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Ghost Scout's Honor
A thrilling, ghostly adventure…and a testament to the power that kids have to change the world.
Defiance holds power.
The Ghost Scouts were created to keep the ghosts of Savannah in line. It’s an honor to serve.Evey’s never wanted anything to do with ghosts, but after best friend, Laura, dumps her for no reason, Evey wants revenge. To take the student of the year award from her ex-bestie, she’ll have to join the Ghost Scouts. She’ll be the best Ghost Scouts Savannah has ever seen.Only this year the ghosts seem different. They are angrier than usual, and they seem to be growing in power. No problem, Evey can get to the bottom of why and send all the ghosts back to their cages.But what she uncovers makes her angry too. What if the ghosts don’t deserve to be caged? What if they have every right to be furious?
Defiance holds power.
The Ghost Scouts were created to keep the ghosts of Savannah in line. It’s an honor to serve.Evey’s never wanted anything to do with ghosts, but after best friend, Laura, dumps her for no reason, Evey wants revenge. To take the student of the year award from her ex-bestie, she’ll have to join the Ghost Scouts. She’ll be the best Ghost Scouts Savannah has ever seen.Only this year the ghosts seem different. They are angrier than usual, and they seem to be growing in power. No problem, Evey can get to the bottom of why and send all the ghosts back to their cages.But what she uncovers makes her angry too. What if the ghosts don’t deserve to be caged? What if they have every right to be furious?
272 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 9, 2024
I wrote this! So I think it's pretty great :)
BUT, you or your kiddos might like it too if you enjoy:
- Kiddos trying their best to accomplish all their goals.
- Positive mental health rep, including therapy sessions and kids with mental health disorder tackling the world.
- A grumpy and goal orientated main character. Sound like your kid?? Cause that was me when I was little!
- A diverse cast! We've got someone who is non-binary, someone with ADHD and anxiety, and someone who uses a cane for mobility. Lots of opportunities for kids to see themselves in these pages.
- Super scary ghosts! Like really scary. You might want to light on at night after reading this >:)
- Enemies to first crush! And it's sapphic :)
- Active parents who are just trying their best and raising kids at the same time.
- A VERY CUTE DOG WHO IS THE BEST BOY!
- Kids facing really big issues independently, using teamwork and determination to accomplish whatever they want. Including solving a century old mystery.
- Southern rep! It's set in Savannah, GA and includes history (and real-life ghosts).
- Girl Scouts rep too!
BUT, you or your kiddos might like it too if you enjoy:
- Kiddos trying their best to accomplish all their goals.
- Positive mental health rep, including therapy sessions and kids with mental health disorder tackling the world.
- A grumpy and goal orientated main character. Sound like your kid?? Cause that was me when I was little!
- A diverse cast! We've got someone who is non-binary, someone with ADHD and anxiety, and someone who uses a cane for mobility. Lots of opportunities for kids to see themselves in these pages.
- Super scary ghosts! Like really scary. You might want to light on at night after reading this >:)
- Enemies to first crush! And it's sapphic :)
- Active parents who are just trying their best and raising kids at the same time.
- A VERY CUTE DOG WHO IS THE BEST BOY!
- Kids facing really big issues independently, using teamwork and determination to accomplish whatever they want. Including solving a century old mystery.
- Southern rep! It's set in Savannah, GA and includes history (and real-life ghosts).
- Girl Scouts rep too!
May 2, 2025
A creepy MG paranormal book that I’m obsessed with!
👻
The Ghost Scouts were created to keep the ghosts in Savannah away, but once the scouts turn sixteen they can’t see the ghosts anymore. When Evey hears that she has to sign up for Ghost Scouts (run by her ex-BFF) so she can be eligible for Student of the Year, she’s super annoyed. Evey since Laura dumped her as a friend this past summer, Evey has shut herself off from everyone, but now being a Ghost Scout she has to fight ghosts in a team. Evey struggles with the idea of caging ghosts and starts to question the reason for the scouts.
👻
Okay what a phenomenal debut by @careyblankenshipkramer The representation was on point: sapphic crush, ADHD protagonist who sees a therapist weekly to work on that and her anger outbursts, nonbinary rep & a character with spina bifita. I was here for all of it. Also the twist on Ghost X?! Didn’t see that coming. The audiobook was so well read with the southern accents. Fans of The Witchlings and Thirteens series will love this title. I can’t wait to read what this author writes next!
