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Jonathan Auxier
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Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster Kindle Edition

by Jonathan Auxier (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,092 ratings
See all formats and editions
For nearly a century, Victorian London relied on “climbing boys”—orphans owned by chimney sweeps—to clean flues and protect homes from fire. The work was hard, thankless, and brutally dangerous. Eleven-year-old Nan Sparrow is quite possibly the best climber who ever lived—and a girl. With her wits and will, she’s managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again. But when Nan gets stuck in a deadly chimney fire, she fears her time has come. Instead, she wakes to find herself in an abandoned attic. And she is not alone. Huddled in the corner is a mysterious creature—a golem—made from ash and coal. This is the creature that saved her from the fire.
 
Sweep is the story of a girl and her monster. Together, these two outcasts carve out a life—saving one another in the process. By one of today’s most powerful storytellers, Sweep is a heartrending adventure about the everlasting gifts of friendship and hope.
 
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 10 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    378 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Lexile measure
    630L
  6. Publisher
    Amulet Books
  7. Publication date
    September 25, 2018
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  12. ISBN-13
    978-1419731402
  13. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

One of Book Riot’s Top 100 Children’s Books of 2018
One of CBC Books’ Best Canadian Children's & YA Books of 2018
One of The Boston Globe's Best Children’s Books of 2018 
One of Wall Street Journal’s Best Children’s Books of 2018 
One of Quill & Quire's Books of the Year 2018
One of Canadian Children's Book Centre’s Favourite Books of the Year 2018
One of Horn Book Fanfare's Best Books of 2018
One of Publishers Weekly's Best Children’s and YA Books 2018
One of New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids 2018
One of Montreal Gazette’s Best Books to Give Kids for the Holidays 2018
One of CCBC’S Best Books for Kids & Teens (Spring 2019)

PRAISE FOR Sweep: 

"This dazzling, warmhearted novel contemplates selflessness and saving, deep love and what makes a monster." --Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

"As heartbreaking as bleak midwinter — and as hopeful as early spring." --Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

“History and mythology combine in the moving story of a young chimney sweep in Victorian London.” --Wall Street Journal

“Sweep is both specific in its setting and universal in its consideration of what makes people both selfish and noble, and how social and economic circumstances can destroy or elevate. . . . Highly recommended.” --Highly recommended, Jewish Book Council

"This tale of a young chimney sweep and her golem will make you laugh and cry and cheer for the children. . . . Auxier. . . weaves a wondrous tale that wraps readers tightly and pulls them into a world where a very special magic exists.” --The Book Reader Today

“[A] fantastical and vibrant story encapsulating the horrific experiences of young sweeps along with a nuanced and sensitive exploration of friendship, loss, and fighting for those you love." --CM Magazine

“The blend of myth, magic, and history will keep kids turning the pages and leave them sorry when it’s over.” --Canadian Children’s Book News

"Sweep’s ambition and sophistication are impressive." --Quill & Quire

". . . a tale that is both uplifting and heartbreaking." --New York Times

“It's filled with love and imagination. . . [and] it's beautifully told.” --CBC The Next Chapter

"[an] engrossing fantasy" --The Boston Gobe

"Auxier wipes away the grime from a bleak chapter in history, where children were forced to work dangerous jobs that claimed many lives. He questions what makes one a monster and applauds helping others, activism, education, earthly marvels, and the possibility of magic. Nan’s fiery personality will attract readers like moths, and Auxier's unusual blend of mythology and history will keep them transfixed." --Starred Review, Booklist

"Weaving together strands of Jewish folklore (Nan calls Charlie a “soot golem”), Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience, Shelley’s Frankenstein, the history of child-labor reform, and his own threads of magical realism, Auxier crafts a beautiful, hopeful story out of some ugly realities of nineteenth-century British life." --Starred Review, Horn Book Magazine

"Jonathan Auxier weaves a magical spell that draws readers right into the stark, gritty streets of Victorian London . . . Readers will be entranced." --Starred Review, School Library Connection

About the Author

Jonathan Auxier is the New York Times bestselling and critically acclaimed author of Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes, The Night Gardener, Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard,and Sweep. He lives with his family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07BYWF7TB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amulet Books (September 25, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 25, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3956 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 378 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,092 ratings

