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

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

by Jonathan Auxier

From the New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Auxier comes an enchanting standalone novel about the power of friendship and the beauty of finding home

Nan Sparrow is one of London’s countless “climbers”—children who spend their days cleaning chimneys. The work is brutal and dangerous. Thanks to her wits and will, Nan has managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again. But when she gets stuck in a chimney fire, it seems the end has come. Instead, she awakens to find herself unharmed in an abandoned attic. And she is not alone. Huddled in the corner is a mysterious creature—a golem—made from soot and ash. Together, these two outcasts carve out a new life—saving each other in the process. Lyrically told by one of today’s most powerful storytellers, Sweep is a heartrending adventure about the everlasting gifts of friendship and wonder.

Reviewed by Molly Freeman on

5 of 5 stars

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I can't recommend "Sweep" enough! It may be middle-grade, but the story is brimming with emotion, deeper meanings, whimsy, and beautiful friendship. I laughed and cried and chewed my fingernails to the quick--something no book has accomplished for me in a long time. It has vibes of Big Hero 6, but I'd say it even goes beyond that in some ways. I picked this up looking for a cute, light read, but I got something so much better.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 April, 2020: Finished reading
  • 29 April, 2020: Reviewed