Robert Beatty's Serafina and the Black Cloak skillfully blends mystery, fantasy, and historical elements, garnering praise for its compelling plot and atmospheric setting. The character of Serafina is highly engaging, though some critics noted the pacing can lag in parts. Overall, it's a captivating read for middle-grade audiences intrigued by supernatural adventure.

A reader who enjoys Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty is likely a middle-grade student who loves historical mysteries, supernatural elements, and strong, young female protagonists. Similar readers might enjoy The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty follows the adventures of 12-year-old Serafina, who secretly lives in the basement of the historic Biltmore Estate in 1899. When children start disappearing, Serafina discovers that the villain known as the Man in the Black Cloak is responsible and sets out to uncover his identity and stop him. Along the way, she learns about her mysterious origins and many unusual skills.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Adventurous / Fantastical

- Serafina and the Black Cloak, written by Robert Beatty, was first published in 2015 and quickly became a New York Times Bestseller, gaining popularity among middle-grade readers.
- The book is set in the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, a real location that adds an element of historical intrigue to the story’s atmospheric backdrop.
- Robert Beatty was inspired by his own daughter when creating the character of Serafina, aiming to write a story that empowered young girls and highlighted the courage within.

Robert Beatty

Middle grade

Novel

Serafina

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Serafina and the Black Cloak and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Serafina and the Black Cloak Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Serafina and the Black Cloak Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Serafina and the Black Cloak Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

Serafina and the Black Cloak Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-24

Serafina and the Black Cloak Chapters 19-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-31

Serafina and the Black Cloak Chapters 25-31 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Serafina and the Black Cloak Character Analysis

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Themes

Serafina and the Black Cloak Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Serafina and the Black Cloak Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Serafina and the Black Cloak Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Serafina and the Black Cloak Essay Topics

Serafina and the Black Cloak Teaching Materials

How to use

Serafina and the Black Cloak How to use

Quiz

Serafina and the Black Cloak Quiz

Pre-Reading Context

Serafina and the Black Cloak Pre-Reading Context

Thought & Response Prompts

Serafina and the Black Cloak Thought & Response Prompts

Paired Texts & Other Resources

Serafina and the Black Cloak Paired Texts & Other Resources

Activities

Serafina and the Black Cloak Activities

Essay Questions

Serafina and the Black Cloak Essay Questions

Serafina and the Black Cloak

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Serafina and the Black Cloak?

Reading Age

Book Details