detail, and it explains everything so well! i would recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery books.
January 10, 2013
Elise has just started middle school and things couldn’t be worst. Known for the scabs that covered her legs on the first day, Elise has been singled out by her locker mate, who teases Elise for being a baby. Elise’s best friend Franklin just makes everything worst, not knowing that there are certain things that cool sixth graders don’t talk about at school (like playing knights.) Elise lives with her aunt and uncle in an old farmhouse, her parents both having died when she was a baby. Adjusting to a new school becomes even harder when Elise has to adjust to a new baby in the house as well after her aunt moves in. More changes come when Elise receives the last birthday letter from her dad, who died when she was three but wrote letters to her while he was sick. But when Elise finds a key with her name on it, she realizes that it leads to one of the eight locked rooms above the barn, and that each room contains a message from her father. As Elise struggles with middle school, a world of homework and bullies, she also has to unlock her father’s puzzle, literally.
Eight Keys is a coming of age story that is original and deals with a lot of important issues for young readers in a unique way. Elise has been friends with Franklin forever, but starting middle school puts a wedge in their relationship. While dealing with all the typical sixth grade things, Elise also has the pieces of a puzzle set out by her father while he was sick. This story was touching and provided a lot of life lessons through the rooms her father left for her to open. While Elise wasn’t always likeable, she grew as a character throughout the novel. I loved most of the characters, from Elise’s friends at school to the adults in her life. This book was a quick read, and the writing seemed to be specifically for twelve year olds, unlike some really great junior fiction books. I really enjoyed reading this book, and although a lot of the plot focuses on issues specific to being a preteen, it also contains life lessons that can apply to your life whether you’re twelve or twenty-two.
4/5
Eight Keys is a coming of age story that is original and deals with a lot of important issues for young readers in a unique way. Elise has been friends with Franklin forever, but starting middle school puts a wedge in their relationship. While dealing with all the typical sixth grade things, Elise also has the pieces of a puzzle set out by her father while he was sick. This story was touching and provided a lot of life lessons through the rooms her father left for her to open. While Elise wasn’t always likeable, she grew as a character throughout the novel. I loved most of the characters, from Elise’s friends at school to the adults in her life. This book was a quick read, and the writing seemed to be specifically for twelve year olds, unlike some really great junior fiction books. I really enjoyed reading this book, and although a lot of the plot focuses on issues specific to being a preteen, it also contains life lessons that can apply to your life whether you’re twelve or twenty-two.
4/5
June 11, 2014
Elise is starting at middle school. Things start off badly as she is covered in scabs from a game of knights gone bad and becomes the target of her locker-mate Amanda. By not doing her homework, Elise antagonizes her teachers and she pushes away her best friend because his childishness is embarrassing to her. Thanks to her loving aunt and uncle, and mysterious notes and keys left by her dead father, she learns to be a butter person.
Having a daughter who just started middle school, I was excited to read this title but for us, it really missed the mark. First, Elise and her friend Franklin--and really the language of the book seem much more 3rd or 4th grade than middle school -- things like a boy with star wars characters in his locker and playing knights seem really quite unlikely in 12 year-olds and I think even a fourth grader would have been embarassed. And was Franklin really that clueless? I just didn't buy it. And there were things like Elise wanting to be a good "homework bringer"-- that works for a 9 or 10-year-old, but not for a 12-year-old. The worst part however was that Elise was such an unlikeable character. It was really hard to feel any sympathy for her at all. I have no idea why Caroline wanted to be her friend--or even want her for a lab partner when she never did her homework and her assignments were such a mess.
Other things that bothered me were the lack of research--maybe the target audience won't notice but that is no excuse. I couldn't believe that they were feeding a five-month-old baby her first solids and giving her 4 different foods at once. Any baby book will tell you to feed only one new food at a time to look for allergic reactions. And ice cream from an electric ice cream maker is ready to eat. You don't need to wait hours and hours to eat it.
If this had been about 4th graders, I would have given it a higher rating, but as a middle school book, it just doesn't work.
Having a daughter who just started middle school, I was excited to read this title but for us, it really missed the mark. First, Elise and her friend Franklin--and really the language of the book seem much more 3rd or 4th grade than middle school -- things like a boy with star wars characters in his locker and playing knights seem really quite unlikely in 12 year-olds and I think even a fourth grader would have been embarassed. And was Franklin really that clueless? I just didn't buy it. And there were things like Elise wanting to be a good "homework bringer"-- that works for a 9 or 10-year-old, but not for a 12-year-old. The worst part however was that Elise was such an unlikeable character. It was really hard to feel any sympathy for her at all. I have no idea why Caroline wanted to be her friend--or even want her for a lab partner when she never did her homework and her assignments were such a mess.
