I Am Reading: Ben's Gargoyle by Keith Gray
Ben’s Gargoyle by Keith Gray 👉
| Illustrated by: | Keith Robinson |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Barrington Stoke |
| Publish date: | 4 June 2026 |
Ben's world has become small and frightening. His parents are separated, and he's forced to live with his bitter and violent dad who demands that Ben act 'like a man'. He's at a new school, far from his friends. And there is a gargoyle creeping over the rooftop towards him…
This is a great gothic tale of psychological horror. Ben's struggles with his father are sad and told very effectively – within a few pages we see how his life has changed, and the danger all around him. The gargoyle is a constant presence and the mystery of what it is – and perhaps what it represents – is revealed in a shocking scene. And you'll be punching the air as Ben manages to find his inner strength.
As with all Barrington Stoke books, this is easy-read, super accessible and delivered with dyslexia-friendly paper and font, with a suggested age range of 9+ but a reading age of 8+. The excellent illustrations by Keith Robinson are sinister and really add to the tone.
A wonderfully gothic tale with a great theme – I loved it!
Many thanks to Barrington Stoke for sending me a review copy of this text.