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Grandpere's Ghost Swamp
Ferris
meets
Ghosts of Tupelo Landing
in this cozy ghost story about family, environmental activism, food, and friendship.
Basil Theriot has spent her entire life in New Orleans—in her family’s famed Cajun restaurant in the French Quarter, really—but she’s never been out to the bayou where her grandfather grew up. She’s also never seen a ghost, even though dozens of ghost tours pass by the restaurant every day and her best friend Tommy is determined to be a ghost hunter.
But then Grandpere’s ghost appears. And he has a mission for her.
Basil wouldn’t mind being haunted if Grandpere could be helpful and share his secret recipe that might save the restaurant. But instead, he’s intent on connecting Basil with her Cajun heritage. He sends her out to the bayou to meet his an airboat captain, a shrimper, and a scientist rebuilding Louisiana’s fast-disappearing coastline.
For fans of Gracie Under the Waves and A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall, Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp has a little bit of a pinch of spookiness, a dash of environmental activism, and a heaping of family.
Basil Theriot has spent her entire life in New Orleans—in her family’s famed Cajun restaurant in the French Quarter, really—but she’s never been out to the bayou where her grandfather grew up. She’s also never seen a ghost, even though dozens of ghost tours pass by the restaurant every day and her best friend Tommy is determined to be a ghost hunter.
But then Grandpere’s ghost appears. And he has a mission for her.
Basil wouldn’t mind being haunted if Grandpere could be helpful and share his secret recipe that might save the restaurant. But instead, he’s intent on connecting Basil with her Cajun heritage. He sends her out to the bayou to meet his an airboat captain, a shrimper, and a scientist rebuilding Louisiana’s fast-disappearing coastline.
For fans of Gracie Under the Waves and A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall, Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp has a little bit of a pinch of spookiness, a dash of environmental activism, and a heaping of family.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 19, 2026
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I was immediately drawn to Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp because of its wonderful cover, and the synopsis absolutely sold it. I loved Basil trying to figure out what she wants to do for career day (which absolutely is NOT restaurant even though her parents believe she’ll be third generation!) while also dealing with the grief of losing her g’pere. But at his funeral, she sees his ghost and he sends her on a quest of sorts to learn more about their Cajun roots, and along the way Basil falls in love with the Louisiana swamp.
I really loved how much this was a story about Basil and her journey, but also a story on friendship and growing. Basil’s parents are always so busy with the restaurant that they never have any time for her, which is why she’s convinced she has no interest in the restaurant business. But when her g’pere passes away, suddenly the restaurant is struggling because her dad can’t seem to replicate Claude’s Special, the signature dish at Theriout’s. Basil’s best friend Tommy wants to be a ghost hunter when he grows up, but he’s never seen a ghost and when he learns Basil can see her g’pere, he’s jealous but also supportive of Basil and her quest. I loved their friendship,and the struggles that came up as Basil kept using Tommy as an excuse for the different careers she was investigating, because she couldn’t tell her parents she didn’t want to be third generation owner.
Also very central to the story is coastal conservation. Things like MRGO and the hurricanes that have impacted New Orleans are discussed, and I felt all the information was easily accessible for target audience. Basil learning about different conservation efforts as well as seeing the different ways people lived with the swamps of New Orleans was such a delight, and her feelings felt so big in the best way.
I really enjoyed this book, and the audio is phenomenal. Highly recommend, especially if you want to learn more about ecological impacts in New Orleans and land loss, as well as ways and people who are working to reverse the damage to swamps and Louisiana coastline.
I was immediately drawn to Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp because of its wonderful cover, and the synopsis absolutely sold it. I loved Basil trying to figure out what she wants to do for career day (which absolutely is NOT restaurant even though her parents believe she’ll be third generation!) while also dealing with the grief of losing her g’pere. But at his funeral, she sees his ghost and he sends her on a quest of sorts to learn more about their Cajun roots, and along the way Basil falls in love with the Louisiana swamp.
I really loved how much this was a story about Basil and her journey, but also a story on friendship and growing. Basil’s parents are always so busy with the restaurant that they never have any time for her, which is why she’s convinced she has no interest in the restaurant business. But when her g’pere passes away, suddenly the restaurant is struggling because her dad can’t seem to replicate Claude’s Special, the signature dish at Theriout’s. Basil’s best friend Tommy wants to be a ghost hunter when he grows up, but he’s never seen a ghost and when he learns Basil can see her g’pere, he’s jealous but also supportive of Basil and her quest. I loved their friendship,and the struggles that came up as Basil kept using Tommy as an excuse for the different careers she was investigating, because she couldn’t tell her parents she didn’t want to be third generation owner.