Other things that bothered me were the lack of research--maybe the target audience won't notice but that is no excuse. I couldn't believe that they were feeding a five-month-old baby her first solids and giving her 4 different foods at once. Any baby book will tell you to feed only one new food at a time to look for allergic reactions. And ice cream from an electric ice cream maker is ready to eat. You don't need to wait hours and hours to eat it.
If this had been about 4th graders, I would have given it a higher rating, but as a middle school book, it just doesn't work.
February 2, 2014
Eight Keys is a great story about self-discovery. There were so many things about this novel that reminded me of primary school, so the author did a really good job of portraying that period in time of a child's life when it felt like doing homework, being cool and liked and fitting in were a big deal.
I didn't like Elise much. She was easy to relate to but not very likeable. I felt Franklin was underdeveloped because it was hard to imagine that he was unaware of what people thought of him or how he didn't care or have any of the insecurities Elise felt.
The supporting characters of Elise's aunt and uncle and her father's best friend were a great bunch. I loved how they were always there to provide support and guidance. It was heartwarming to read the scenes where Elise spends time with them.
I expected a huge mystery surrounding the 'eight keys' but the actual way in which Elise comes in possession of the keys and opens the doors was more realistic. Turns out I liked how the story didn't focus so much on the keys and doors but on Elise's growth as a person.
I didn't like Elise much. She was easy to relate to but not very likeable. I felt Franklin was underdeveloped because it was hard to imagine that he was unaware of what people thought of him or how he didn't care or have any of the insecurities Elise felt.
The supporting characters of Elise's aunt and uncle and her father's best friend were a great bunch. I loved how they were always there to provide support and guidance. It was heartwarming to read the scenes where Elise spends time with them.
I expected a huge mystery surrounding the 'eight keys' but the actual way in which Elise comes in possession of the keys and opens the doors was more realistic. Turns out I liked how the story didn't focus so much on the keys and doors but on Elise's growth as a person.
April 11, 2013
Boring. Unrelatable. Main character pissed me off from start to finish.
September 20, 2012
Based on my opinion of Love, Aubrey and the summary of this one, I decided to read this book.
I think I would've enjoyed it a little better about three years ago.
Elise, an orphan, has spent her life playing Pretend with her best friend Franklin and living without any parents. When she gets to six grade, her "locker buddy" Amanda squishes her lunch everyday. I know bullying is a big problem in a lot of schools, but Elise didn't even fight back. She didn't even attempt to. And when she tried telling a teacher, she gave up after one try and didn't say anything to her aunt or uncle, who she is very close too.
Also, Elise seemed much younger than a twelve year old. In middle school you do not have "locker buddies," and her conversations with everyone seemed so one-sided and simple. When Caroline tells Amanda she didn't want to hang out with her anymore, it seemed so unrealistic and was basically the same thing as "I don't wanna be your friend anymore."
Elise also seems really ditzy. Why does she care so much of what Amanda says? She's always saying, "it isn't cool," and how can she let someone she hates so much like Amanda can make her change so quickly? I'd get it if she feared Amanda, but she doesn't.
This book actually made me question myself whether I really did like Love, Aubrey as much as I thought I did.
I think I would've enjoyed it a little better about three years ago.
Elise, an orphan, has spent her life playing Pretend with her best friend Franklin and living without any parents. When she gets to six grade, her "locker buddy" Amanda squishes her lunch everyday. I know bullying is a big problem in a lot of schools, but Elise didn't even fight back. She didn't even attempt to. And when she tried telling a teacher, she gave up after one try and didn't say anything to her aunt or uncle, who she is very close too.
Also, Elise seemed much younger than a twelve year old. In middle school you do not have "locker buddies," and her conversations with everyone seemed so one-sided and simple. When Caroline tells Amanda she didn't want to hang out with her anymore, it seemed so unrealistic and was basically the same thing as "I don't wanna be your friend anymore."
Elise also seems really ditzy. Why does she care so much of what Amanda says? She's always saying, "it isn't cool," and how can she let someone she hates so much like Amanda can make her change so quickly? I'd get it if she feared Amanda, but she doesn't.
This book actually made me question myself whether I really did like Love, Aubrey as much as I thought I did.
November 1, 2024
What a beautiful book. 🧡 It was hard to read at times, but so, so sweet.
Want to read
October 26, 2013 Parents dead, mysterious notes are found, bullied at school and a key that can open a door that will help or hold back.
In the book “Eight Keys” by Suzanne Lafleur, incoming sixth grader Elise Bertrand has her ups and downs entering sixth grade. On top of this drama she finds mysterious letters and a special key left from her father before his death….
Her classmate and best friend, Franklin is there for Elise every step of the way. Franklin and Elise hung out most of their summer vacation. There main hangout in the summer was the woods. When the last day of summer vacation came, her and Franklin played their last game of knights. During their play time Elise fell down a hill and scraped up both her legs, all the way from her knee down.
On her first day of sixth grade she met some new faces. Meeting new people can be fun, but not always. Elises locker neighbor, Amanda Betterman noticed her scabs, as a group formed around Amanda’s locker. She rudely commented “Oh, gag. I have to share with the Bloody Queen of Scabs.” These little scraps on her leg haunted her with mean nicknames at school that stuck. Amanda is a popular bratty mean girl. She thinks she can just control everyone, and likes to make people feel bad about themselves. It seems like her main victim is Elise.
Elise lives with her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh. Elise loves living with them and gets lots of love and care from the both of them. Elise’s mother died when she was born and her father was gone when she was three. After the doctor told her father that he had a year or two to live, he wrote Elise a bunch of birthday letters so that she can hear from him once a year.
In the middle of the book Elise finds a mysterious key labeled with her name. This key can open one of the eight doors in Uncle Hugh’s barn above the workshop. This mysterious key was left by her father before his death. Which door could it open, what will be behind it and will it help or not...
Suzanne Lafleur did a great job of leaving me in suspense. The main emotions of this book was sadness and curiosity. It was so heartbreaking to hear what had happened to Elise’s parents. To top off these events she is getting bullied by this mean girl at school. I think her dad’s letters cheers her up and sets her mind off of all the negative things in life and makes her remember the positive.
In the book “Eight Keys” by Suzanne Lafleur, incoming sixth grader Elise Bertrand has her ups and downs entering sixth grade. On top of this drama she finds mysterious letters and a special key left from her father before his death….
Her classmate and best friend, Franklin is there for Elise every step of the way. Franklin and Elise hung out most of their summer vacation. There main hangout in the summer was the woods. When the last day of summer vacation came, her and Franklin played their last game of knights. During their play time Elise fell down a hill and scraped up both her legs, all the way from her knee down.
On her first day of sixth grade she met some new faces. Meeting new people can be fun, but not always. Elises locker neighbor, Amanda Betterman noticed her scabs, as a group formed around Amanda’s locker. She rudely commented “Oh, gag. I have to share with the Bloody Queen of Scabs.” These little scraps on her leg haunted her with mean nicknames at school that stuck. Amanda is a popular bratty mean girl. She thinks she can just control everyone, and likes to make people feel bad about themselves. It seems like her main victim is Elise.
Elise lives with her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh. Elise loves living with them and gets lots of love and care from the both of them. Elise’s mother died when she was born and her father was gone when she was three. After the doctor told her father that he had a year or two to live, he wrote Elise a bunch of birthday letters so that she can hear from him once a year.
In the middle of the book Elise finds a mysterious key labeled with her name. This key can open one of the eight doors in Uncle Hugh’s barn above the workshop. This mysterious key was left by her father before his death. Which door could it open, what will be behind it and will it help or not...
Suzanne Lafleur did a great job of leaving me in suspense. The main emotions of this book was sadness and curiosity. It was so heartbreaking to hear what had happened to Elise’s parents. To top off these events she is getting bullied by this mean girl at school. I think her dad’s letters cheers her up and sets her mind off of all the negative things in life and makes her remember the positive.
April 12, 2020
3 stars.. and an ok read... BUT....
For me, there were issues in the book. Elise and Franklin are really way too young for 11 and 12-year-olds. Franklin can't eat french fries without getting ketchup all over his face? My 5-year-old Grandson doesn't get food all over his face and this kid is 11 or 12?
I don't think that I liked either of the main characters, Elise didn't have much of a personality and Franklin was even more flat, childish and boring. I don't need the characters to dance wildly, but I do need them to be more realistic. I don't know if 11 or 12-year-olds are really still playing make-believe today.
The issues with the bullying... I don't think they were handled well. First, the situation went on for 3 months? Where were the hall teachers? Kids don't hold their water well, someone would have said something... and Elise didn't make enough noise about it to alert anyone.
I did like the eight keys and what they stood for.... so overall the book is shallow and seems superficial, but it isn't without some entertainment. It is a quick and easy read... But I think the age group has to be 8 to 10.. and then I don't see kids going crazy for it.
Happy Reading!
For me, there were issues in the book. Elise and Franklin are really way too young for 11 and 12-year-olds. Franklin can't eat french fries without getting ketchup all over his face? My 5-year-old Grandson doesn't get food all over his face and this kid is 11 or 12?
I don't think that I liked either of the main characters, Elise didn't have much of a personality and Franklin was even more flat, childish and boring. I don't need the characters to dance wildly, but I do need them to be more realistic. I don't know if 11 or 12-year-olds are really still playing make-believe today.
The issues with the bullying... I don't think they were handled well. First, the situation went on for 3 months? Where were the hall teachers? Kids don't hold their water well, someone would have said something... and Elise didn't make enough noise about it to alert anyone.
I did like the eight keys and what they stood for.... so overall the book is shallow and seems superficial, but it isn't without some entertainment. It is a quick and easy read... But I think the age group has to be 8 to 10.. and then I don't see kids going crazy for it.
Happy Reading!
February 11, 2023
This was cute. I love Suzanne LaFleur's writing style.
I found this one to be an unlikely plot. How many people can have 8 rooms (No matter how small) in their barn?
I found it sad to watch her allow herself to be manipulated, and lose her friendships, but it was done in a realistic way. I loved watching her overcome it.
I found this one to be an unlikely plot. How many people can have 8 rooms (No matter how small) in their barn?
I found it sad to watch her allow herself to be manipulated, and lose her friendships, but it was done in a realistic way. I loved watching her overcome it.
October 8, 2011
I sniffled and cried in front of my class while reading the last 20 pages of this book. When I finished, I immediately passed it to one of my students. A beautiful book with a powerful message about love and forgiveness.
May 25, 2016
This is such a wonderful book for tweens. It's about a young girl's journey of self-discovery and beautifully done. Discussion of interesting topics such as entering middle school, bullying, self-esteem. I would definitely recommend it for that age group, or people interacting with them.
May 27, 2017
I'd give this 3.5 if I could. I liked the characters and I LOVED what the dad did for his daughter. I loved her exploration into herself and her family's past. I loved her self-realizations. I cried through most of the second half of the book. It is a great read for middle schoolers. I saw myself at that age a lot in Elise. That need to be accepted, and the unkind things that we do to others in order to be accepted is a shared experience I have with Elise at that age and many middle schoolers now. She brought back uncomfortable memories. I couldn't go higher because I felt like -- I don't know -- everything moved too quickly. Still, a book I'd recommend to my students.
May 22, 2017
Yeah so... I finished this book a long time ago, but I never updated that I was done. Oops. Anyway, I really liked how it was a mystery, but it was also not really like a murder mystery. There was suspense, but not like the scary type. I would have liked it a little bit more I think, if some of the keys were not as rushed. The first key took forever to get to Elise, but the rest of the keys seemed more rushed. The book was super short, so it might not have been as rushed if it was longer.
December 13, 2018
ترجمهی کتاب، روان و خوب بود که خب به لذت بردن از کتاب خیلی کمک میکرد. فقط مشکلی که با کتاب داشتم این بود که چرا این بچه این همه تو مدرسه اذیت میشد و کسی نبود که ازش حمایت کنه.
۳.۵ از ۵ :)
۳.۵ از ۵ :)
March 9, 2019
2 1/2 stars! I had a very hard time getting into this book. It was suggested to me by my niece and bestfriend. The first 1/2 was slow and uninspired. Once the keys started to come in play it got cute.
It's about a girl taking a journey to learn life lessons in a puzzle left by her Dad.
Good for kids ages 8-13.
It's about a girl taking a journey to learn life lessons in a puzzle left by her Dad.
Good for kids ages 8-13.
September 18, 2021
Read this book with one of my students at the Reading Clinic.
May 17, 2020
نمی توانم بگویم «هشت کلید» کتاب فوق العاده ای ست. اما می توانم بگویم اگر چنین کتاب هایی در زمان نوجوانی ما وجود داشت شاید راحت تر مشکلات به ظاهر ساده آن زمان را پشت سر می گذاشتیم. مهمترین مشکلات «الیز» به عنوان شخصیت اصلی داستان این است که همکلاسی اش هر روز ناهارش را له می کند و نمی تواند با بهترین دوستش به اندازه ی قبل خوش بگذراند چون به نظرش رفتار او بچگانه است. حتی اینکه الیز در کودکی پدر و مادرش را از دست داده در کتاب مساله ی مهمی نیست. چون همان طور که خودش می گوید او زیاد به آن ها فکر نمی کند.
بله، مساله همین قدر ساده است، و برای ما بزرگ تر به نظر بی نهایت خسته کننده می آید. علی رغم اینکه هنوز با نوجوانان و مشکلاتشان درگیر هستم، موقع خواندن کتاب چند باری به خودم گفتم «آخه همچین مساله ای ارزش این قدر غصه خوردن داره؟» ولی بعد سعی کردم از قالب خودِ بیست و سه ساله ام بیرون بیایم و کتاب را از دید یک نوجوانِ یازده ساله بخوانم. یادم آمد در یازده سالگی مدت ها زانوی غم بغل گرفته بودم چون روزی غایب بودم دوستم با کس دیگری توی حیاط مدرسه گشته بود. و یادم آمد شاگردهای یازده ساله ام چه قدر برای همین مسائل ساده گریه کرده بودند. و من چند هزار بار برایشان گفته بودم. «مهم نیست می گذره و یادتون میره و باز باهم دوست می شید» و این قدر این جمله را تکرار کرده بودم که خودم هم خسته شدم و سکوت کردم چون می دانستم هر قدر هم توضیح بدهم که این لحظات فراموش می شودیک انسان یازده ساله نمی تواند درکش کند و همین مسائل برایش به اندازه دنیا بزرگ است.
برای همین است که به چنین کتاب هایی نیاز داریم، کتاب هایی که از دلِ زندگی عادی نوجوان های نشأت بگیرند و آن ها را به آن طرف ماجرا ببرند. آن جایی که مشکلات حل می شود، آن جایی که بزرگ می شوند نحوه ی مواجهه با زندگی را یاد می گیرند، آن جایی که این روزها فراموش یا حتی خنده دار شده اند.
علاوه بر آن نمی توانم بگویم که کتاب فوق العاده ای بود، مقدمه ی کتاب خیلی بیشتر از حد انتظار طول کشید، و هر چه پیش می رفتیم وارد اصل ماجرا نمی شدیم. شاید تا یک سوم داستان حرفی از ماجرای کلیدها (مساله اصلی داستان با توجه به نام کتاب) به میان نیامده بود و خواننده بی حوصله تا حد زیادی معطل می ماند و ممکن بود کتاب را کنار بگذارد. از طرفی شخصیت الیز شاید آن عمق موردنیاز شخصیت های کتاب های نوجوان را نداشت و حتی تا حدی روابطش با بهترین دوستش خوب ترسیم نشده بود. اما شخصیت پدر الیز گرچه در داستان غایب بود و نه سال پیش از دنیا رفته بود اما احساسات خواننده را تحریک می کرد. اعتراف می کنم جایی که الیز دست نوشته ای از پدرش پیدا کرد که نوشته بود «یعنی الیز من چطوری بزرگ می شه؟» تحت تاثیر قرار گرفتم. آن قدر که شاید ترسیم خوب و دلنشینِ نگرانیِ این پدرِ بیمارِ نزدیک به مرگ برای خوب بودن کل کتاب کفایت می کرد.
پایان کتاب هم دلچسب بود، علی الخصوص برای نوجوان ها، برای اینکه یاد بگیرند زندگی چیزی از جنس ساختن است. یکمرتبه اتفاق نمی افتد و باید تکه تکه کنار هم گذاشته شود تا به شکل مورد نظر برسد. و دست آخر وقتی کتاب را بستم فکر کردم شاید اگر در یازده سالگی خوانده بودمش خیلی راحت تر می توانستم از مشکلاتم عبور کنم، آن هم در دنیایی که آدم بزرگ ها چندان مسائل کوچک تر ها را درک نمی کنند.
بله، مساله همین قدر ساده است، و برای ما بزرگ تر به نظر بی نهایت خسته کننده می آید. علی رغم اینکه هنوز با نوجوانان و مشکلاتشان درگیر هستم، موقع خواندن کتاب چند باری به خودم گفتم «آخه همچین مساله ای ارزش این قدر غصه خوردن داره؟» ولی بعد سعی کردم از قالب خودِ بیست و سه ساله ام بیرون بیایم و کتاب را از دید یک نوجوانِ یازده ساله بخوانم. یادم آمد در یازده سالگی مدت ها زانوی غم بغل گرفته بودم چون روزی غایب بودم دوستم با کس دیگری توی حیاط مدرسه گشته بود. و یادم آمد شاگردهای یازده ساله ام چه قدر برای همین مسائل ساده گریه کرده بودند. و من چند هزار بار برایشان گفته بودم. «مهم نیست می گذره و یادتون میره و باز باهم دوست می شید» و این قدر این جمله را تکرار کرده بودم که خودم هم خسته شدم و سکوت کردم چون می دانستم هر قدر هم توضیح بدهم که این لحظات فراموش می شودیک انسان یازده ساله نمی تواند درکش کند و همین مسائل برایش به اندازه دنیا بزرگ است.
برای همین است که به چنین کتاب هایی نیاز داریم، کتاب هایی که از دلِ زندگی عادی نوجوان های نشأت بگیرند و آن ها را به آن طرف ماجرا ببرند. آن جایی که مشکلات حل می شود، آن جایی که بزرگ می شوند نحوه ی مواجهه با زندگی را یاد می گیرند، آن جایی که این روزها فراموش یا حتی خنده دار شده اند.
علاوه بر آن نمی توانم بگویم که کتاب فوق العاده ای بود، مقدمه ی کتاب خیلی بیشتر از حد انتظار طول کشید، و هر چه پیش می رفتیم وارد اصل ماجرا نمی شدیم. شاید تا یک سوم داستان حرفی از ماجرای کلیدها (مساله اصلی داستان با توجه به نام کتاب) به میان نیامده بود و خواننده بی حوصله تا حد زیادی معطل می ماند و ممکن بود کتاب را کنار بگذارد. از طرفی شخصیت الیز شاید آن عمق موردنیاز شخصیت های کتاب های نوجوان را نداشت و حتی تا حدی روابطش با بهترین دوستش خوب ترسیم نشده بود. اما شخصیت پدر الیز گرچه در داستان غایب بود و نه سال پیش از دنیا رفته بود اما احساسات خواننده را تحریک می کرد. اعتراف می کنم جایی که الیز دست نوشته ای از پدرش پیدا کرد که نوشته بود «یعنی الیز من چطوری بزرگ می شه؟» تحت تاثیر قرار گرفتم. آن قدر که شاید ترسیم خوب و دلنشینِ نگرانیِ این پدرِ بیمارِ نزدیک به مرگ برای خوب بودن کل کتاب کفایت می کرد.
پایان کتاب هم دلچسب بود، علی الخصوص برای نوجوان ها، برای اینکه یاد بگیرند زندگی چیزی از جنس ساختن است. یکمرتبه اتفاق نمی افتد و باید تکه تکه کنار هم گذاشته شود تا به شکل مورد نظر برسد. و دست آخر وقتی کتاب را بستم فکر کردم شاید اگر در یازده سالگی خوانده بودمش خیلی راحت تر می توانستم از مشکلاتم عبور کنم، آن هم در دنیایی که آدم بزرگ ها چندان مسائل کوچک تر ها را درک نمی کنند.
October 15, 2018
just reread this again for the umpteenth time and I still love it just as much as the first time I read it at age 10. This is seriously one of the sweetest books ever and will always be one of my all time favorites.
Eight Keys by Suzanne Lafleur is a beautiful book with a great writing style⎯but what book by Suzanne Lafleur isn’t? I just finished re-reading it for like the hundredth time and it currently is my favorite book!
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
The story is about a girl named Elise. Elise’s parents died when she was young, so she lives with her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh. In the beginning of the book, Elise starts middle school, and suddenly everything is different. After an unfortunate incident in the woods, she has become the target for bullying and teasing at her new school, particularly by her locker partner, who finds immense fun in ruining her lunch every day. Elise always had her best friend Franklin to turn to, but now, to Elise, he seems babyish and is unintentionally embarrassing her. At the same time, her aunt’s sister Annie and her baby daughter Ava move into Elise’s house, seeming to interrupt and sometimes ruin her wonderful life with her aunt and uncle. Things just keep getting worse⎯until Elise finds a key. A key with her name on it. A key that starts an adventure of discoveries. A key that unlocks one of the upstairs rooms in the barn, rooms that have been locked up for as long as Elise can remember....
I was reading reviews on this book and it seemed to me like one thing people didn’t like was that it seemed to them like the message going over was “Telling an adult about a bully doesn’t help.” They didn’t like that message. However, I don’t see that message at all. When Elise tells her teacher, I can agree that her teacher doesn’t seem to care the first and second times; but when she tells her aunt and uncle, they DO do something about it— they give her advice on how to handle it. Maybe some readers wanted Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh to go storm to the school and demand Elise be treated fairly. But in reality, maybe they wanted Elise to try to manage it herself, for her to have courage to stand up for herself. And that is a definite message that is sent.
Personally, I can not find anything I do not like about this book! Everything Elise endures—whether it’s good or bad—winds together and twists together to create one unforgettable story of mystery, friendships, and a few keys that happen to unlock secrets from the past. I can guarantee this is a book you will never regret reading.
Like my reviews? Follow my blog:
http://jcbuchanan.com
Eight Keys by Suzanne Lafleur is a beautiful book with a great writing style⎯but what book by Suzanne Lafleur isn’t? I just finished re-reading it for like the hundredth time and it currently is my favorite book!
