Carter and the Curious Maze - (Weird Stories Gone Wrong) by Philippa Dowding (Paperback)

About the Book

Carter spends a strange afternoon trapped in a never-ending maze at a fair. He escapes only to find himself living in the past! Carter follows the clues to find his way home, but will the maze let him go?

Book Synopsis

Carter discovers a creepy maze at the fair and travels farther and farther back in time. How will he ever get back to the present?

The fair is dull, dull, dull, and nothing interesting will ever happen to Carter again ... until Carter discovers the curious maze.

Nothing has ever happened here in the history of the world, he thinks. But the maze has some strange secrets, and the spot Carter stands upon has seen some very exciting events over the centuries.

Once Carter enters the maze, odd people begin to appear. First he meets Mr. Green, the mysterious, creepy maze-keeper, then a leaf-covered girl, a lost little boy in old-fashioned clothes, a wounded British soldier, and finally an eighteenth-century Native boy who seems very authentic, indeed.

When Carter eventually escapes the curious maze, the fair is all wrong. There are too many horses, ladies in bonnets, and what's a freak show doing there? Carter begins his travels through time, and his dull afternoon is about to get very, very interesting.

Review Quotes

...a great novel to introduce multi-genre writing to young readers due to its fantasy, adventure, and mystery overtones.-- "Resource Links"

Carter and the Curious Maze is a short, fast-paced tale with engagingly eerie illustrations by Shawna Daigle that enhance Dowding's captivating storytelling style. Readers will be compelled by the historic tales of Toronto's past as experienced by the relatable and funny 12-year-old Carter and the cast of interesting characters he meets within the maze. A perfect book for readers who enjoy light fantasy with humour and heart.-- "Canadian Materials"

Dowding's story is fast-paced and compelling, with just enough mystery to be spooky.-- "YA Books Central"

In an approachable, straightforward style, Dowding writes an engaging time travel story.-- "Booklist Online"

This original take on time-travel historical fantasy is a sure bet for young scary-story enthusiasts.-- "Kirkus"

About the Author

Philippa Dowding is an award-winning copywriter, poet, and children's author. Her books have been nominated for the Diamond Willow, Hackmatack, Silver Birch, and Red Maple awards. Her third book, The Gargoyle at the Gates, was named a White Raven Book by the International Youth Library in Munich. Philippa lives in Toronto.