Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
New York : Random House, c2007.
Description
After his parents are kidnapped, timid twelve-year-old Henry York leaves his sheltered Boston life and moves to small-town Kansas, where he and his cousin Henrietta discover and explore hidden doors in his attic room that seem to open onto other worlds.
User reviews
LibraryThing member atimco
I had heard N. D. Wilson's books were a little above the ordinary fare for young readers, with that hint of timelessness about them that marks books like the Chronicles of Narnia and the Borrowers series. So I was excited to finally read one of his books — especially since he is writing the
I quickly fell in love with the language and writing style, and felt immediately Wilson's skill in writing real characters. He clearly understands kids and portrays them in a way that is both realistic and endearing. We've all been Henry, grasping at the chance of a forbidden treat suddenly permitted — making ourselves sick drinking soda we were never allowed to have before. Some of Wilson's descriptions are just so poignant, such as Henry being like the white, sun-starved grass lying under a board that will soon become green again when the board is lifted off. A better metaphor for Henry's overly solicitous, paranoid parents could hardly be imagined, and I think it was at this point that I really sat up and started paying real attention. Wilson has something, it can't be denied.
But despite these wonderful elements, the second half of the story is something of a disappointment. I found the technical descriptions of how the cupboards worked to be tedious and somewhat hard to follow. Far too much time is dedicated to that rather than the delightful character sketches and insights that are Wilson's strength. It wasn't a struggle to finish the book by any means, but the second half did fall down a bit. And it's hard too when a book ends on not exactly a cliffhanger, but a tantalizingly unresolved conclusion that just points you right to the next in the series (Dandelion Fire, I believe).
Of course the whole idea of a wall of 100 cupboards that lead to different worlds owes a big debt to Lewis's Narnia books: it's a combination of the attic-exploration and the Wood Between the Worlds of The Magician's Nephew, and the wardrobe of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe surely has something to do with the idea of opening an ordinary door in your own house and finding yourself in a different world straightaway. Wilson knows he owes this debt, and nods to Narnia in the note that it's very foolish to shut oneself up in a cupboard. Always leave the door slightly open: this is the cardinal rule of all exploratory ventures into fantasy worlds.
It's too bad the second half of the book didn't live up to the first or this would have been a four-star rating. Still, it was enjoyable enough that I'll be looking for the second book, and I feel pretty good about Wilson adapting one of my favorite Lewis titles. And that's a big compliment!
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screenplay for C. S. Lewis's The Great Divorce. Gotta check this guy out!I quickly fell in love with the language and writing style, and felt immediately Wilson's skill in writing real characters. He clearly understands kids and portrays them in a way that is both realistic and endearing. We've all been Henry, grasping at the chance of a forbidden treat suddenly permitted — making ourselves sick drinking soda we were never allowed to have before. Some of Wilson's descriptions are just so poignant, such as Henry being like the white, sun-starved grass lying under a board that will soon become green again when the board is lifted off. A better metaphor for Henry's overly solicitous, paranoid parents could hardly be imagined, and I think it was at this point that I really sat up and started paying real attention. Wilson has something, it can't be denied.
But despite these wonderful elements, the second half of the story is something of a disappointment. I found the technical descriptions of how the cupboards worked to be tedious and somewhat hard to follow. Far too much time is dedicated to that rather than the delightful character sketches and insights that are Wilson's strength. It wasn't a struggle to finish the book by any means, but the second half did fall down a bit. And it's hard too when a book ends on not exactly a cliffhanger, but a tantalizingly unresolved conclusion that just points you right to the next in the series (Dandelion Fire, I believe).
Of course the whole idea of a wall of 100 cupboards that lead to different worlds owes a big debt to Lewis's Narnia books: it's a combination of the attic-exploration and the Wood Between the Worlds of The Magician's Nephew, and the wardrobe of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe surely has something to do with the idea of opening an ordinary door in your own house and finding yourself in a different world straightaway. Wilson knows he owes this debt, and nods to Narnia in the note that it's very foolish to shut oneself up in a cupboard. Always leave the door slightly open: this is the cardinal rule of all exploratory ventures into fantasy worlds.
It's too bad the second half of the book didn't live up to the first or this would have been a four-star rating. Still, it was enjoyable enough that I'll be looking for the second book, and I feel pretty good about Wilson adapting one of my favorite Lewis titles. And that's a big compliment!