Also very central to the story is coastal conservation. Things like MRGO and the hurricanes that have impacted New Orleans are discussed, and I felt all the information was easily accessible for target audience. Basil learning about different conservation efforts as well as seeing the different ways people lived with the swamps of New Orleans was such a delight, and her feelings felt so big in the best way.
I really enjoyed this book, and the audio is phenomenal. Highly recommend, especially if you want to learn more about ecological impacts in New Orleans and land loss, as well as ways and people who are working to reverse the damage to swamps and Louisiana coastline.
December 27, 2025
4 1/2 stars
An emotional and touching story about family, environmental activism, and friendship.
I love stories involving ghosts and while this wasn’t what I expected I enjoyed it a lot.
I know very little about Louisiana so everything I learned about the environmental problems involving the bayous and the people who call them home was new to me. The story was a little slow but Basil’s journey as she follows the clues given to her by her grandfather and learns more about her family and her home was a compelling read.
The story addresses the seriousness of the damage that humans do to the environment but also gives you hope that we can still do something to change things. And Basil’s struggles with friendship and her family’s expectations about her future are realistically written and well resolved.
An emotional and touching story about family, environmental activism, and friendship.
I love stories involving ghosts and while this wasn’t what I expected I enjoyed it a lot.
I know very little about Louisiana so everything I learned about the environmental problems involving the bayous and the people who call them home was new to me. The story was a little slow but Basil’s journey as she follows the clues given to her by her grandfather and learns more about her family and her home was a compelling read.
The story addresses the seriousness of the damage that humans do to the environment but also gives you hope that we can still do something to change things. And Basil’s struggles with friendship and her family’s expectations about her future are realistically written and well resolved.
March 31, 2026
Food, environmental awareness, and ghosts! It's got everything I want in a book. Okay, it's also got characters I loved, and I didn't want the book to end.
March 24, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute, quick read regarding the importance of the conservation of our lands, self-development/actualization for our main character, and dealing with grief. I think this story had a great message for middle graders while also providing a good storyline that was atmospheric especially within the swamp lands. Born and raised in Florida, this hit home as it is happening everywhere with our forests being destroyed and it highly impacts how much damage is incurred by hurricanes and flooding each year. A sweet and informative read I think middle graders will really enjoy.
This was a cute, quick read regarding the importance of the conservation of our lands, self-development/actualization for our main character, and dealing with grief. I think this story had a great message for middle graders while also providing a good storyline that was atmospheric especially within the swamp lands. Born and raised in Florida, this hit home as it is happening everywhere with our forests being destroyed and it highly impacts how much damage is incurred by hurricanes and flooding each year. A sweet and informative read I think middle graders will really enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Basil's family is morning the death of her grandfather, chef Claude, who has run Theriot's Cajun restaurant in New Orleans for fifty years. At his funeral, Basil is worried to see his ghost, although her best friend Tommy, who wants to be a ghost hunter, thinks this is great. Basil's father, Etienne, is stepping up to be the head chef, but can't quite get the signature dish, stuffed mirlitons, quite right. One of the first things Basil asked G'pere about is the recipe, but he gives her cryptic answers. He encourages her to go out on an airboat with his young friend Cameron, which she is able to do under the guise of research for Career Day at her school. Basil is expected to take over the restaurant, but doesn't want to, so is looking for another career on which to report. On the tour of the swamp, G'Pere shows up, and asks Basil to feel the swamp in her soul. The area has seen a lot of devastation from storms and climate change, and the more Basil is able to experience the local areas, the more concerned she grows. Traveling out with the restaurant's shrimp supplier, Miss Babette, she sees even more evidence that things like the logging of cypress trees and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet initiative are ruining bayou life. She decides for Career Day that she will report on being a coastal scientist, and interviews Dr. Colleen Matherne. She volunteers with Dr. Matherne's group and helps plant trees. When Tommy runs off to investigate a supposedly haunted cabin in the wetlands, even Basil's parents are able to see G'pere's ghost swamp; a version of the swamp from his youth that he hopes will be restored. When Basil fights with her parents about working to save the restaurant that she doesn't want to inherit, this helps them understand her desire to be a coastal scientist instead. Tommy ends up being a good cook, and the missing ingredient for the mirlitons is uncovered.
