by Chris Priestley (Author)
The first book in the thrilling Everyone Can Be a Reader series, expertly designed to engage reluctant readers and provide an accessible reading experience for all.
"As you all know, Grimstone Hall is thought to be the most haunted house in England. But there's something more important than that. I think we are the only haunted house where all the ghosts are children. It's rather special, don't you think?"
Jake and the other finalists in a ghost-story writing competition for children have been invited to tour Grimstone Hall where they'll learn about the seven ghosts who haunt the grounds! As their guide leads them through grand rooms, hidden nooks, and magnificent grounds, they hear all about the ghosts. But strange shapes and shadows follow Jake as they move through the house, and the tour guide starts behaving very suspiciously. With each tale told, Jake grows more anxious. Soon he'll discover something is very, very wrong . . .
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As part of an annual children's horror festival, Grimstone Hall hosts a ghost story competition, inviting the authors of the 20 best stories to the estate for a tour. As Jake and the other selected authors explore the building and grounds, they hear the tales of the ghost children who haunt the estate. The stories themselves are spooky, but as the tour continues, Jake begins to experience strange occurrences--frequent odd looks from the tour guide, changes in temperature, and other children who seem to disappear when Jake looks closer. By the end of the tour, Jake is certain there's something off about Grimstone Hall. Told from the viewpoint of two characters, Jake and the tour guide, Mrs. Fox, this short work positions the eerie and slightly gruesome ghost stories within the history of the estate. Though each ghost story is different, they successfully build up to the ultimate twist ending. Minimal descriptions of the characters and setting will allow readers to imagine scenes at their own preferred degree of fright, with hatchwork illustrations to enhance the reading experience. VERDICT Short chapters combined with a dyslexia-friendly layout and typeface make this title particularly suited for reluctant or struggling young readers.--Maggie Mason Smith
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
A quick, compelling read perfectly suited to its target audience.
"Though short in length, this title packs a morbid punch with each child's violent death (by gunshot, freezing, burning) and ends on a hair-raisingly creepy note . . . . A quick, compelling read perfectly suited to its target audience." —Kirkus