CW: divorce (discussed), mental health issues, death, violence, ADHD, bullying
👻
The Ghost Scouts were created to keep the ghosts in Savannah away, but once the scouts turn sixteen they can’t see the ghosts anymore. When Evey hears that she has to sign up for Ghost Scouts (run by her ex-BFF) so she can be eligible for Student of the Year, she’s super annoyed. Evey since Laura dumped her as a friend this past summer, Evey has shut herself off from everyone, but now being a Ghost Scout she has to fight ghosts in a team. Evey struggles with the idea of caging ghosts and starts to question the reason for the scouts.
👻
Okay what a phenomenal debut by @careyblankenshipkramer The representation was on point: sapphic crush, ADHD protagonist who sees a therapist weekly to work on that and her anger outbursts, nonbinary rep & a character with spina bifita. I was here for all of it. Also the twist on Ghost X?! Didn’t see that coming. The audiobook was so well read with the southern accents. Fans of The Witchlings and Thirteens series will love this title. I can’t wait to read what this author writes next!
CW: divorce (discussed), mental health issues, death, violence, ADHD, bullying
February 24, 2026
DNF
I was looking for fun spooky middle grade books for middle grade March, this isn't it. I always gravitate to spooky middle grade because I adored halloween growing up. But my idea of a fun spooky book and the new idea of spooky is totally different. However, my biggest complaint in this book is the speech on gender identity in kids. It's unnecessary and wrong! These are kids! I won't support those ideals or recommend this book to anyone. As a side note I read later that this is also a sapphic book, can someone tell me why we need this in kids books? And therapy and all of these adult themes? Let kids be kids! A total fail for the younger generation. Imagine your impressionable child reading this? No thank you.
I was looking for fun spooky middle grade books for middle grade March, this isn't it. I always gravitate to spooky middle grade because I adored halloween growing up. But my idea of a fun spooky book and the new idea of spooky is totally different. However, my biggest complaint in this book is the speech on gender identity in kids. It's unnecessary and wrong! These are kids! I won't support those ideals or recommend this book to anyone. As a side note I read later that this is also a sapphic book, can someone tell me why we need this in kids books? And therapy and all of these adult themes? Let kids be kids! A total fail for the younger generation. Imagine your impressionable child reading this? No thank you.
February 13, 2025
I love love loved going along on Evey's adventurous ghost- and self-discovery-filled journey. This book is equal parts intriguing, fun, and wholesome. Every kid deserves friends like Matilda, Pip, and Fin!
April 13, 2025
I love nothing more than a rag-tag group of misfits friends - enter in the ghost scouts - troops of kids who volunteer to keep the ghosts of Savannah under control.
This story had everything you could dream of. Evey is our heartfelt protagonist (with ADHD!), who navigates her way through the trenches of friendship after having a friend breakup that rocks her to her core. When she has to reluctantly join the ghost scouts in order to have her shot and winning Student of the Year, Evey is forced work with a team of delightful side characters that help her crack through the walls she has built up. Evey tries to prove how brave she is by trying to figure out the secret of the ghosts of Savannah, but the bravest part of Evey's story is not fighting off (literal) ghosts, but standing up for what is right.
I highly recommend this story for all the middle grade readers in your life, but also for you!
This story had everything you could dream of. Evey is our heartfelt protagonist (with ADHD!), who navigates her way through the trenches of friendship after having a friend breakup that rocks her to her core. When she has to reluctantly join the ghost scouts in order to have her shot and winning Student of the Year, Evey is forced work with a team of delightful side characters that help her crack through the walls she has built up. Evey tries to prove how brave she is by trying to figure out the secret of the ghosts of Savannah, but the bravest part of Evey's story is not fighting off (literal) ghosts, but standing up for what is right.
I highly recommend this story for all the middle grade readers in your life, but also for you!
April 12, 2025
A spooky, action-packed friendship story featuring a protagonist who seems to be busy pushing everyone away in the pursuit of the student of the year award after having broken up with her best friend.