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LibraryThing member JRlibrary
Just can't force myself to finish it. It's not that it's bad - it's just that there are SO many more interesting books calling to me from my shelves.
I've read the first 50 pages (and the page numbering in my book is defective so after page 39 the next page says 10!) and I'm officially giving up.
I've read the first 50 pages (and the page numbering in my book is defective so after page 39 the next page says 10!) and I'm officially giving up.
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It just isn't grabbing my interest strong enough for me to keep going. Show Less
LibraryThing member Whisper1
This book confirmed that fantasy is not my type of reading. I plodded through it, but the writing seemed trite, forced and very unrealistic. Some parts were ok, but for the most part, the story line was contrived and difficult to follow.
A young boy's parents disappear in South America and he is
Highly NOT recommended.
A young boy's parents disappear in South America and he is
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taken in my an Aunt and Uncle. They relationship is not clear; the characters are not developed. The boy resides in an attic where he discovers a cabinet hidden behind a plaster wall. The cabinet has 100 drawers, each one leading to a different time travel destination.Highly NOT recommended.
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LibraryThing member heathersblue
Wow. I loved it. There are so many books where the kid falls through a vent, walkas through a wardrobe, looking glass etc. and into another world that it is hard to imagine someone writing such a book in a way that will one again draw you in. Henry is a great character with a mysterious
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background...like so many others he finds he has been living with parents that aren't his. But instead of mistreating him they have safegaurded ever part of his universe. I'm so excited for the next book! Show Less
LibraryThing member emitnick
This is a quirky fantasy. In an old farmhouse, a family has discovered a way to travel between multiple worlds/universes via a set of cupboards - but because of the dangers, they have been covered up and forgotten. When young Henry comes to stay, he discovers the cupboards and hesitantly begins to
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explore. The characters - laconic, eccentric, cranky - are intriguingly different from those in many children's books. Many of the mysteries of these worlds are tantalizingly hinted at but not fully explored, leaving me yearning for a sequel. Show Less
LibraryThing member librariankristin
Twelve-year-old Henry moves from Boston to Kansas and discovers long-locked cupboards that lead to other worlds in his attic room. This title seems likely to be the beginning of a series and will likely appeal to fans of C.S. Lewis' Narnia books.
LibraryThing member ccahill
This book is a wonderfully imaginative story full of adventure and fun. The characters are very likeable and real, and the environments are vivid. The story is very well-written and manages to be appropriate for middle-level readers as well as appealing to adults.
LibraryThing member bethanie336
12 year old Henry moves to Kansas to live with his aunt and uncle. In the wall of his attic bedroom, he discovers 99 cupboards each of which connects to another world. Curious, he and his cousin, Henrietta, begin to explore the secrets of the cupboards and are soon embroiled in an adventure that is
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both exciting and dangerous. A great blend of fantasy and suspense with believable characters and setting. I would recommend it to my upper elementary readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
This was a curious and fun fantasy - I'm definitely intrigued, after listening to this first adventure with the cupboards. Now I want to know more about what lies behind the cupboards. One thing I enjoyed was watching Henry as he begins to explore the world that his parents have kept him safely
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away from with their booster seats and helmets and carefully structured classes. For a kid with little practical world experience, Henry was surprisingly resourceful and brave. Show Less
LibraryThing member extrajoker
first line: "Henry, Kansas, is a hot town."
A boy named discovers portals to other worlds as well as truths about his own heritage while visiting relatives in an otherwise sleepy-seeming small Kansas town. This well-imagined book is the first in a fantasy series for children.
A boy named discovers portals to other worlds as well as truths about his own heritage while visiting relatives in an otherwise sleepy-seeming small Kansas town. This well-imagined book is the first in a fantasy series for children.
LibraryThing member cal8769
Henry is a boy who travels to Henry, Kansas to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents are kidnapped. He discovered 99 cupboards behind his wall, each opening to another world.
A very fun story. I enjoyed it a lot. You can tell during the reading of it that it is setting up for a sequel.
A very fun story. I enjoyed it a lot. You can tell during the reading of it that it is setting up for a sequel.
