"A tense, atmospheric gothic tale about fitting in, change and standing up to your biggest bullies."
Interest Age 9, Reading Age 8 - June 2026 Book of the Month
A creepy, powerful story that lingers long after the main page. With themes of isolation, resilience and growing fear this will appeal to readers who enjoy intense, moody books. Ben’s isolation and fear is well evoked, whilst his dad’s anger and indifference to his presence makes for a powerful, anxiety-inducing read. The sinister, looming gargoyle is sufficiently scary enough to cause a shiver down the spine, but Gray skilfully urges the reader to question who and what the real monster is. Published by Barrington Stoke, this is a widely accessibly book that is perfect for 10+ readers who like short books with lots of tension, particularly those who are only just starting to grow their reading confidence.
With strong echoes of Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls, the gradually growing of tension and questions of what it means to be a man, make this Ben’s Gargoyle an ideal, quick read for school book clubs and classroom discussions.
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Critically acclaimed author Keith Gray masterfully grapples with the difficult dynamics of a tumultuous family environment in this compelling and bittersweet tale.
When Ben sees a monstrous gargoyle creeping across the midnight rooftops, he's desperate to tell someone. But Ben feels alone in his new home and is finding it hard fitting in at his new school.
Ben's dad doesn't believe him. He's always angry. He says Ben needs to act his age, stand up to the school bullies and "be a man". But can Ben find the courage to stand up to the biggest bully of all? And every night the gargoyle creeps closer.
Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Ben's Gargoyle and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-10 years old
Ben's Gargoyle features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Books of the Month, Interviews with Authors and Illustrators, Recommendations, Adventure Stories, Stories about Family and Friends, Fantasy / Magical, Horror & Ghost Stories, School Stories, Thrillers, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Ben's Gargoyle is available in Paperback
Ben's Gargoyle was written by Keith Gray and published by Barrington Stoke an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Ben's Gargoyle has 92 pages
£7.19