January 5, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In the wake of a bad friend break up with Laura, Evey is determined to earn the school Student of the Year award, but when the widespread ghost problems in Savannah, Georgia worsen, this means that she'll have to join the Ghost Scouts, an organization headed by Laura. Along with Matilda, Fin, and Pip, she is trained and put on a squad that has to take care of threats and occasionally "ghost sit" at houses to make sure the inhabitants are safe. The ghosts, which attack humans and can freeze them with a good-like substance, seem to be getting worse, and when Evey overhears Laura talk about "Ghost X", she becomes obsessed with finding out the secret, even though it puts her and her new friends in danger. Every also struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and anger management, and since her parents are in therapy after almost divorcing, she has frequent sessions with Daisy, her own therapist, which are recounted at length. After training on ghost gloves and flashlights and learning the difference between banshees, wraiths, poltergeists, and mares, Evey and her squad are given tie dye overall uniforms and sent out on missions. After getting a weird response from her school librarian about Ghost X, Evey becomes even more suspicious, and finds that Ghost X has killed several times, and is being kept in an unlikely place. Solving the mystery puts Evey in even more danger. Will she be able to use her Ghost Scout skills to save the day?
Strengths: In addition to having a number of legitimately scary ghost scenes, this also speaks to many of the social concerns of 2025. Evey is dealing with her parents' marriage problems by being in therapy, where her other problems were diagnosed and are being helped. Her friend group is diverse (Fin is nonbinary, and Pip uses a cane because of Spinal bifida. Matilda is Black.) and accepting of gender identities and pronouns. A main concern is that Evey isn't asking for help, but is trying to do everything on her own. I did enjoy the fact that Laura ended the friendship with Evey as a way to protect her, and that the two were able to discuss this late in the book. There is definitely a well developed ghost situation in Savannah, somewhat reminiscent of Stroud's Lockwood and Co. or Jinks' How to Catch a Bogle, and we do get some history of the infestation.
Weaknesses: I could have used more details about why the ghosts are portrayed as having rotten skin and dangling eyeballs (since this is not usually the case) and about how there aren't more fatalities from ghost freezing, since this has been a problem since 1866, and fewer details about Evey's mental state, but younger readers might feel differently.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Averling's The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, Parris' Stage Fright, Savage's Karma Moon: Ghost Hunter, Schusterman's Dead Air, or Strong's Secret Dead Club,
In the wake of a bad friend break up with Laura, Evey is determined to earn the school Student of the Year award, but when the widespread ghost problems in Savannah, Georgia worsen, this means that she'll have to join the Ghost Scouts, an organization headed by Laura. Along with Matilda, Fin, and Pip, she is trained and put on a squad that has to take care of threats and occasionally "ghost sit" at houses to make sure the inhabitants are safe. The ghosts, which attack humans and can freeze them with a good-like substance, seem to be getting worse, and when Evey overhears Laura talk about "Ghost X", she becomes obsessed with finding out the secret, even though it puts her and her new friends in danger. Every also struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and anger management, and since her parents are in therapy after almost divorcing, she has frequent sessions with Daisy, her own therapist, which are recounted at length. After training on ghost gloves and flashlights and learning the difference between banshees, wraiths, poltergeists, and mares, Evey and her squad are given tie dye overall uniforms and sent out on missions. After getting a weird response from her school librarian about Ghost X, Evey becomes even more suspicious, and finds that Ghost X has killed several times, and is being kept in an unlikely place. Solving the mystery puts Evey in even more danger. Will she be able to use her Ghost Scout skills to save the day?
Strengths: In addition to having a number of legitimately scary ghost scenes, this also speaks to many of the social concerns of 2025. Evey is dealing with her parents' marriage problems by being in therapy, where her other problems were diagnosed and are being helped. Her friend group is diverse (Fin is nonbinary, and Pip uses a cane because of Spinal bifida. Matilda is Black.) and accepting of gender identities and pronouns. A main concern is that Evey isn't asking for help, but is trying to do everything on her own. I did enjoy the fact that Laura ended the friendship with Evey as a way to protect her, and that the two were able to discuss this late in the book. There is definitely a well developed ghost situation in Savannah, somewhat reminiscent of Stroud's Lockwood and Co. or Jinks' How to Catch a Bogle, and we do get some history of the infestation.
Weaknesses: I could have used more details about why the ghosts are portrayed as having rotten skin and dangling eyeballs (since this is not usually the case) and about how there aren't more fatalities from ghost freezing, since this has been a problem since 1866, and fewer details about Evey's mental state, but younger readers might feel differently.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Averling's The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, Parris' Stage Fright, Savage's Karma Moon: Ghost Hunter, Schusterman's Dead Air, or Strong's Secret Dead Club,
January 12, 2025
* ARC acquired through Edelweiss *
I've been so excited for this and I was not disappointed! I used to live near Savannah, Georgia, where this story is set, and I loved the appearance of mysterious ghosts in the deep South. This book uses the Southern setting to excellent effect while acknowledging the deep suffering and trauma that have occurred in the history of this area.