About the author

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Jonathan Auxier

Jonathan Auxier

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Jonathan Auxier writes strange stories for strange children--including PETER NIMBLE & HIS FANTASTIC EYES and THE NIGHT GARDENER. Raised in Canada, Jonathan now lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and family. Find out more by visiting www.TheScop.com, where he blogs about children's books old and new.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,092 global ratings
Amazing!
5 Stars
Amazing!
1st book down for silhouette on the cover prompt for MG March! This book wrapped itself around my heart, & I loved it. I did cry a few times, but I’m fine lol Such a heartwarming story, & heartbreaking at the same time. Reading the authors note in the back, you realize how some things in the book are based on facts. There really were children sweeps, & it was apparently even worse than what they were in the book. Also, what Jewish people went through. This was based in the late 1800s. I had no idea. We were only taught in school about the Holocaust-which was horrific & tragic. I thought that’s where all that ignorance started, but in reality Jewish people have been the focus of so much hatred for such a long time-all w/the most ignorant reasoning I’ve ever heard. Nan is such a amazing, & strong girl. So smart too. Even though we never meet him except in Nan’s dreams, I thought the Sweep was such an amazing man. He was her father in every way that matters, & did everything in his power to look out for her-even in his last days w/her, & continuing on when she was on her own. I was so fascinated by Golems, the sweeps, all of it. The author gives many book recommendations in the back that I am going to definitely be looking into. I really want to learn more. Charlie had my whole heart. Toby has a place in my heart as well-such a great kid & friend to Nan..but Charlie..I love him so much. The story of him & Nan was so beautiful. I felt lucky to read it. I’ve said before how when reading historical fiction(which some things are based on facts usually) it always infuriates me how badly certain children were treated back in history. Honestly, some still are-we just don’t see it on display like back then. Child labor is still a huge problem. Also, anti-Semitism continues today as well. How sad is that. Over a 100 years later..still dealing w/the same problems. “We save ourselves by saving others.” What a great message, & so true. Highly recommend. Beautiful cover by Dadu Shin. Perfect.💜 “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
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Top reviews from the United States

Belle’s Middle Grade
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
1st book down for silhouette on the cover prompt for MG March! This book wrapped itself around my heart, & I loved it. I did cry a few times, but I’m fine lol Such a heartwarming story, & heartbreaking at the same time. Reading the authors note in the back, you realize how some things in the book are based on facts. There really were children sweeps, & it was apparently even worse than what they were in the book. Also, what Jewish people went through. This was based in the late 1800s. I had no idea. We were only taught in school about the Holocaust-which was horrific & tragic. I thought that’s where all that ignorance started, but in reality Jewish people have been the focus of so much hatred for such a long time-all w/the most ignorant reasoning I’ve ever heard. Nan is such a amazing, & strong girl. So smart too. Even though we never meet him except in Nan’s dreams, I thought the Sweep was such an amazing man. He was her father in every way that matters, & did everything in his power to look out for her-even in his last days w/her, & continuing on when she was on her own. I was so fascinated by Golems, the sweeps, all of it. The author gives many book recommendations in the back that I am going to definitely be looking into. I really want to learn more. Charlie had my whole heart. Toby has a place in my heart as well-such a great kid & friend to Nan..but Charlie..I love him so much. The story of him & Nan was so beautiful. I felt lucky to read it. I’ve said before how when reading historical fiction(which some things are based on facts usually) it always infuriates me how badly certain children were treated back in history. Honestly, some still are-we just don’t see it on display like back then. Child labor is still a huge problem. Also, anti-Semitism continues today as well. How sad is that. Over a 100 years later..still dealing w/the same problems. “We save ourselves by saving others.” What a great message, & so true. Highly recommend. Beautiful cover by Dadu Shin. Perfect.💜 “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Customer image
Belle’s Middle Grade
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2021
1st book down for silhouette on the cover prompt for MG March! This book wrapped itself around my heart, & I loved it. I did cry a few times, but I’m fine lol Such a heartwarming story, & heartbreaking at the same time. Reading the authors note in the back, you realize how some things in the book are based on facts. There really were children sweeps, & it was apparently even worse than what they were in the book. Also, what Jewish people went through. This was based in the late 1800s. I had no idea. We were only taught in school about the Holocaust-which was horrific & tragic. I thought that’s where all that ignorance started, but in reality Jewish people have been the focus of so much hatred for such a long time-all w/the most ignorant reasoning I’ve ever heard. Nan is such a amazing, & strong girl. So smart too. Even though we never meet him except in Nan’s dreams, I thought the Sweep was such an amazing man. He was her father in every way that matters, & did everything in his power to look out for her-even in his last days w/her, & continuing on when she was on her own. I was so fascinated by Golems, the sweeps, all of it. The author gives many book recommendations in the back that I am going to definitely be looking into. I really want to learn more. Charlie had my whole heart. Toby has a place in my heart as well-such a great kid & friend to Nan..but Charlie..I love him so much. The story of him & Nan was so beautiful. I felt lucky to read it. I’ve said before how when reading historical fiction(which some things are based on facts usually) it always infuriates me how badly certain children were treated back in history. Honestly, some still are-we just don’t see it on display like back then. Child labor is still a huge problem. Also, anti-Semitism continues today as well. How sad is that. Over a 100 years later..still dealing w/the same problems. “We save ourselves by saving others.” What a great message, & so true. Highly recommend. Beautiful cover by Dadu Shin. Perfect.💜 “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
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12 people found this helpful
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Happily Ever Elephants
5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite - this masterpiece will stay with me for a long, long time.
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2018
Verified Purchase
When I tell you this book sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down, I speak the honest truth. I was utterly captivated, from beginning to end, and I now want to read every single story ever written by Auxier. What a brilliant writer!

