Expect a slow-building, twisty fantasy mystery centred on invisibility, secrecy and pursuit. Reuben’s adventure brings suspense, traps and danger, while friendship and trust become increasingly important to how he responds.
More about this book
"When twelve-year-old Reuben finds a peculiar, magical watch that has the power to turn its wearer invisible, he's propelled on the adventure of a lifetime"--
When Reuben discovers an antique watch that was mortared into the wall, he soon learns it has a secret power. As one secret leads to another, Reuben finds himself torn between his innately honest nature and the lure to be a hero. Now he is on a dangerous adventure, and with fearless Penny, mighty Jack, and the wise Mrs. Genevieve on his side, Reuben must outwit and outmaneuver the sly villain called The Smoke and his devious defenders the Directions, in order to save the city from a terrible fate.
SecretsThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.HonestyThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.PowerThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.
Consider
Fear and suspenseViolence and harmGrief and loss
Personalised Fit
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Reuben keeps the watch secret and feels torn between his honest nature and the lure of becoming a hero; he also feels bad about lying to his mother.MixedMixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.Mixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.
How the book presents it: The story appears to treat secrecy as morally complicated: it creates opportunities and risks, while honesty and responsibility remain important concerns.
Talk about: When, if ever, does Reuben consider hiding information justified, and what responsibilities come with possessing unusual power?
Fear, trust and belonging
Reuben begins as a loner, then trusts Penny with the watch’s secret and connects with others while working to protect them.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: Trust and connection are presented positively, while fear and greed are described as forces that can produce suspicion, loneliness and complicity.
Talk about: If fear makes people withdraw or cooperate with wrongdoing, what helps the characters decide whom they can safely trust?
Courage and problem-solving
Reuben works with Penny, Jack and Mrs Genevieve to outwit an antagonist and his defenders; he also reasons through traps in a mansion.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: Courage is linked with cooperation, protection and careful deduction rather than only physical force.
Talk about: How do planning, perspective-taking and teamwork contribute to courage, and if a clever plan fails, what other choices remain?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
Its strongest appeal is the combination of imaginative problem-solving and moral choice: Reuben must weigh the lure of being a hero against honesty, while learning that trusting others can create connection and courage.
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What Deserves Attention
The suspense deserves attention: a near-drowning, dark tunnels, frightening stories about ghosts, pursuit, confinement and threats are described. There are also bereavements and references to death, prison and possible suicide.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does Reuben decide when secrecy is protective and when it becomes dishonest? If the book presents fear as isolating, what helps its characters move towards trust without ignoring genuine danger?
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Reading Approach
For a child who enjoys suspense, pause after major discoveries to predict how the watch, traps or secrets may matter. Afterwards, discuss which risks felt frightening and how the characters’ choices affected others.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Secrecy, honesty and responsibility: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Fear, trust and belonging: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Courage and problem-solving: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Book information
Limited information
Relevant to: Secrecy, honesty and responsibility; Courage and problem-solving
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