Buy new:
-14% $9.49
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$9.49 with 14 percent savings
List Price: $10.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 7 hrs 45 mins
Only 20 left in stock (more on the way).
$$9.49 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$9.49
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$8.76
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 7 hrs 45 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$9.49 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$9.49
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Gateway (1) (Leven Thumps) Paperback – Illustrated, July 1, 2006

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 296 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$9.49","priceAmount":9.49,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"49","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"V77EFbllSB%2FP049%2F5ZDWk3pzXdv14ySCLYf3U5L77W3mMn%2FFW%2BgzfYS4%2BpmCKZoVVlSVbVom%2FR1TBous9lmxY0s5%2BVRGctYEPBPYXN8Lmkn1SQiOIW%2B1QkQbVATIxgM%2BfJ1XTo5VOi0%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.76","priceAmount":8.76,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"76","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"V77EFbllSB%2FP049%2F5ZDWk3pzXdv14ySCUx8MbZa6j8pCOE30p6G2RvrN%2B92YUv6WIomjsNGS0CFWBfr6%2FKJ%2BjhTK9Ze44VJlICgZRVK4p1258iKfUdNsG6lkLxOlo2LCICaaxBFoy1QHgJBaTgrx68UQDGviO0kdBJFdZw14ZAGtyY6oUCo%2FxlsuSZnOoyGZ","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

WELCOME TO FOO.

Fourteen-year-old Leven Thumps (a.k.a. "Lev") lives a wretched life in Burnt Culvert, Oklahoma. But his life is about to change and his destiny be fulfilled as he learns about a secret gateway that bridges two worlds -- the real world and Foo, a place created at the at the beginning of time in the folds of the mind that makes it possible for mankind to dream and hope, aspire and imagine. But Foo is in chaos, and three transplants from that dreamworld have been sent to retrieve Lev, who alone has the power to save Foo.

Enter Clover, a wisecracking, foot-high sidekick; Winter, a girl with a special power of her own; and Geth, the rightful heir to Foo. Their mission: to convince Lev that he has the power to save Foo. Can this unique band of travelers help Lev overcome his doubt? Will Lev find the gateway in time? Or will Sabine and his dark shadows find the gateway first and destroy mankind?
Read more Read less

New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade. New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade.

Frequently bought together

$9.49
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
Only 20 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$10.18
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by Shakespeare Book House and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
$10.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21
Only 1 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Splendidly unpredictable plot twists. . . . [With] deliciously menacing monsters, equally delicious turns of phrase, and sly riffs on everything from pop music to Harry Potter, the author sends Leven Thumps and company on a long, strange trip, culminating in a literally explosive climax." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Excellent . . . palpable excitement and suspense. Kids and adults will enjoy this charming tale of good and evil." --
Publishers Weekly

"This rollicking, suavely told tale should captivate readers." --
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Obert Skye was born on a stormy night in the back of a fast-moving taxi, in the middle of the week during an average-length year. He is the middle child in a family with an odd number of children. Obert’s interests include falling from great heights, devouring books, and fighting for Foo. He also likes the beach. The author of the bestselling Leven Thumps series, Obert travels around the world telling all who will listen about the importance of Foo. He currently lives in the United States in a place a bit colder than he would prefer.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1416928065
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aladdin; Illustrated edition (July 1, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781416928065
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416928065
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 850L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 296 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Obert Skye
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Obert Skye was born on a stormy night in the back of a fast-moving taxi. Obert spends his time telling all who will listen about the existence of Foo and the importance of dreams. Obert is a fairly ordinary fellow who says he is simply hoping to repair what he has mistakenly undone. You can visit him online at www.leventhumps.com.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
296 global ratings
Missing chapters
2 Stars
Missing chapters
Great book but was missing end of chapter 11-end of chapter 15. Jumps from 110-143.-
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2009
My son (12) read the Fablehaven series which was a gift to him from his grandmother. He was writing book reports that made me decide to read the series. I thought, if nothing else, we will have something to talk about. The series was amazing (I can't wait for the last book) and he wouldn't stop reading! (Getting him to read is difficult.) After that, I had to find him another cool series to devour. I turned to Amazon and found the Leven Thumps as well as the Percy Jackson books.

The Leven Thumps books are good, if I had to rate each series, I would rate the Percy Jackson books 1st, Fablehaven 2nd, and Leven Thumps 3rd. They are all very good, and I highly recommend them... to middle school as well as adults. My type of reading is John Sanford, Patricia Cornwell and Tammy Hoag. These books were a great vacation, and every time I picked them up felt as if I were transported to another world. Each series and book includes tremendous life lessons for both children and adults.

