About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels stifled by family expectations or struggles to find their own voice within a rigid environment. It is a masterfully atmospheric gothic tale about Clod Iremonger, a boy living in a vast mansion built from London's discarded rubbish. In this world, every family member is tethered to a 'birth object' that speaks to them, a metaphor for the weight of inheritance and identity. The story explores themes of belonging and bravery as Clod teams up with a rebellious servant girl to uncover the dark secrets of his lineage. While it features a spooky, macabre tone, it is a deeply imaginative choice for middle grade readers who enjoy mystery and unique world-building. Parents will appreciate how it encourages children to look past the surface of things and question the status quo.
