A reader who enjoys whimsical adventures, wordplay, and clever illustrations will be captivated by Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth. Fans of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will find similar joy in this imaginative tale that blends fantasy and philosophy.

Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth receives widespread acclaim for its wit, creativity, and ability to appeal to both children and adults. Critics laud its clever wordplay and engaging adventures but note that some younger readers may find its language challenging. Overall, it stands out as a timeless, thought-provoking read.

In Norton Juster’s 1961 middle-grade fantasy adventure The Phantom Tollbooth, a bored young boy visits a magical land whose people suffer from a strange delusion and volunteers to find a source of wisdom that can heal them. The book is a touchstone for generations of young readers; it has sold nearly five million copies in more than a dozen languages and has been adapted for film, stage, and symphony hall.

Fantastical / Adventurous / Playful / Humorous / Inspirational

Norton Juster

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Phantom Tollbooth reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Phantom Tollbooth | SuperSummary

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Overview

Juster's classic fantasy adventure is beloved by children and adults alike. Get the most important plot details with this The Phantom Tollbooth summary.

The Phantom Tollbooth Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

Background

Get ready to explore The Phantom Tollbooth 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.

The Phantom Tollbooth Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 2

The Phantom Tollbooth Introduction-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-8

The Phantom Tollbooth Chapters 3-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-13

The Phantom Tollbooth Chapters 9-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-15

The Phantom Tollbooth Chapters 14-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

The Phantom Tollbooth Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Phantom Tollbooth Character Analysis

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Themes

The Phantom Tollbooth Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Phantom Tollbooth Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Phantom Tollbooth Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Phantom Tollbooth Essay Topics

The Phantom Tollbooth

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Phantom Tollbooth?

Reading Age

Book Details