Strengths: This was a well constructed book that delivers an important message about climate change, family dynamics, and personal identity. These are all topics that resonate with young readers. It's hard to believe that its been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina; I've certainly read a lot of middle grade novels about that event in that time! The thread of grandfather's death, Tommy's interest in ghost, the fact that Basil doesn't want to run the restaurant, and the school Career Day were all woven together very well. Basil's parents are busy but involved in her life, and I loved how concerned Basil was about not disappointing them. The virtual trip to the bayou was interesting, and the climate change message is very timely.
Weaknesses: It would have been helpful to have a map of Basil's stomping grounds so that I had a better understanding for where things took place. On a personal level, I would have enjoyed this more if G'pere had been alive and taking Basil to the swamp himself, but given his busy restaurant lifestyle, that really wasn't possible.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed other Louisa tales like this author's Rougarou Magic, Rhodes's Bayou Magic or Guillory's Nowhere Better Than Here, or ghostly grandparent stories like Iriarte's Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed.
Basil's family is morning the death of her grandfather, chef Claude, who has run Theriot's Cajun restaurant in New Orleans for fifty years. At his funeral, Basil is worried to see his ghost, although her best friend Tommy, who wants to be a ghost hunter, thinks this is great. Basil's father, Etienne, is stepping up to be the head chef, but can't quite get the signature dish, stuffed mirlitons, quite right. One of the first things Basil asked G'pere about is the recipe, but he gives her cryptic answers. He encourages her to go out on an airboat with his young friend Cameron, which she is able to do under the guise of research for Career Day at her school. Basil is expected to take over the restaurant, but doesn't want to, so is looking for another career on which to report. On the tour of the swamp, G'Pere shows up, and asks Basil to feel the swamp in her soul. The area has seen a lot of devastation from storms and climate change, and the more Basil is able to experience the local areas, the more concerned she grows. Traveling out with the restaurant's shrimp supplier, Miss Babette, she sees even more evidence that things like the logging of cypress trees and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet initiative are ruining bayou life. She decides for Career Day that she will report on being a coastal scientist, and interviews Dr. Colleen Matherne. She volunteers with Dr. Matherne's group and helps plant trees. When Tommy runs off to investigate a supposedly haunted cabin in the wetlands, even Basil's parents are able to see G'pere's ghost swamp; a version of the swamp from his youth that he hopes will be restored. When Basil fights with her parents about working to save the restaurant that she doesn't want to inherit, this helps them understand her desire to be a coastal scientist instead. Tommy ends up being a good cook, and the missing ingredient for the mirlitons is uncovered.
Strengths: This was a well constructed book that delivers an important message about climate change, family dynamics, and personal identity. These are all topics that resonate with young readers. It's hard to believe that its been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina; I've certainly read a lot of middle grade novels about that event in that time! The thread of grandfather's death, Tommy's interest in ghost, the fact that Basil doesn't want to run the restaurant, and the school Career Day were all woven together very well. Basil's parents are busy but involved in her life, and I loved how concerned Basil was about not disappointing them. The virtual trip to the bayou was interesting, and the climate change message is very timely.
Weaknesses: It would have been helpful to have a map of Basil's stomping grounds so that I had a better understanding for where things took place. On a personal level, I would have enjoyed this more if G'pere had been alive and taking Basil to the swamp himself, but given his busy restaurant lifestyle, that really wasn't possible.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed other Louisa tales like this author's Rougarou Magic, Rhodes's Bayou Magic or Guillory's Nowhere Better Than Here, or ghostly grandparent stories like Iriarte's Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp
Author: Rachel M. Marsh
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Sophie Ames
Publisher: Harper Audio Children’s/Greewillow Books
Genre: Children’s Ghost Story
Pub Date: March 24, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Story starts when Basil and her family are mourning the recent death of her Grandfather aka G’pere Claude who got a virus and died suddenly. He was the Executive Chef in the family’s famed Cajun restaurant in the French Quarter, New Oleans.
However at the funeral she believes she sees him—little does she know but her Grandpere’s ghost as appeared to her as he has a mission for her.
Basil’s father Chef Etienne, is stepping up to be the head chef, but is struggling with the restaurant’s signature dish, Stuffed Mirlitons.
