The Secret Lake

Karen Inglis

43 pages 1-hour read

Karen Inglis

The Secret Lake

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

Karen Inglis

The Secret Lake

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

122

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Historical Fiction

Children`s Literature
Setting

London, England • Contemporary

Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

The Past

Friendship
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis follows a young person named Stella and her brother Tom as they discover a hidden lake that serves as a time portal. In their adventure, they encounter children from the past and uncover mysteries surrounding disappearances and the history of their surroundings. Their exploration of the past helps unravel present-day mysteries.

Mysterious

Adventurous

Nostalgic

Fantastical

Playful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis enchants young readers with its engaging time-travel adventure and relatable characters. The vivid storytelling and imaginative plot captivate children, sparking their curiosity about history. However, some readers find the pacing uneven, with parts of the narrative unfolding too swiftly. Overall, it provides a delightful and educational escape.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secret Lake?

Readers who enjoy The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis likely appreciate time-travel adventures, historical mysteries, and young protagonists. Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and A Wrinkle in Time will find its blend of fantasy and reality enchanting, appealing to children and pre-teens aged 8-12.

Character List

One of the main protagonists, Stella transitions from a homesick adolescent into a courageous leader, leveraging her modern knowledge to navigate past challenges alongside her brother Tom.

The other main protagonist, Tom is adventurous and curious, driving the discovery of the story’s time portal and embracing the mystery with enthusiasm.

A central figure in the Edwardian-era storyline, Jack is initially perceived as a “boy thief” but is revealed to be loyal and courageous, with strong ties to his father.

Emma is a brave and open-minded young girl who becomes integral to the adventure; later, she is revealed to be Mrs. Moon, an elderly woman connected to the story's events.

Initially appearing as a grumpy gardener, Charlie is later revealed to play a protective role linked to the garden's magical secrets.

A dishonest servant, Crawley is the main antagonist whose actions create central conflict for the protagonists.

Sophie is Emma’s older sister, characterized by her adherence to social hierarchies and her role as an obstacle for the children.

Emma’s best friend, Lucy aids the protagonists at a crucial moment with bravery and decisiveness.

The patriarch of the Gladstone family, he represents authority but demonstrates the ability to reason and seek justice.

Mrs. Gladstone is concerned with social propriety and the safety of her children, highlighting the cultural differences the protagonists encounter.

Book Details
Pages

122

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Historical Fiction

Children`s Literature
Setting

London, England • Contemporary

Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

The Past

Friendship
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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