Xandra hobson has always been fascinated by magic. so when she rescues a beautiful wounded bird, she is convinced that the glowing white feather it leaves behind must be magical. when she brings the feather to school, she is surprised to find that belinda is interested in it, too. belinda is a weird girl whom everybody makes fun of. xandra doesnt want to be seen with her, but belinda seems to know something about the featherso xandra decides to befriend her. belinda calls the feather a key.but a key to what? and how does it work? when xandra tries to use the key, she becomes aware of an unseen world, full of phantoms. some are soft and cuddly, like the young animals she has rescued. but others are terrifying monsters. could the keys magic be evil? xandra needs belinda to help her explore the unseen, but she also needs to learn to help herself if the key is to become a gift and not a nightmare..

 

This book was recognised in the Grades 6-8 category by the Sunshine State Young Reader's Award.

This book has been graded for interest at 10-14 years.

There are 199 pages in this book. This book was published 2005 by Yearling Books .

Zilpha Keatley Snyder (b. 1927) is a three-time Newbery Honor-winning author of adventure and fantasy novels for children. Her smart, honest, and accessible narrative style has made her books beloved by generations. When not writing, she enjoys reading and traveling. Snyder lives in Mill Valley, California.