I liked reading about the different types of ghosts, the kids' organization that's been created in order to contain them, etc. The story is legitimately spooky. There were a couple points where I was actually terrified--but in a suspenseful way, not a traumatizing way.
I love Evey, the protagonist, who has ADHD. She's a perfectionist who wants to accomplish every single thing by herself, fight ghosts by herself, win every award--and she's a little unhinged and sometimes has trouble emotionally regulating herself. All of those things are extremely relatable to me. Evey experiences considerable character growth throughout the story, but the character growth isn't "stop having ADHD"; it's more like "here's how you can learn to live with your ADHD while using its strengths to your advantage," and this is something I would have liked to hear at Evey's age. Evey grows relationally, through her experiences with the other characters (Matila & Pip & Fin & Laura), and she learns to trust others again as she makes new friends--which is also a relatable struggle for me.
This story did raise some questions for me: I'm wondering how the kids' parents allow them to risk their lives fighting ghosts, and how this isn't a violation of child labor laws; I also want to know more about Ghost X's history than what is explicitly given in the story's resolution (no spoilers)--and I want to know more about the ideologies of Ghosts' Rights Activists. But I feel like these questions might not be as relevant for a middle-grade audience; they're more for the sake of my background knowledge.
As an academic, I find that this story touches on trauma (past and present), repressed anger, and healing--both individual and collective--and these subjects are treated with the importance they deserve, but they're also explored in a way that's appropriate for MG readers. The day I have a middle-grade library, this is going in there!
I've been so excited for this and I was not disappointed! I used to live near Savannah, Georgia, where this story is set, and I loved the appearance of mysterious ghosts in the deep South. This book uses the Southern setting to excellent effect while acknowledging the deep suffering and trauma that have occurred in the history of this area.
I liked reading about the different types of ghosts, the kids' organization that's been created in order to contain them, etc. The story is legitimately spooky. There were a couple points where I was actually terrified--but in a suspenseful way, not a traumatizing way.
I love Evey, the protagonist, who has ADHD. She's a perfectionist who wants to accomplish every single thing by herself, fight ghosts by herself, win every award--and she's a little unhinged and sometimes has trouble emotionally regulating herself. All of those things are extremely relatable to me. Evey experiences considerable character growth throughout the story, but the character growth isn't "stop having ADHD"; it's more like "here's how you can learn to live with your ADHD while using its strengths to your advantage," and this is something I would have liked to hear at Evey's age. Evey grows relationally, through her experiences with the other characters (Matila & Pip & Fin & Laura), and she learns to trust others again as she makes new friends--which is also a relatable struggle for me.
This story did raise some questions for me: I'm wondering how the kids' parents allow them to risk their lives fighting ghosts, and how this isn't a violation of child labor laws; I also want to know more about Ghost X's history than what is explicitly given in the story's resolution (no spoilers)--and I want to know more about the ideologies of Ghosts' Rights Activists. But I feel like these questions might not be as relevant for a middle-grade audience; they're more for the sake of my background knowledge.
As an academic, I find that this story touches on trauma (past and present), repressed anger, and healing--both individual and collective--and these subjects are treated with the importance they deserve, but they're also explored in a way that's appropriate for MG readers. The day I have a middle-grade library, this is going in there!
May 29, 2025
My rating: 4.5
After her best friend Laura ends their friendship for no reason, Evey wants to prove she doesn’t need anyone by winning her school's student of the year award. Unfortunately, to qualify for the award, Evey must join the Ghosts Scouts, a historic group of kids who protect the people of Savannah, Georgia from the ghosts who haunt their town. Two problems with Evey’s plan: 1) the Ghost Scouts are run by Laura’s family, and 2) the ghosts have become much more active lately.
Evey struggles in her early encounters with ghosts, endangering her troop when she tries to take on the ghosts alone. But when Evey starts looking into the secrets Laura’s been keeping, she finds she must learn to rely on her troopmates to find the truth and possibly rid Savannah of its ghosts for good.
This book has just the right mix of strong character development and creepy ghost scares. However, I would have liked to see a little more of the ghosts and the harm they can cause. I never truly felt that Evey was in danger, even when she was cornered by a ghost. I appreciate Carey Blankenship-Kramer’s compassionate representation of Evey’s struggles with ADHD and the pain of losing friendships. I would absolutely recommend Ghost Scout’s Honor for any young reader who enjoys a good scare and a relatable heroine.