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
The story is about a girl named Elise. Elise’s parents died when she was young, so she lives with her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh. In the beginning of the book, Elise starts middle school, and suddenly everything is different. After an unfortunate incident in the woods, she has become the target for bullying and teasing at her new school, particularly by her locker partner, who finds immense fun in ruining her lunch every day. Elise always had her best friend Franklin to turn to, but now, to Elise, he seems babyish and is unintentionally embarrassing her. At the same time, her aunt’s sister Annie and her baby daughter Ava move into Elise’s house, seeming to interrupt and sometimes ruin her wonderful life with her aunt and uncle. Things just keep getting worse⎯until Elise finds a key. A key with her name on it. A key that starts an adventure of discoveries. A key that unlocks one of the upstairs rooms in the barn, rooms that have been locked up for as long as Elise can remember....
I was reading reviews on this book and it seemed to me like one thing people didn’t like was that it seemed to them like the message going over was “Telling an adult about a bully doesn’t help.” They didn’t like that message. However, I don’t see that message at all. When Elise tells her teacher, I can agree that her teacher doesn’t seem to care the first and second times; but when she tells her aunt and uncle, they DO do something about it— they give her advice on how to handle it. Maybe some readers wanted Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh to go storm to the school and demand Elise be treated fairly. But in reality, maybe they wanted Elise to try to manage it herself, for her to have courage to stand up for herself. And that is a definite message that is sent.
Personally, I can not find anything I do not like about this book! Everything Elise endures—whether it’s good or bad—winds together and twists together to create one unforgettable story of mystery, friendships, and a few keys that happen to unlock secrets from the past. I can guarantee this is a book you will never regret reading.
Like my reviews? Follow my blog:
http://jcbuchanan.com
October 3, 2012
I liked parts of this book - I liked Elise's family and I liked the setting. I liked that she had a friendship with her Dad's best buddy. I even liked Franklin, as young as he seemed. He was funny and I think I would totally want to be his friend. I liked that her dad made plans to have things for her after he passed away - that was really sweet. Unfortunately, I didn't must care for Elise.
First of all, the middle school characters all seemed way too young. The words they used reminded me of how the third grade students talk at my school. I know part of the point was that Elise and Franklin acted younger than their peers, but that much younger? And the other middle schoolers in the book didn't really ring true for me either. The narrator's voice in this audio book was sooo young - perhaps that didn't help.
Elise was also not a terribly likable person. Now, I get it - sometimes when you are down in the dumps you don't want to do your homework and you don't want to talk to anyone. But she had such a great support system in her aunt and uncle and Leonard that I really wanted her to open up. The teachers in this book disappointed me as well. If a child tells you that her lunch was smashed in her locker, the first time it was maybe an accident, but if it happens again, maybe try to figure out the problem. Probably if Elise has told her teacher more than twice that her lunch was smashed instead of assuming that she didn't care it would have solved her problem.
First of all, the middle school characters all seemed way too young. The words they used reminded me of how the third grade students talk at my school. I know part of the point was that Elise and Franklin acted younger than their peers, but that much younger? And the other middle schoolers in the book didn't really ring true for me either. The narrator's voice in this audio book was sooo young - perhaps that didn't help.
Elise was also not a terribly likable person. Now, I get it - sometimes when you are down in the dumps you don't want to do your homework and you don't want to talk to anyone. But she had such a great support system in her aunt and uncle and Leonard that I really wanted her to open up. The teachers in this book disappointed me as well. If a child tells you that her lunch was smashed in her locker, the first time it was maybe an accident, but if it happens again, maybe try to figure out the problem. Probably if Elise has told her teacher more than twice that her lunch was smashed instead of assuming that she didn't care it would have solved her problem.
May 13, 2013
I fell in love with this book. I've read some of the comments where people didn't like how the main character behaved for most of the book, but I think that was the point of the book. Here is Elise, turning 12, entering a big new middle school with a swarm of new kids feeding into it from other schools. Here's her best friend Franklin who is a geek and totally proud of it. On the first day of school he embarrasses her and then it just goes downhill from there. Elise's parents have been dead for a long time; her mother from giving birth to Elise, her father from cancer not too long after that. She's raised in a loving home by her Aunt and Uncle. Her other Aunt and her infant come to live with them and add to her support network. She also has her dad's best friend that she leans on as well. This book basically deals with that awkward transition from elementary school. Elise learns about making new friends, taking personal responsibility for herself, bullies, and finding ways to repair broken friendships. The biggest lesson she learns is finding the way to her own path and the type of person she wants to become. I would definitely recommend this book to any kid entering middle school or even maybe to parents because Ms. LaFleur does a fabulous job at capturing the way a pre-teen's mind works.
December 28, 2012
I may have liked this more if I had read it as a young girl. I know the mystery of the keys and the locked doors would have intrigued me. As it was, it was fine, but I didn't love it.
