Ben's Gargoyle Book Review

Critically acclaimed author Keith Gray masterfully grapples with the difficult dynamics of a tumultuous family environment in this compelling and bittersweet tale.

When Ben sees a monstrous gargoyle creeping across the midnight rooftops, he’s desperate to tell someone. But Ben feels alone in his new home and is finding it hard fitting in at his new school.

Ben’s dad doesn’t believe him. He’s always angry. He says Ben needs to act his age, stand up to the school bullies and “be a man”. But can Ben find the courage to stand up to the biggest bully of all? And every night the gargoyle creeps closer.

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Keith Gray’s Ben’s Gargoyle is a powerful modern Gothic story that explores family breakdown, bullying, neglect and resilience through the eyes of 11-year-old Ben. After his mother moves to France with her new partner, Ben is forced to leave his friends behind and live with his angry, controlling father. Struggling to settle into a new school where he is bullied, Ben feels isolated and frightened. His only escape is the view from his tiny attic bedroom, where he begins to see a terrifying gargoyle creeping across the rooftops each night.

Gray skilfully blends psychological horror with emotional realism, using the gargoyle as a powerful symbol of Ben’s fear and trauma. The story builds tension effectively, with unsettling scenes as the creature moves ever closer. Some moments are particularly graphic, including detailed descriptions of the gargoyle feeding on a pigeon and a disturbing climactic sequence, making this a book better suited to confident readers who are comfortable with darker themes. There are also references to domestic abuse, neglect and emotional manipulation, as well as some strong language.

Despite its dark subject matter, Ben’s Gargoyle is ultimately a story of hope. As Ben begins to recognise that he is not alone, he discovers the courage to stand up to both the bullies at school and the far greater threat at home. Gray handles these difficult issues with sensitivity, creating believable characters and an emotionally satisfying conclusion.

Keith Robinson’s striking monochrome illustrations perfectly complement the brooding atmosphere, while Barrington Stoke’s dyslexia-friendly font, tinted paper and accessible layout ensure the story is available to a wide range of readers. Suitable for readers aged 9+, this compelling and thought-provoking novella would make an excellent choice for Upper KS2 or KS3, providing rich opportunities to discuss symbolism, resilience, healthy relationships and finding hope in difficult circumstances.