4.04
Part of "Johnny Dixon" series
"The Curse of the Blue Figurine" by John Bellairs is a captivating and thrilling young adult novel that combines elements of mystery, horror, and adventure. First published in 1983, the book is the first in the series featuring the character Lewis Barnavelt, an orphaned boy who inherits his uncle's old house and becomes embroiled in a series of supernatural events. The story begins with Lewis' arrival at his uncle's house in New Zebedee, Michigan, where he meets his uncle Jonathan and his housekeeper, Mrs. Zimmermann. The house is filled with strange and mysterious objects, including a blue figurine that Jonathan warns Lewis to stay away from. However, Lewis' curiosity gets the better of him, and he soon discovers that the figurine is cursed, bringing misfortune and danger to anyone who possesses it. As the story unfolds, Lewis and his new friends must navigate a series of challenges and obstacles to break the curse and restore peace to their town. Along the way, they encounter a range of supernatural creatures, including witches, warlocks, and ghosts, and must use their wits and courage to outsmart them. Bellairs' writing is rich and descriptive, bringing the town of New Zebedee and its inhabitants to life in vivid detail. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Lewis emerging as a brave and resourceful hero who learns to overcome his fears and doubts. Overall, "The Curse of the Blue Figurine" is a thrilling and engaging read that will appeal to both young adults and adults alike. Its combination of mystery, horror, and adventure makes it a standout in the genre, and its memorable characters and vivid settings will stay with readers long after they have finished the book...
John Bellairs
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
If you enjoyed the mysterious and spooky atmosphere of 'The Curse of the Blue Figurine', you'll love this book, also by John Bellairs. Lewis Barnavelt, a 10-year-old orphan, goes to live with his uncle in a creaky old house that contains a ticking clock that holds a sinister secret.
Learn MoreCarolyn Keene
The Secret of the Old Clock
Fans of Bellairs' mystery-solving protagonist in 'The Curse of the Blue Figurine' will enjoy this first book in the Nancy Drew series. Nancy Drew, a young detective, is determined to solve the mystery of the missing will of a wealthy woman.
Learn MoreEllen Raskin
The Westing Game
Readers who liked the puzzle-solving aspect of 'The Curse of the Blue Figurine' will appreciate 'The Westing Game'. When an eccentric millionaire dies, sixteen people who knew him are brought together to solve the mystery of his death and compete for his fortune.
Learn MoreTrenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Fans of Bellairs' adventurous and intelligent protagonist will enjoy this book. Four children with special talents are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to save the world from a dangerous plot.
Learn MoreNeil Gaiman
The Graveyard Book
If you enjoyed the spooky and supernatural elements of 'The Curse of the Blue Figurine', you'll love this book by Neil Gaiman. After his family is murdered, a toddler escapes to a graveyard, where he is raised by ghosts and must navigate the supernatural world.
Learn MoreC.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Readers who liked the idea of a hidden world in 'The Curse of the Blue Figurine' will enjoy this classic children's book. Four siblings discover a magical world called Narnia, hidden in an old wardrobe.
Learn MoreSusan Cooper
The Dark Is Rising
Fans of Bellairs' supernatural themes will enjoy this book. On his 11th birthday, Will Stanton discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, destined to battle the forces of darkness.
Learn MoreJ.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit
Readers who liked the idea of a quest in 'The Curse of the Blue Figurine' will enjoy this classic fantasy book. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, embarks on an epic adventure to reclaim a stolen treasure from a dragon.
Learn MoreNorton Juster
The Phantom Tollbooth
Fans of Bellairs' imaginative world-building will enjoy this book. A young boy named Milo receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to a strange and fantastical land.
Learn MoreE.L. Konigsburg
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Readers who liked the idea of a hidden world in 'The Curse of the Blue Figurine' will enjoy this book. Two siblings run away from home and hide in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they uncover a mystery involving a famous sculpture.
Learn MoreMadeleine L'Engle
A Wrinkle in Time
Fans of Bellairs' imaginative world-building will enjoy this book. Meg Murry, her brother, and her friend embark on a dangerous journey through space and time to rescue her father from a terrible evil.
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