Wizard's Hall

By: Jane Yolen

Narrated by: Words Take Wing Repertory Co

An inept wizard-in-training is the only one who can save his classmates from the terrible sorcery that threatens to devour their magical school

Acclaimed master fantasist Jane Yolen imagines an academic world of wonders where paintings speak, walls move, monsters are made real, and absolutely anything can happen—as she introduces readers to a hero as hapless as the legendary Merlin is powerful.

It was Henry’s dear ma who decided to send him off to Wizard’s Hall to study sorcery, despite the boy’s apparent lack of magical talent. He has barely stepped through the gates of the magnificent school when he is dubbed Thornmallow (“prickly on the outside, squishy within”). Still, regardless of his penchant for turning even the simplest spell into a disaster, Thornmallow’s teachers remain kind and patient, and he soon has a cadre of loyal, loving friends. But there is something that no one is telling the boy: As the 113th student to enroll in the wondrous academy, Thornmallow has an awesome and frightening duty to fulfill—and failure will mean the destruction of Wizard’s Hall and everyone within its walls.

great book narration sucks. I love this book

one of my favorite books as a kid but the woman's voice drives me insane I swear I can't do it

The Origin of All Wizard School Stories

possibly the best, most definitely the brightest & to my knowledge the first of all books about wizard school. Jane Yolen weaves a masterful story for readers of every age.
one of my favorite childhood tales

Good, but not Great.

Good, but not Great. I give it 3 out of 5.

Thank You Very Much.

The book that got me to love books

This novel made me fall in love with reading in third grade. It's wonderful. The narration done by the author is great too. I'd highly recommend this if you're looking for a fun (admittedly children's) story.

Fantastic Memories From my Childhood

What made the experience of listening to Wizard's Hall the most enjoyable?

This is a story I remember from my childhood. It was great to revisit. It has much more of a fable quality, it would make for great bedtime listening with young kids.

What other book might you compare Wizard's Hall to and why?

If your child is still too young for the Harry Potter series, this is a good starter. It's about a young boy who goes to a school of magic and somewhere between making friends and learning spells he must find the courage to confront a great evil that threatens the school. And remember this came out a full 7 years before Harry Potter.

What about Words Take Wing Repertory Company’s performance did you like?

The narrator was very good. The voices are distinct and full of character.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Before there was Hogwarts, there was Wizard's Hall