The Headless Cupid
Encyclopedia
The Headless Cupid is a children's novel by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
. First published in 1971, the book was a Newbery Honor book for 1972.
When the Stanley family moves to a large old country house, plenty of problems arise for eleven-year-old David, including adjusting to his new step-mother, taking care of his three younger siblings, and trying not to make trouble for his university-professor father. But it is his new step-sister, Amanda, with her pet crow, dark clothes, and mysterious knowledge of the occult, who poses the greatest threat to peace and tranquility in the Stanley household.
That is, until the poltergeist. As the unexplained accidents mount in frequency and intensity, and the troubled history of the old house comes to light, David must solve the mystery of the headless cupid before it destroys his new family.
's list of the one hundred most frequently challenged books for 1990-2000, due to the use of witchcraft
by the children.
Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Zilpha Keatley Snyder is an acclaimed author of books for children and young adults. Snyder was awarded three Newbery Honor Book awards for The Egypt Game, The Headless Cupid and The Witches of Worm. Since 1964, Snyder has completed 43 books...
. First published in 1971, the book was a Newbery Honor book for 1972.
When the Stanley family moves to a large old country house, plenty of problems arise for eleven-year-old David, including adjusting to his new step-mother, taking care of his three younger siblings, and trying not to make trouble for his university-professor father. But it is his new step-sister, Amanda, with her pet crow, dark clothes, and mysterious knowledge of the occult, who poses the greatest threat to peace and tranquility in the Stanley household.
That is, until the poltergeist. As the unexplained accidents mount in frequency and intensity, and the troubled history of the old house comes to light, David must solve the mystery of the headless cupid before it destroys his new family.
Literary significance & criticism
This book has made the American Library AssociationAmerican Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members....
's list of the one hundred most frequently challenged books for 1990-2000, due to the use of witchcraft
Witchcraft
Witchcraft, in historical, anthropological, religious, and mythological contexts, is the alleged use of supernatural or magical powers. A witch is a practitioner of witchcraft...
by the children.