The Matchstick Castle

By: Keir Graff

Narrated by: Michael Crouch

A wild and whimsical adventure story, perfect for fans of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

Brian can think of a few places he'd rather spend his summer than with his aunt and uncle in Boring, Illinois. Jail, for example. Or an earplug factory. Anything would be better than doing summer school on a computer while his scientist dad is stationed at the South Pole.

Boring lives up to its name until Brian and his cousin Nora have a fight, get lost, and discover a huge, wooden house in the forest. With balconies, turrets, and windows seemingly stuck on at random, it looks ready to fall over in the next stiff breeze. To the madcap, eccentric family that lives inside, it’s not just a home—it’s a castle.

Suddenly, summer gets a lot more exciting. With their new friends, Brian and Nora tangle with giant wasps, sharp-tusked wild boars, and a crazed bureaucrat intent on bringing the dangerously dilapidated old house down with a wrecking ball.

This funny, fantastical story will resonate with any reader who’s ever wished a little adventure would find them.

"For boys and girls alike, this story sings.”—Blue Balliett, award-winning author of Chasing Vermeer

Critic reviews

"Fast-paced, anarchic fun for reluctant and avid readers alike."—Kirkus Reviews

“This quirky novel is reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie for the tweenage set. . . . For those who enjoy a bit of absurdist humor with their realism.”—School Library Journal

“A zippy, adventurous romp in the woods complete with fierce animals and buried treasure.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"What makes this book special is the way Graff evokes the excitement of new vistas . . . . a compelling reminder that it's a great big world out there, just waiting for the next generation of dreamers and explorers."—Chicago Tribune

"A whimsical adventure with a large dose of humor? Yes, please! This story spoke to my inner child, who suffered too many boring summer vacations and longed to discover something magical and exciting in my own backyard."—Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, New York Times bestselling author of Book Scavenger and The Unbreakable Code

"For boys and girls alike, this story sings.”—Blue Balliett, award-winning author of Chasing Vermeer

“A towering tale filled with astonishing action, amazing characters, and two very daring adventurers.”—David Lubar, author of the Monsterrific Tales series, the Weenies series, and Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie

Great!!!

I recommend it to people looking for a good book to listen to at all times.

Love it

I m so happy it egsistes love it if people are looking for a good book this is perfect for them

My 11 year old loved it!

What made the experience of listening to The Matchstick Castle the most enjoyable?

I'm writing this review for my 11 year old. He loved it and it's like pulling teeth getting him to read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Matchstick Castle?

For my son it was the castle itself. This author came to his school, and said one one inspirtion was The Winchester Mystery house, which we just visited.

Amazing. just amazing.

This as the best book in like, ever. one of my favorite books probably. amazing