LibraryThing member Beary_Bookwormish
excellent read, i was really fascinated by the fact that the doors entry was not through the cupboards themselves. i can't wait for the next book
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
A very oddly written book, In places it's rather overwritten - elegant phrases and too much description. In others, it expresses complex notions very neatly. Motivations are obscure at best, luck plays far too large a part, it's definitely an unfinished story, and despite magic, scary sights, good
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sights, and action it never really caught me. I will read the sequel and see if it makes more sense then. Why were his parents so ridiculously overprotective? Or were they just being silly (a nine-year-old in the largest car seat made is less safe than one properly buckled into a normal seatbelt)? What does Frank's knife have to do with anything? And what a stupid solution to the witch. Why would he put her through to there? Anyway. Maybe Dandelion Fire will explain things. Show Less
LibraryThing member schusm
I honestly didn't enjoy this book at all. The main character, Henry, comes to Henry, Iowa to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents mysteriously disappear. Henry who has always been overprotected gets to experience new things, including all kinds of wild adventures when he and his cousin,
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Henrietta uncover 100 cupboards plastered over in his room. Each cupboard leads to another world, often wtih something very ominous in wait. I almost gave up on this book many times - it took so long for the cupboards to be uncovered and for the adventures to really begin, and once they did, I had a lot of trouble following them. I still don't know if I really understand waht was going on - and felt alot was left undeveloped. I don't plan on reading any more of this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member artstudent
A good book. it got kind of boring after awhile.
LibraryThing member MaryWJ
The story here is interesting, but the characters are so consistently annoying that it really detracted from my enjoyment.
LibraryThing member PitcherBooks
A wonderful fantasy. Magic cupboards to other worlds hidden behind the plaster of an attic wall! An attic which is also the guest bedroom. That make themselves known to a young visiting cousin. A good boy, a touch shy and awkward, who learns a lot more than he bargained for while staying at his
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Kansas cousins. Just the right touch of eerie... and a wonderful adventure story! And great cover art! What more could ya want? A keeper :-) Show Less
LibraryThing member Dranea
What originally caught my attention to this book was the cover. I don't know if it was the cupboards, the eyes in the black cupboard, or just the mystery associated with it all, but I knew I had to read the book. I'm thrilled that I finally got to finish it. The book was intended for a YA audience,
Henry, staying with his aunt and uncle after the kidnapping of his parents, finds a secret (or many, many secrets) in his bedroom. He and his cousin find adventure, excitement, and danger when these secrets are exposed. The door that never opens - opens, and clocks become doorways. Cats and dogs are not always what they seem, and the blood of young boys has a magical power.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book in this series. It has me wanting to know more and more about Henry, Henrietta, Frank, Richard, and all the rest of the family from this small Kansas town.
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but I believe the author made this book enjoyable for people of all ages. There are some truly creepy moments, and dark, thrilling feelings associated with certain parts of this book. Henry, staying with his aunt and uncle after the kidnapping of his parents, finds a secret (or many, many secrets) in his bedroom. He and his cousin find adventure, excitement, and danger when these secrets are exposed. The door that never opens - opens, and clocks become doorways. Cats and dogs are not always what they seem, and the blood of young boys has a magical power.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book in this series. It has me wanting to know more and more about Henry, Henrietta, Frank, Richard, and all the rest of the family from this small Kansas town.
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LibraryThing member SMG-AWhittaker
This is a pretty good book and leaves you wanting more.
LibraryThing member TurboSnails
Read this for the second time as I borrowed book 3 of the series from a friend. It was as good as I remember. A quick read with an interesting concept. Mediocre character development but I would definitely recommend it to the younger audience.
LibraryThing member RefPenny
Henry's parents have been kidnapped so he is staying with his aunt and uncle in their attic. One night he hears a noise and finds pieces of plaster falling onto his face and two small knobs protruding from the wall. When he and his cousin Henrietta have finished chipping away all the plaster they
This is an interesting story with just enough scary bits and believable characters. It would suit readers aged 9 and up
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find 99 doors in the wall - all of which seem to lead to different worlds.This is an interesting story with just enough scary bits and believable characters. It would suit readers aged 9 and up
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LibraryThing member skstiles612
If you are looking for something to read that will hold your attention for the duration then 100 Cupboards is the book for you.
