Boring, Illinois. Brian can definitely think of a better way to spend his holidays. He couldn’t stay at home as his scientist dad got stationed at the North Pole. So Brian had to go to uncle Gary’s house, because he was the only one who had the time to take care of him over the summer.

His uncle wanted him to test “Summer’s Cool” – a software he made. But Brian didn’t feel like spending every day in front of a computer screen.

Everything is boring in Boring, of course! Up until the day, when Brian played soccer outdoors and he kicked the ball over the fence. No one was looking, so he climbed over the fence and spotted the ball on a path that lead into the forest behind uncle Gary’s garden. Brian kind of accidently followed the path into the woods. When he suddenly heard gunshots, Brian threw himself to the ground, just as his teacher at school told him would be the right behavior in that case. The next minute a mixture of goblin and pig almost ran him over. What was that? Did this really just happen?

Brian ran as fast as he could back to his uncle’s house and told Nora his cousin all about it. The next day they went exploring the forest and got lost. They found themselves at a very, very big house that looked like a few houses were mixed together. And that wasn’t the weirdest part. On the roof of the house was a boat! They knocked on the door and the adventure began…

Who was the main character and what did they do?
The main character was Brian Brown who was very brave following the path into the dark looming forest.

Who were the other important characters?
The other important characters are Nora (the cousin) who always writes into a green notebook and Cosmo who is the son of Dashiell van Dash (one of the owners of the matchstick castle).

Who was your favorite character and why?
My favorite character is Cosmo because he is very adventurous and always carries a smile on his face.

How did I like the book?
I loved the book because it was extraordinary, adventurous and exciting – I want to give the author of the “Matchstick Castle” an extra round of applause: Keir Graff!

Who is that book for?
This book is for kids 8 years and older.

Rating: 10/10