In this book, six sixth-graders form their own secret society devoted to Egypt-related things. In the beginning, April moves from Hollywood to an unspecified Californian city famous for its university–her mother is busy pursuing a career as an esteemed actress. April, considered eccentric by many, makes friends with Melanie, who lives in April's grandmother's apartment; they discover their shared interest for imagining, and they invent the titular Egypt Game. Melanie's younger brother, a girl living in the apartment, and two boys from school all become involved in the Egypt game. But soon, a murder occurs, and the children are all cautioned to stay indoors–and the main suspect is the Professor, the reclusive man, in whose storage yard the Egyptians worship Egyptian Gods. Who is this strange human? And, who is the real criminal? This is a great book, full of good dialogue and realistic characters. It's witty and the writing is good too, but at times it seems a little dated, such as when the characters say "fink" and other weird words (this was written in 1967). I would recommend this book to people who like realistic fiction, as it focuses more on the friendships developing between the Egyptians than the actual mystery, though it is still important to the plot.
The Egypt Game
By Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
---|---|---|---|---|
Grades 5 - 9 | Grades 10 - 9 | X | 6.4 | n/a |
The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?
Publisher: Random House Childrens Books
Published on 1/1/1996
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 215
Book Reviews (3)
I THINK THIS BOOK WILL BE REALLY COOL BECAUSE OF THE COVER LOOKS SO AWESOME
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! It's so awesome and amazing! I think everyone should read the Egypt game and be part of a mystery!