Now, I just need to find that next great series... uh, just to get my son to keep reading.
6 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2006
My 11-year-old daughter and I finished the paperback a few days ago and as I logged on to offer our two cents I was STUNNED to read the most recent reader review. Did we read the same book? Did he read the same book Publishers Weekly read? I thought Leven Thumps was captivating! It's the most imaginative premise I've read in years and I had no trouble, no trouble at all, suspending disbelief. And I have to wonder, if it's such "weak" writing, why did Simon and Schuster release the paperback version I just read? And now the second installment is already on shelves! Wouldn't we all like to be "weak" writers who have a fantasy series in every bookstore in America. "A fluke" my fannie, this is a terrific read. See for yourself! Time for me and my kid to fight over book two.
One person found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2013
I don't really like to read much, but when I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. I immediately connected with the main character and fell in love with the book. Now, Obert Skye is my favorite author, and I suggest you read this book. With an interesting body and a dramatic climax, Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo is the perfect book to read if you are a young adult, like me. You will immediately want to read the sequel. Take it from someone who has never read for fun before. Read this book. :)
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2014
The dream world of Foo is threatened by the dark Sabine and his shadowy minions. Leven, with the help of Winter, who can turn things to ice just by thinking it; Clover, his adorable and fiercely-loyal, cat-like little sycophant; and Geth, the powerful and rightful ruler of Foo, who just happens to be a talking toothpick through most of the book, set out to save Foo by destroying the gateway between that land of dreams and reality.

Skye does an incredible job of bringing his new, imaginative world to life. His main characters, the world they are trying to reach, and even the candy they eat come from a wildly creative mind. The only downside I found to the book was that it spends a little too much time dwelling on Leven's fear, other than that, it's a great read. I'd recommend it, if for nothing else, then for the crazy antics of the lovable Clover, unquestionably, my favorite character.
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2013
I have truly loved the Leven Thumps series. It is not for younger children, but is more directed, I believe, at teenagers and above. The story line has you interested at most every page. The characters are very well planned and executed throughout the entire series. The story line is east to follow and fun to read. I highly recommend it.
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2020
I remember reading this book as a kid and I lost my copy from a long time ago! When I saw this I had to buy it. It was a great re-read for me! I loved it SO much! I'm very happy with the product and loved the book.
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2013
I can't say enough goo things about this series. I found them, as an adult, to be really well-written and incredibly entertaining. I couldn't wait for each new release, and now am having to settle for the Beyond Foo series featuring one of my favorite characters. All in all, you really should read these books. All of them. Right now.
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2020
Super fun kids book. I read it to my boys at night before bed.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Margit Müller
4.0 out of 5 stars Leichte Beschädigung...als Geschenk echt doof.
Reviewed in Germany on April 29, 2022
Ich finde es prinzipiell ja richtig und wichtig auf Nachhaltigkeit zu achten, allerdings stellt sich mir schon die Frage ob es bei Büchern nicht doch sinnvoll wäre diese weiterhin in einer Schutzfolie zu versenden. Das Buch kam sehr schnell an, aber weist leider durch den Versand und eben fehlender Schutzfolie kleine Beschädigungen auf. Sieht dadurch aus wie gebraucht. Wäre es für mich persönlich...OK, aber es handelt sich dabei um ein Geschenk. Daher einen Stern Abzug.
Customer image
Margit Müller
4.0 out of 5 stars Leichte Beschädigung...als Geschenk echt doof.
Reviewed in Germany on April 29, 2022
Ich finde es prinzipiell ja richtig und wichtig auf Nachhaltigkeit zu achten, allerdings stellt sich mir schon die Frage ob es bei Büchern nicht doch sinnvoll wäre diese weiterhin in einer Schutzfolie zu versenden. Das Buch kam sehr schnell an, aber weist leider durch den Versand und eben fehlender Schutzfolie kleine Beschädigungen auf. Sieht dadurch aus wie gebraucht. Wäre es für mich persönlich...OK, aber es handelt sich dabei um ein Geschenk. Daher einen Stern Abzug.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Roger Armstrong
2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
Reviewed in Germany on July 20, 2011
I bought this as a bedtime story for my children (10 & 11), based on a number of reviews and favorite lists. We found it pretty disappointing. To be fair, we had just finished Watership Down, which both my children voted the best book ever. Other favorites were the Narnia series, The Count of Monte Cristo, Don Quixote (in a children's version). The Artemis Fowl books are similar in theme, but a whole lot better written.