Sweep is the story of Nan Sparrow, an orphaned chimney sweeper who spends her days performing a thankless — and wholly dangerous — job. After her “Sweep” leaves her, and after she almost loses her life in a chimney fire, Nan fears her days are numbered. But when she awakens in an abandoned attic and discovers a golem made of soot and ash in the room with her, she begins a new life full of hope, friendship and the courage to conquer her greatest challenges.

I love stories that teach without being didactic, ones that encourage you to make new discoveries every time you open their pages. Sweep is that and so much more - a book that tackles tough topics and follows Nan as she puts one foot in front of the other after facing so many unspeakable losses. Sweep is separated into two sections, appropriately called Innocence and Experience, and they so beautifully illuminate Nan’s journey from a guileless young child to a tween fraught with complicated questions and even more troubling realizations about society and her place within it. Why are children forced to work dangerous jobs? Why are kids losing their lives due to nothing but their unfortunate lot in life, and what on earth can she do to change it?

Simply put, Sweep is a feat. It is an adventure of the greatest kind, an ode to friendship, a discovery of self, and a testament to the power of one voice to create change. But my favorite part? Sweep excels in its exploration of “monsters,” finds tenderness in the terrifying, and combats all of our preconceived notions about the frightening things that keep us up at night. Exquisite - this masterpiece will stay with me for a long, long time.
21 people found this helpful
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Amy R
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2023
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My husband and I enjoyed this story so much. What a sweet tale mixing a bit of real history and a bit of folktale magic with a compelling plotline. The sort of book I'm always looking for more of.
One person found this helpful
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Clarissa Rich
4.0 out of 5 stars Auxier is one of my favorite children’s authors
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2022
Verified Purchase
Auxier’s books are complex and compelling. He weaves in lots of quotable wisdom.

This one in particular reminded me of Mary Poppins and Newsies. I will read it with my children when they are a little older.
One person found this helpful
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M. Fuller
5.0 out of 5 stars Nan, the Sweep and her soot golem 'Charlie' is one you won't soon forget
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
One of the hardest parts of parenthood is the certainty that one can't protect your kid from pain, but desperately wanting to anyway. It looks like loving something fragile, sheltering them while you can and then hoping they are strong enough to stand on their own when you can't shield them any longer. Its heart breaking really. Recently my daughter was diagnosed with T1D and it's been a tough season of grief and pain for us all. This book was balm for my parent-crushed heart.

The story of Nan, the Sweep and her soot golem is one you won't soon forget. Its a story about parenthood but also (and maybe moreso if you're not me) friendship, child labor, death, helping others, abandonment, activism, magic, religion, hope and healing. It will touch your heart and is very hopeful and beautiful.

I've been a fan of Auxier since his first book was released. Often as I've read his stuff, I have questioned... "wow, did he just put that in a kids book? That's a little scary" or sad, or whatever and you know what, he does and it's what makes his stuff so good. It feels honest. Life can be creepy, or devastating. Books can help adults and kids alike process, celebrate, remember and hope. This is a book I'd recommend to every parent and mature kids either older (like 12), or younger ones who have known sadness/loss at too young an age. This book acknowledges grief but leaves a bit of room for magic and ends with hope. Brilliant.
25 people found this helpful
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JB
5.0 out of 5 stars It made me sad, and made me cry and made me Hope.
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
One of the best books that I have read, since Dragon Bones and Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs. It is a stark picture of the horror of sweeps climbers and a truth about child labor that we would do well to heed today. It is also a love story, full of loss, and tears, and hope, and most of all, love.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Coram Letum
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy buen regalo
Reviewed in Mexico on December 6, 2023
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Excelente regalo
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Richard
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story that teaches children about history and culture too.
Reviewed in Canada on April 27, 2023
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I read this book to my child before I went to London. I took her to see the monument (called the matchstick in the book) when we were there. Even if you do not go all the way to London, your child will enjoy reading this book. If you are going to read this book to your child, you can make it more authentic by imitating the London accent.
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Aisha ahmed
5.0 out of 5 stars Childrens book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2022
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Gifted to my granddaughter as a birthday gift this is the second book I’ve bought from Amazon hopefully will be buying more.
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Amazon カスタマー
4.0 out of 5 stars ハードブックしかないのかな？！
Reviewed in Japan on May 3, 2019
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インターに通ってる小学生の娘がほしいと言ったので買いました！どこかの記事でおもしろいと紹介されていたようです。ハードブックしかないので、ペーパーもあるとよいです。(販売されいるかもしれませんが、ハードブックしか購入できませんでした。)
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Grace
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Magical
Reviewed in Canada on December 14, 2018
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I loved this book and devoured it over the course of a weekend. I am a teacher-librarian, so I read a lot of children's literature and Sweep really stood out for me. It transported me to Victorian London and let me feel how scary it must have been for kids who were chimney sweeps. Nan is a great character - brave and driven, and concerned for her "monster". I have purchased copies of this book for my library at school as well as for friends (adults and children).
2 people found this helpful
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