Books Like...

The Ghost's Grave by Peg Kehret follows the story of 12-year-old Josh, who is sent to spend the summer with his elderly Aunt Ethel in a deserted town called Carbon City. Despite his initial reluctance, Josh embarks on various adventures in the town, including meeting a ghost named Willie who asks for his help to find and bury his missing leg. As Josh delves into the mystery surrounding Willie's grave, he uncovers a bigger secret that threatens a criminal's plans, all while navigating the challenges of family relationships and unexpected friendships. The book combines elements of mystery, suspense, and humor, making it an engaging and entertaining read for young readers.

Peg Kehret's storytelling in The Ghost's Grave is praised for its ability to captivate readers with its charming, funny, and adventurous ghost story. The book is commended for its well-developed characters, particularly Aunt Ethel and the ghost Willie, who add depth and humor to the narrative. Through a blend of mystery, suspense, and thoughtful dilemmas, Kehret weaves a tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish, making it a great choice for children looking for a fun and heartwarming read during the summer.

'The Awakening' in the series 'Ghost Huntress' by author Marley Gibson follows the story of Kendall Moorehead as she navigates her new life in the South, discovering her psychic abilities and getting involved in ghost hunting. The plot creatively mixes the paranormal into normal everyday life, with a positive reinforcement of religion for Kendall. The pacing of the story is engaging, pulling readers through the book effortlessly, making it a page-turner with a touch of suspense and a hint of romance. Despite some initial awkwardness in the beginning, the book delves into a world of spirits in need of help, psychic abilities, and new friendships, making it an ideal read for young adults interested in the supernatural.

Ali discovers an old photo of her mother, her aunt, and a mysterious girl torn out of the picture, leading her to spend the summer at a lake in Maine with her aunt and cousin. There, she meets a mean girl named Sissy, who holds a deep, dark secret related to a tragic event from the past involving her mother and aunt. As the mystery unfolds, Ali is determined to uncover the truth behind the ghostly presence at the lake, navigating through suspenseful twists and eerie encounters.

Ruined by Paula Morris is a ghost story that intertwines with an intriguing mystery and teenage struggles. The plot revolves around Rebecca, a New Yorker Yankee, who moves to New Orleans and discovers a curse that links her to a ghost named Lisette. Through Rebecca's eyes, readers are introduced to the world of upper crust NOLA families, where she navigates through mean girls, a snobby prep school, and the mysteries of the city's haunted past. The writing style of the book vividly brings New Orleans to life, with detailed descriptions of post-Katrina New Orleans, Mardi Gras events, and historical details seamlessly woven into the storyline.

'Sick' by Tom Leveen is an action-packed zombie story centered around a group of high schoolers who find themselves in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The plot unfolds as the contagious zombie disease spreads rapidly, reaching their high school. The characters, initially portrayed as rebellious and imperfect teenagers, are forced to fight for their lives, as well as the lives of their family and friends. Despite the predictable and straightforward plot, the book is praised for its intense action scenes, gory descriptions, and the development of characters through the story.

'Haunted Waters' by Mary Pope Osborne is a captivating retelling of the German fairy tale 'Undine'. It follows the love story between Lord Huldebrand and the water spirit Undine, as they navigate their adventures while being followed by a ghastly spirit. The writing style is described as very descriptive, bringing the story to life right from the beginning. explores themes of love, terror, and the clash between the magical and civilized worlds.

The Secret of Laurel Oaks by Lois Ruby is a captivating YA novel that intertwines the stories of two teenage girls from different time periods. The plot revolves around a haunted plantation in Louisiana and follows the perspectives of modern-day Lila and 19th-century slave Daphne. Through a mix of mystery, suspense, and ghostly encounters, the book explores themes of trust, truth, and the impact of historical events on the present. The alternating narration style effectively contrasts the struggles of slavery with the challenges of contemporary life, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.

The author, Lois Ruby, skillfully weaves together elements of history, mystery, and the supernatural to create a story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. By blending past and present narratives, Ruby not only entertains but also educates readers about the harsh realities of slavery and the enduring legacy of historical injustices. The ghostly plot, intriguing characters, and well-crafted storytelling make The Secret of Laurel Oaks a must-read for anyone who enjoys a mix of suspense, ghost stories, and historical fiction.

"Frozen Charlotte" by Alex Bell is a chilling tale that combines elements of horror and mystery. The story follows Sophie, who is grieving the loss of her best friend Jay. After a mysterious incident involving a Ouija board app, Sophie decides to visit her cousins and uncle on the Isle of Skye. Upon arriving, she discovers dark secrets surrounding her family, particularly her deceased cousin Rebecca and the eerie Frozen Charlotte dolls. As Sophie delves deeper into the mysteries of her family's past, she uncovers a sinister force tied to the dolls and must confront the supernatural to save her loved ones.

The writing style of "Frozen Charlotte" is described as captivating and atmospheric, with a gripping plot that keeps readers on edge. The author weaves a tale of psychological thriller that is both haunting and compelling, drawing readers into a world filled with creepy dolls, chilling mysteries, and unexpected plot twists that will leave them enthralled until the very end.

Say Her Name by James Dawson (Juno Dawson) is a modern retelling of the Bloody Mary urban legend set in an all-girls boarding school in England. The story follows Bobbie and her friends as they dare each other to chant Bloody Mary's name in front of a mirror, leading to a series of terrifying events and mysterious disappearances. The author's writing style is described as a fresh take on the old legend, expertly executed with a mix of creepiness, humor, and unpredictable plot twists that keep the readers engrossed until the very end.