After her best friend Laura ends their friendship for no reason, Evey wants to prove she doesn’t need anyone by winning her school's student of the year award. Unfortunately, to qualify for the award, Evey must join the Ghosts Scouts, a historic group of kids who protect the people of Savannah, Georgia from the ghosts who haunt their town. Two problems with Evey’s plan: 1) the Ghost Scouts are run by Laura’s family, and 2) the ghosts have become much more active lately.
Evey struggles in her early encounters with ghosts, endangering her troop when she tries to take on the ghosts alone. But when Evey starts looking into the secrets Laura’s been keeping, she finds she must learn to rely on her troopmates to find the truth and possibly rid Savannah of its ghosts for good.
This book has just the right mix of strong character development and creepy ghost scares. However, I would have liked to see a little more of the ghosts and the harm they can cause. I never truly felt that Evey was in danger, even when she was cornered by a ghost. I appreciate Carey Blankenship-Kramer’s compassionate representation of Evey’s struggles with ADHD and the pain of losing friendships. I would absolutely recommend Ghost Scout’s Honor for any young reader who enjoys a good scare and a relatable heroine.
June 16, 2024
My very official blurb:
Bursting with charm and chills, GHOST SCOUT'S HONOR combines thrilling paranormal shenanigans with earnest themes about friendship, identity, and what it truly means to be brave. Evey and her squad will capture your heart (no ghost cage required).
Seriously, though. I adore this book with my whole self. MG'ers, grownups, and everyone in between should do themselves a favour and read Carey's spectacular debut!
Bursting with charm and chills, GHOST SCOUT'S HONOR combines thrilling paranormal shenanigans with earnest themes about friendship, identity, and what it truly means to be brave. Evey and her squad will capture your heart (no ghost cage required).
Seriously, though. I adore this book with my whole self. MG'ers, grownups, and everyone in between should do themselves a favour and read Carey's spectacular debut!
February 24, 2026
In Savannah, kids can see ghosts and the Ghost Scouts serve to keep citizens safe by patrolling the city. When Evey is forced to join the Ghost Scouts as a requirement to win student of the year, she learns about the mysterious and dangerous Ghost X and sets out to figure out who Ghost X is and why Ghost X is so angry.
April 20, 2025
I read an earlier version of this and it was so fun to see how this wonderful book has developed since then! GHOST SCOUT'S HONOR is an action-packed, spooky story of friendship and finding yourself. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a ghost-filled, fun mystery!
May 19, 2025
Evey's fighting ghosts, working to be crowned student of the year, and struggling with her best friend's betrayal. Things aren't always what they appear to be -- ghosts and friends included. A scary (but not TOO scary) romp.
April 3, 2024
I read an early version of this amazing book! Full review to come!
May 27, 2025
was actually good!
Read
October 10, 2025Did I just stay up past midnight to finish this middle grade novel? Why yes, yes I did. And it was worth it.
Carey, you SMASHED it! I am so SO impressed.
Carey, you SMASHED it! I am so SO impressed.
May 26, 2026
Cool story. Good diversity, including racial and LGBTQ representation. While there's no blatant swearing, I felt the language was unnecessarily rough.
May 31, 2025
At first glance, Ghost Scout's Honor is a simple paranormal adventure story, filled with truly spooky ghosts and a ragtag group of ghost hunters in the atmospheric setting of Savannah, Georgia. But the core of the story is actually Evey's mental health journey and her struggles to connect with others after a best-friend breakup she doesn't understand. Evey has to learn to trust others and control her impulses, which sometimes lead her to angry outbursts and pushing other people away. Her therapy sessions are directly shown in the story so kids can benefit from the wisdom Evey gains in them, something you don't see often in middle grade books. I loved Evey's fellow Ghost Scouts, and I was rooting for them to not only solve their ghost problems, but also to connect with each other and find the true friendships they're all searching for. This book has plenty of exciting ghostly action to keep kids engaged while they're benefiting from the social-emotional side of the story!
November 11, 2025
Spooky ghosts-- yes! ND MC--YES! ENEMIES TO LOVERS (well, crushes in this because it's MG--YES PLEASE! All the characters are so well flushed out and relatable. Everyone will see themselves in at least one or more of the characters--Evey or her amazing friends. I adore this book!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews