The Phantom Tollbooth

Fantastic title (double-points for word play)

Juster, Norton. The Phantom Tollbooth. New York : Random House, 1961.

Plot: Milo, bored with school, toys, learning, and life in general finds an unexpected package waiting for him. After assembling the gift into a cardboard tollbooth  with a guidebook and some coins for toll, he drives his toy car through it. He finds himself in a nonsensical world of words, math, senses, philosophies, and peril. The land is plagued due to the banishment of the good princesses Rhyme and Reason. Determined to save the land, Milo seeks to save the princesses with the help of the noble watchdog, Tock, and the reluctant know-it-all, Humbug. However, the rescue will require the assistance of every source of benevolent power in the kingdom.

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Growing Up, Humor

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Journey to the Blue Moon, The Wayfinder, Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarian

Personal Thoughts: After viewing this book in nearly every library in existence, I finally got the nerve to read the title. I discovered why it is found everywhere. The story itself contains a pleasant mix of creative characters, clever plot devices, and smart word plays. Also, the moral of the tale remains highly relevant over fifty years after its creation. While the current generation enjoys enormous amounts of information and entertainment, like Milo, it needs to learn the value of such opportunities. However, the plot manages to display the lesson without becoming a dull morality play. I may need to purchase this title.

The text inspired several plays, musicals, operas, and films.

Side Note: I wonder if current readers will compare the Terrible Trivium to Slenderman.