The Secret History of Tom Trueheart by Ian Beck

Reviewed by Lori
Secret History Of Tom Trueheart (CD Audio)
Title: The Secret History of Tom Trueheart

Author: Ian Beck

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 13542

Description:  When young Tom Trueheart's seven older brothers all go missing during their adventures in the Land of Stories, he embarks on a perilous mission to save them and to capture the rogue story-writer who wants to do away with the heroes.

Rubric Rating: Level 2: Like It

Why I Read It: Selected by my son for a read aloud and read together.

Lori's Notes:  Young Tom is just about to turn 12 and can't wait to start his own story adventure.  All of his older brothers have been in their own stories (and all have "Jack" names - Jack, Jake, Jacquot, Jacques, Jackie).  Each brother receives a letter from the story bureau to enter the land of stories.  Tom expects them home in time for his birthday but when none of them return, Tom and his mother start to worry.  Tom receives his own letter from the story Bureau instructing him to start his own adventure by finding his brothers.  He ends up in the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, and many other folk and fairy tales.  With the help of the talking crow Jollity, Tom helps to rescue his brothers and stop the rogue storywriter who wants to eliminate the heroes.

Recommended Readers: A good read aloud tale for middle schools grades.  A good fairy tale for boys interested in adventure stories.  Grade 3 and up.

Themes: Fairy Tales, Storytelling, Adventures, Brothers, Magical Creatures

Cross-Genre Links:
Movie: The Brothers Grimm (2005)
Website: National Geographic Grimm's Fairy Tales
Wikipedia Article: Fairy Tale
Wikipedia Article: Jack (Given Name)

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics:

  • What is the purpose of the Story Bureau?
  • Who is Jollity and how does he help Tom?
  • How does Tom rescue each of his brothers?
  • Why doesn't Tom finish each of the stories?
  • How many different fairy tales or nursery rhymes do you recognize in this novel?

Other Support Materials:

Other Titles by Ian Beck:







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