Description
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bellwoods Game comes an eerie illustrated middle grade novel about a girl whose new friend and neighbor may have moved into a haunted house.
Some spirits never leave.
When a new family moves into the creepy old house across the street, sixth-grader Flora finds her wish for a best-best friend has come true. Her new neighbor Mac is sweet and charismatic. With Mac by her side, Flora feels like the upcoming school year will be a fresh start for her-no more anxious or klutzy Flora!
But despite their new friendship, not all is perfect. Mac fits in better with their classmates than Flora ever did. Mac's family seems to be holding back a big secret, something about a mysterious ex-best friend named Daphne who Mac won't ever talk about. And Mac's little brother, Danny, gives Flora the creeps. Strange things keep happening whenever he's around.
Is Flora's mind playing tricks? Or could it be that Mac's house is as haunted as it looks?
About the Author
Celia Krampien grew up in a house in the woods in a small town near Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. She studied illustration at Sheridan College and currently lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, with her partner, a mischievous cat, and a nosy beagle. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Bellwoods Game and Remember Me, Daphne.
Reviews
JLG Gold Standard Selection
"This ghost story is a poignant exploration of loneliness, self-doubt, and emotional bravery that's charming, cozy, and exceptionally moving. Primarily known for her illustration work, Krampien's lively art is a clear highlight. Read alongside Lindsay Currie's Scritch Scratch (2020) and Ally Malinenko's Broken Dolls (2025) at your next spooky sleepover." -- Booklist Reviews
"With escalating stakes, tantalizing secrets, and plenty of haunted happenings, this is a heartfelt story for readers who like enough shivers to keep reading under the covers with a flashlight, but not so many that they can't sleep afterwards. Black-and-white artwork adds dimension and context. . . For readers who like both horror and heart, this novel is worth staying up to midnight to finish. . . a lovely introduction to the joys of Gothic literature for middle grade readers." -- School Library Journal
"Krampien blends emotional realism with a persistent sense of unease, building suspense without relying on overt horror. . . Black-and-white illustrations peppered throughout the text reinforce the creepy tone while offering brief visual pauses that temper the suspense. . . Strong characterizations and vivid descriptive passages sustain a quiet sense of dread. An atmospheric ghost story exploring friendship, courage, and hidden truths." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Krampien steadily ramps up the suspense, cultivating a palpable aura of dread as supernatural incidents-depicted in atmospheric, animated grayscale illustrations-escalate from inconvenient to downright dangerous. Threads of optimism, reinforced by Mac and Flora's easy camaraderie, provide a resting spot throughout this tense adventure." -- Publishers Weekly
Book Information
ISBN 9781665962414
Author Celia Krampien
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Weight(grams) 390g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 25mm
Some spirits never leave.
When a new family moves into the creepy old house across the street, sixth-grader Flora finds her wish for a best-best friend has come true. Her new neighbor Mac is sweet and charismatic. With Mac by her side, Flora feels like the upcoming school year will be a fresh start for her-no more anxious or klutzy Flora!
But despite their new friendship, not all is perfect. Mac fits in better with their classmates than Flora ever did. Mac's family seems to be holding back a big secret, something about a mysterious ex-best friend named Daphne who Mac won't ever talk about. And Mac's little brother, Danny, gives Flora the creeps. Strange things keep happening whenever he's around.
Is Flora's mind playing tricks? Or could it be that Mac's house is as haunted as it looks?
About the Author
Celia Krampien grew up in a house in the woods in a small town near Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. She studied illustration at Sheridan College and currently lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, with her partner, a mischievous cat, and a nosy beagle. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Bellwoods Game and Remember Me, Daphne.
Reviews
JLG Gold Standard Selection
"This ghost story is a poignant exploration of loneliness, self-doubt, and emotional bravery that's charming, cozy, and exceptionally moving. Primarily known for her illustration work, Krampien's lively art is a clear highlight. Read alongside Lindsay Currie's Scritch Scratch (2020) and Ally Malinenko's Broken Dolls (2025) at your next spooky sleepover." -- Booklist Reviews
"With escalating stakes, tantalizing secrets, and plenty of haunted happenings, this is a heartfelt story for readers who like enough shivers to keep reading under the covers with a flashlight, but not so many that they can't sleep afterwards. Black-and-white artwork adds dimension and context. . . For readers who like both horror and heart, this novel is worth staying up to midnight to finish. . . a lovely introduction to the joys of Gothic literature for middle grade readers." -- School Library Journal
"Krampien blends emotional realism with a persistent sense of unease, building suspense without relying on overt horror. . . Black-and-white illustrations peppered throughout the text reinforce the creepy tone while offering brief visual pauses that temper the suspense. . . Strong characterizations and vivid descriptive passages sustain a quiet sense of dread. An atmospheric ghost story exploring friendship, courage, and hidden truths." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Krampien steadily ramps up the suspense, cultivating a palpable aura of dread as supernatural incidents-depicted in atmospheric, animated grayscale illustrations-escalate from inconvenient to downright dangerous. Threads of optimism, reinforced by Mac and Flora's easy camaraderie, provide a resting spot throughout this tense adventure." -- Publishers Weekly
Book Information
ISBN 9781665962414
Author Celia Krampien
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Weight(grams) 390g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 25mm