When Henry York’s parents get kidnapped in South America he goes to live with his relatives in Henry, Kansas. They include his Uncle Frank, aunt Dotty and three cousins,
Henry has been so protected all of his life that he is actually enjoying living with his aunty and uncle. He truly knows nothing of the world. He was never allowed to play baseball. He has never drank a soda, and when his uncle gives him an old knife, he is very excited since he was never allowed to use a knife. Henry is given a room in the attic. He hears a scratching noise at night and then feels bits of plaster fall on him. As he begins to investigate he discovers his wall is full of little cupboards. These cupboards lead to other worlds.
Henry gets up in the middle of the night and sees a strange man come out of the bathroom and go into his grandfather’s locked room. No one has been able to get into that room. With Henrietta’s help they find their grandfather’s journals that explain how to use the portals and they discover the largest cupboard in grandfather’s room. Feeling apprehensive he and Henrietta begin their exploration and wake up something that maybe should have been awakened.
When Henry York’s parents get kidnapped in South America he goes to live with his relatives in Henry, Kansas. They include his Uncle Frank, aunt Dotty and three cousins,
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Henrietta, Penelope, and Anastasia.. Henry has been so protected all of his life that he is actually enjoying living with his aunty and uncle. He truly knows nothing of the world. He was never allowed to play baseball. He has never drank a soda, and when his uncle gives him an old knife, he is very excited since he was never allowed to use a knife. Henry is given a room in the attic. He hears a scratching noise at night and then feels bits of plaster fall on him. As he begins to investigate he discovers his wall is full of little cupboards. These cupboards lead to other worlds.
Henry gets up in the middle of the night and sees a strange man come out of the bathroom and go into his grandfather’s locked room. No one has been able to get into that room. With Henrietta’s help they find their grandfather’s journals that explain how to use the portals and they discover the largest cupboard in grandfather’s room. Feeling apprehensive he and Henrietta begin their exploration and wake up something that maybe should have been awakened.
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LibraryThing member sch_94
My Summary: When Henry's parents are kidnapped while on a biking trip, he is sent to live with his Aunt Dotty and his Uncle Frank, who live in the quiet little town in Kansas he is named for. Unused to having the freedom to do whatever he wants to, Henry begins to grow and break out of his shell -
But one night, while he lays in his attic bedroom, Henry hears a scratching noise coming from the wall. Then suddenly two knobs break through the plaster and begin to turn.
Curious and a little frightened, Henry breaks off the plaster around the knobs, revealing a cupboard with two compass-style locks. He begins peeling away the plaster until he realizes the truth: the entire wall is covered in cupboard doors, each with its own combination. And what he discovers beyond those cupboard doors will change his life forever.
My Thoughts: I bought this book on a whim, and it was definitely a good idea! 100 Cupboards is a great book for kids (or teens, or adults!) who have always dreamed of finding a little bit of magic in their own houses.
Growing up in a small town, I could definitely relate to Henry and his cousin Henrietta - they were bored with their small-town lives, and hoped there was something more out there for them. I gotta say, there were times when I wished there were secret passages in my house :P
I really liked the author's writing style as well - it was full of imagery, making you feel like you were right there with Henry as he discovered the secret of the cupboards. Also, I loved the way the author revealed little bits and pieces of information and secrets that the characters were holding back. I can honestly say the only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars is because it took a while to build up to the reveal of the cupboard secret (nothing too long!).
Final Thoughts: I definitely recommend this one to kids 10+ and anyone who's looking for a great adventure series. And you know what else? I already bought the sequel! :)
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he tries baseball for the first time and makes friends with the other guys in town.But one night, while he lays in his attic bedroom, Henry hears a scratching noise coming from the wall. Then suddenly two knobs break through the plaster and begin to turn.
Curious and a little frightened, Henry breaks off the plaster around the knobs, revealing a cupboard with two compass-style locks. He begins peeling away the plaster until he realizes the truth: the entire wall is covered in cupboard doors, each with its own combination. And what he discovers beyond those cupboard doors will change his life forever.
My Thoughts: I bought this book on a whim, and it was definitely a good idea! 100 Cupboards is a great book for kids (or teens, or adults!) who have always dreamed of finding a little bit of magic in their own houses.
