Kneeknock Rise
by Natalie Babbitt
Published by Square Fish Books
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Reviewed by Claire Vath
Natalie Babbitt’s Kneeknock Rise was the recipient of a 1984 Newberry Award.
Babbitt’s classic tale centers around Instep, a small town at the foot of a mountain. The townspeople live in fear of the monster at the top of Kneeknock Rise, aptly named for the kneeknock birds upon which the monster, or Megrimum, feasts.
Egan sets out to attend the Instep fair and stay with his relatives—Aunt Gertrude, Uncle Anson, cousin Ada and Anson’s brother, Uncle Ott.
The first night there, he’s informed that Uncle Ott is missing. Panicked townspeople hang onions and wishbones over their doors to ward off the Megrimum.
The day of the fair, Ada challenges Egan to climb the rise. Ready to face the unknown, he sets off. When Egan gets to the top, he learns the truth of the Megrimum and Uncle Ott’s whereabouts.
After reading this book, it’s easy to see why Natalie Babbitt’s books are classics. She easily crafts a suspenseful plot, her writing is solid and her imagination endless.
Armchair Interviews says: A 5-star story for middle readers (age 10-14).