The Apothecary
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4.5 • 123 Ratings
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.
Together with Ian Schoenherr's breathtaking illustrations, this is a truly stunning package from cover to cover.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When the House Committee on Un-American Activities targets Janie's television writer parents, the 14-year-old and her family flee from Los Angeles to London. There, Janie meets Benjamin, a "defiant" classmate, and his father, the neighborhood apothecary, who is involved in much more than hot water bottles and aspirin. In fact, he is part of a long line of apothecaries who have discovered miraculous secrets truth serums, invisibility, amazing physical transformations and he is now working with scientists on an incredible plan that has global ramifications with regard to the escalating tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States. Some readers may need to brush up on cold war history to fully appreciate the stakes, but even those with a vague understanding of the times will be quickly swept up in this thoroughly enjoyable adventure, filled with magic, humor, memorable characters, and just a bit of sweet romance. With evocative, confident prose and equally atmospheric spot art from Schoenherr, adult author Meloy's first book for young readers is an auspicious one. Readers will hope they haven't heard the last from Janie and Benjamin. Ages 10 up.
Customer Reviews
Best book ever
I love this book it has so many plot twists and makes you guess what’s going to happen instead of like so many other fantasy books knowing what’s going to happen. I recommend this book.this is the one you’ll never forget
a childhood favorite
i found this book in my school library in fourth grade and would reread it in between the shelves in the back when i had free time. it’s still one of my favorite books to this day. good writing, unique plot, and lovely characters.
Great!
I read this book and forgot about it but now I want to read it again! And I don’t like reading books when I know what will happen, but this book doesn’t follow the rules. I recommend this book for middle schoolers who love books with adventure, fiction that somehow seems realistic, and a bit of romance.