Growing up in a small town, I could definitely relate to Henry and his cousin Henrietta - they were bored with their small-town lives, and hoped there was something more out there for them. I gotta say, there were times when I wished there were secret passages in my house :P
I really liked the author's writing style as well - it was full of imagery, making you feel like you were right there with Henry as he discovered the secret of the cupboards. Also, I loved the way the author revealed little bits and pieces of information and secrets that the characters were holding back. I can honestly say the only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars is because it took a while to build up to the reveal of the cupboard secret (nothing too long!).
Final Thoughts: I definitely recommend this one to kids 10+ and anyone who's looking for a great adventure series. And you know what else? I already bought the sequel! :)
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LibraryThing member cmbohn
Opening the door to another dimension.
This was almost two books in one. One was about Henry, a young boy whose parents go missing, forcing him to move in with his aunt and uncle, and a sci-fi/fantasy story about a room with portals into other worlds and a fight against an evil sorceress. While the
This was almost two books in one. One was about Henry, a young boy whose parents go missing, forcing him to move in with his aunt and uncle, and a sci-fi/fantasy story about a room with portals into other worlds and a fight against an evil sorceress. While the fantasy story was good, and I'm looking forward to reading about more worlds in the next installment, I really preferred the story of Henry. His parents sheltered him from almost everything, never letting him have soda, controlling his pasttimes, even sending him to boarding school with a protective helmet he was supposed to wear during any physical activity. It's only when he meets his Uncle Frank, who promptly gives him a pocketknife, lets him sleep outdoors, buys him a baseball mitt, that he realizes what he's been missing. With Frank's seemingly casual friendship, he begins to develop confidence. A good reminder for some of those hovering parents that kids need space to try their wings.
I'm looking forward to reading more, mostly to see how Henry develops.
This was almost two books in one. One was about Henry, a young boy whose parents go missing, forcing him to move in with his aunt and uncle, and a sci-fi/fantasy story about a room with portals into other worlds and a fight against an evil sorceress. While the
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fantasy story was good, and I'm looking forward to reading about more worlds in the next installment, I really preferred the story of Henry. His parents sheltered him from almost everythin...moreOpening the door to another dimension.This was almost two books in one. One was about Henry, a young boy whose parents go missing, forcing him to move in with his aunt and uncle, and a sci-fi/fantasy story about a room with portals into other worlds and a fight against an evil sorceress. While the fantasy story was good, and I'm looking forward to reading about more worlds in the next installment, I really preferred the story of Henry. His parents sheltered him from almost everything, never letting him have soda, controlling his pasttimes, even sending him to boarding school with a protective helmet he was supposed to wear during any physical activity. It's only when he meets his Uncle Frank, who promptly gives him a pocketknife, lets him sleep outdoors, buys him a baseball mitt, that he realizes what he's been missing. With Frank's seemingly casual friendship, he begins to develop confidence. A good reminder for some of those hovering parents that kids need space to try their wings.
I'm looking forward to reading more, mostly to see how Henry develops.
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LibraryThing member jmoncton
Michael M wrote: "I realy liked the 100 cupboards but the narator does not changh his voice very often and it was kind of hard to tell who was speaking. I like how one of the cupboards led into another cupboard and Henry tugged on Henryetta's hair through the cupboard. I would recomend this book to
Great review, Michael. What great parents you must have to let you listen to all those audiobooks...
I completely agree with Michael's assessment of the exciting start of this series. The book is wonderful - slightly slow start, but once it gets going, you will not want to stop listening. Great plot with good twists and MAGIC! The audio narration isn't the strongest, but the good story carries it through. The sequel to this book, Dandelion Fire is already available. I'm hoping that there will be more to follow. Great series for young (and old!) fantasy lovers.
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people who like stories of Magic and Wizards and Witches." Great review, Michael. What great parents you must have to let you listen to all those audiobooks...
I completely agree with Michael's assessment of the exciting start of this series. The book is wonderful - slightly slow start, but once it gets going, you will not want to stop listening. Great plot with good twists and MAGIC! The audio narration isn't the strongest, but the good story carries it through. The sequel to this book, Dandelion Fire is already available. I'm hoping that there will be more to follow. Great series for young (and old!) fantasy lovers.
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Awards
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2011)
Iowa Children's Choice Award (Nominee — 2012)
Great Reads from Great Places (Idaho — 2011)
Language
Original publication date
2007-12-26
Physical description
289 p.; 22 cm
ISBN
0375838813 / 9780375838811
Local notes
100 Cupboards, 1
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Wilson |