Even though I understood most of what she was feeling, Elise made it pretty tough for me to keep liking her. She was mean to Franklin, let Amanda treat her like garbage (sorry, but I would've been telling the teacher or principal or somebody every single day she wrecked my lunch), and she never did her homework just because she didn't want to. Good thing for her she had interminably patient family and friends, because a lot of kids would've dumped her, and a lot of adults would've disciplined her for her laziness.
Tha said, I didn't dislike her as much as it sounds from that paragraph. I just wanted her to shape up. Franklin, I liked, and Caroline, too. Both were good kids who just wanted Elise to be happy. And I liked Uncle Hugh and Aunt Bessie, too (pretty idyllic surrogate parents there), but unrealistic in their response to finding out Elise was doing none of her homework.
Even though I understood most of what she was feeling, Elise made it pretty tough for me to keep liking her. She was mean to Franklin, let Amanda treat her like garbage (sorry, but I would've been telling the teacher or principal or somebody every single day she wrecked my lunch), and she never did her homework just because she didn't want to. Good thing for her she had interminably patient family and friends, because a lot of kids would've dumped her, and a lot of adults would've disciplined her for her laziness.
Tha said, I didn't dislike her as much as it sounds from that paragraph. I just wanted her to shape up. Franklin, I liked, and Caroline, too. Both were good kids who just wanted Elise to be happy. And I liked Uncle Hugh and Aunt Bessie, too (pretty idyllic surrogate parents there), but unrealistic in their response to finding out Elise was doing none of her homework.
February 14, 2018
Second time reading this book.
I liked it. Elise was a brat, just like the author meant her to be. But she changed, and she did a good job, just like the author meant it to be.
Characters:
Elise, Uncle Hugh, Aunt Bessie, Franklin, Caroline, Annie and baby Ava. All very real, all very alive, and there. 4 stars, because I didn't love Elise at the beginning.
Plot. The plot was really well worked out. It progressed and developed slowly through the whole book and finished well. The eight keys and the gift that her dad left her. So special and so nice! Very thoughtful and super creative and I really enjoyed each new room.
The way that the thoughts behind each room were not immediately explained but allowed time for the reader to think on them, that was well done too.
Language: None. Some mild name calling from kids.
Violence/gore: None. Elise scraps her knees and is called "Scabular" several times.
Smut: None.
Recommend to girls 10-15
I liked it. Elise was a brat, just like the author meant her to be. But she changed, and she did a good job, just like the author meant it to be.
Characters:
Elise, Uncle Hugh, Aunt Bessie, Franklin, Caroline, Annie and baby Ava. All very real, all very alive, and there. 4 stars, because I didn't love Elise at the beginning.
Plot. The plot was really well worked out. It progressed and developed slowly through the whole book and finished well. The eight keys and the gift that her dad left her. So special and so nice! Very thoughtful and super creative and I really enjoyed each new room.
The way that the thoughts behind each room were not immediately explained but allowed time for the reader to think on them, that was well done too.
Language: None. Some mild name calling from kids.
Violence/gore: None. Elise scraps her knees and is called "Scabular" several times.
Smut: None.
Recommend to girls 10-15
November 15, 2016
There is this girl name, Elise. She was playing with her friend Franklin, her best friend, but as middle school came, everything wasn't the same between them. Anyways, she lives with her Uncle and Auntie, her parents died. When she was in the house, she went to her father's office and found 8 different keys in each room, she explored the 7 doors, but one thing that was mysterious is the 8th door, the 8th door is a secret room that she and her Uncle and Auntie didn't know. She then explored the room and was surprised..
October 17, 2013
Ok I just don't get this story. It feels too much like the book Jeremy fink and the meaning of life except really bad. The girl doesn't even have to look for the keys they just "appear".
And the main character was also annoying. She was a total *** to everyone and she was a dead beat in school and when all the doors were open everyone suddenly forgave her- totally unrealistic. Really bad story!
And the main character was also annoying. She was a total *** to everyone and she was a dead beat in school and when all the doors were open everyone suddenly forgave her- totally unrealistic. Really bad story!
February 16, 2022
کتاب خوبی بود. درباره دختری که مادرش را بدو تولد از دست داده و پدرش هم وقتی سه ساله بوده از سرطان از دنیا رفته. عمو و زن عمویش او را بزرگ کرده اند و در بحران نوجوانی هشت کلید برای هشت اتاقکی که پدر پیش از مرگ برایش آماده کرده پیدا می کند که کمک بزرگی به او برای شناخت خودش و پیدا کردن هدف در زندگی اش می کند.
September 28, 2015
My thoughts about this book are that this book is good for all ages it gives a mystery and a good background story. This is a very good book and I definitely reomemend it.
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