The Children of Green Knowe

Module 7

Boston, L.M. 1954. The children of Green Knowe. Ill. by Peter Boston. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, Inc.


Toseland, a young boy comes to live with his grandmother in a mysterious old house, and discovers that the house is haunted with the spirits of children who lived there hundreds of years ago. . The ghosts of the children begin to present themselves to him. He learns that his grandmother also hears and sees the children. Toseland (nicknamed Tolly) listens to his grandmothers stories about the children who are also his ancestors and learns about his own history. A lonely little boy who seems to be largely ignored by his father and stepmother finds a connection with the ghosts of the children who played in the old house many years ago. While the story is mysterious and spooky, it also emphasizes the themes of good and evil and also the love a grandmother can have for her grandchild. The setting takes place in England, in the old mysterious house where his grandmother lives and sets us up for the events to follow. While the setting is realistic, the story takes a fanciful turn as Tolly begins to see unusual things begin to happen. The authors style of writing seems a bit outdated and in some ways this book could also qualify as being historical. The language used is definitely authentic to the times. Where some children may be able to relate most to Tolly, is his sense of feeling isolated from his father and new stepmother. Children being raised by grandparents may relate to his relationship with his grandmother. The book is not quite as action packed as some of the newer fantasy (either low or high) and some children may find it boring. While most kids like a good ghost story, this doesn’t quite have the same scary appeal as more modern ones because the ghosts are friendly. Even so, it can be a satisfying story for children who are willing to give it a shot. This is the first in a classic series by Boston and is recommended for children ages 9-12.