School Spirits

by Michael O. Tunnell

Patrick never wanted to move to Waskasoo City. He has no friends there; his dad is going to be the school principal, and some bullies have decided to welcome him in their own special way. And then there's the school itself. Craven Hill School resembles a foreboding old castle, with its looming towers, long dark staircases, and forbidding bell tower. Late one night, while waiting for his father to finish work, Patrick finds himself drawn down the school's dark hallway and up its gloomy stairs. There he see a young boy materialize before him and then disappear into thin air. That's just the beginning of Patrick's troubles because the ghost keeps appearing in the most unlikely places. Though the wraith doesn't speak, he seems to be demanding Patrick's help with something--only Patrick can't seem to understand what that something is. Increasingly angry and impatient, the spirit lashes out as he grows more and more powerful. Desperate to find out what is wanted of him, Patrick begins to investigate. He discovers that nearly forty years before, a young boy disappeared forever from Craven Hill. Like Patrick, he was new to the school and his father was the principal . . .

Genres: Mystery, Juvenile, Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Middle Grade

152 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Annalee Thayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago and enjoyed it. Looking at it now I am surprised to see that is says for reluctant readers on it. I thought it was a good ghost story with a satisfactory ending. I will be re-reading it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a child. It was the perfect amount of spooky while not being all together too scary. I admit too, I really wanted that school to be mine because the slide and the secret walls in the library sounded way too cool!

[At (Austin)SOF2014 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about a boy named Patrick. Patrick just moved into the town of Kilawaskoo because his father just became principal. Patrick soon meets Nairen and they are instant friends. Suddenly Patrick starts to feel the presence of a ghost. Barnaby Dawe to be exact. Barney needs Patrick's help to bring his body to peace.

I can relate to Patrick in this story. Patrick has moved into a new place and doesn't know anyone. I am in a program called Tada! theater and I just got accepted into the ensemble. I feel completely lost and alone there because everyone knows eachother and are good friends. But, like Patrick, I quickly make friends.

I give this book 5 stars. Even though there is a ghost, it is really realistic. Everything is so discriptive. I feel dragged into the story. I would recomend this book to scary story lovers. As well as ghost lovers for obvious reasons.

[Chantel · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's about a boy that got killed and he is haunting a different boy, his name is Patrick. I can't tell you what the ghosts name is, but he is just like Patrick, in every way. It's a great book.

[Sarahi]

i really liked this book .about a boy who contacts a dead boy

[Lauren Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My teacher Mr. Stevenson read this aloud to my class I think it was interesting a good Horror/mystery but also long and a little slow in some parts.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was scary equally as funny i loved it and the story line was excellent it was the best book i ever read I'm very sad that i finished it.

[Becca Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in middle school and I loved it! I still do! Great book for any kid who likes spooky ghost stories!

[Katharine Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"School Spirits" - written by Michael O Tunnell and published in 1997 by Holiday House. A really good ghostly mystery that I consistently recommend to young readers.

[Shikira Chevalier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that started me liking horror. So much fun!