In the meantime, Basil’s class is once again hosting a Career Day at school. The student do research on a career and then present it to the whole school on Career Day. The restaurant is all Basil and is expected to take over the restaurant, but she does not want to it for the rest of her life, so is looking for another career to report.
Basil discovered that G'pere appears to her when she wears his chef hat. She is hopeful G’pere will share his secret recipe as itsurely will save the family’s restaurant
At first he suggests she go out on an airboat with his friend Captain Cameron, a shrimper, and a scientist rebuilding Louisiana’s fast-disappearing coastline.
G’pere tells her perhaps she will find a career to report. Basil has never been to the bayou where her grandfather grew up.
Thus story was great. As a school counselor I am always looking for good reads for students. At first I thought the talk of Cajun recipes and food would not be interesting to many students but once Career Day was introduced I knew they could relate and would enjoy it.
I also enjoyed the author’s note and thought it was valuable information. Plus students just might use it a research project!
I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s/Greenwillow Books for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 24, 2026.
Author: Rachel M. Marsh
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Sophie Ames
Publisher: Harper Audio Children’s/Greewillow Books
Genre: Children’s Ghost Story
Pub Date: March 24, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Story starts when Basil and her family are mourning the recent death of her Grandfather aka G’pere Claude who got a virus and died suddenly. He was the Executive Chef in the family’s famed Cajun restaurant in the French Quarter, New Oleans.
However at the funeral she believes she sees him—little does she know but her Grandpere’s ghost as appeared to her as he has a mission for her.
Basil’s father Chef Etienne, is stepping up to be the head chef, but is struggling with the restaurant’s signature dish, Stuffed Mirlitons.
In the meantime, Basil’s class is once again hosting a Career Day at school. The student do research on a career and then present it to the whole school on Career Day. The restaurant is all Basil and is expected to take over the restaurant, but she does not want to it for the rest of her life, so is looking for another career to report.
Basil discovered that G'pere appears to her when she wears his chef hat. She is hopeful G’pere will share his secret recipe as itsurely will save the family’s restaurant
At first he suggests she go out on an airboat with his friend Captain Cameron, a shrimper, and a scientist rebuilding Louisiana’s fast-disappearing coastline.
G’pere tells her perhaps she will find a career to report. Basil has never been to the bayou where her grandfather grew up.
Thus story was great. As a school counselor I am always looking for good reads for students. At first I thought the talk of Cajun recipes and food would not be interesting to many students but once Career Day was introduced I knew they could relate and would enjoy it.
I also enjoyed the author’s note and thought it was valuable information. Plus students just might use it a research project!
I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s/Greenwillow Books for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 24, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Heartfelt Journey Through Family, Folklore, and the Bayou
Grandpère’s Ghost Swamp is a delightful middle grade adventure that blends heart, history, and environmental awareness into a story that is both entertaining and meaningful. The story follows Basil Theriot, a curious and brave young girl who's beloved grandpère appears to her as a gentle ghost, guiding her on a journey to uncover her family’s roots. Through this supernatural-but-not-scary guide, Basil learns where she comes from and why caring for the land around her matters.
This book is a fun, engaging adventure without being frightening in any way, making it an excellent choice for its intended reading level. Parents and teachers can feel comfortable recommending it, as the story contains no ideology or propaganda—just a wholesome narrative centered on family, self-discovery, and environmental stewardship. As a parent, it is refreshing to see new middle grade books being published that are written purely for the joy of reading, inviting young readers into a literary adventure where the character grows and discovers herself along the way, all while delivering a satisfying and uplifting ending.
One especially noteworthy element is how Rachel M. Marsh weaves in real-world information about the Louisiana land-loss crisis. The author provides accessible background on what has happened to the land and what efforts are being made to address the issue. This added context deepens the reader’s understanding of the characters’ struggles and highlights how environmental changes, often caused by decisions made to improve travel and product shipping, have lasting impacts on communities. Overall, Grandpère’s Ghost Swamp is an inspiring, educational, and enjoyable read that will leave young readers feeling curious, hopeful, and more connected to the world around them.
#NetGalley #GrandperesGhostSwamp #RachelMMarsh #MiddleGradeReads
Grandpère’s Ghost Swamp is a delightful middle grade adventure that blends heart, history, and environmental awareness into a story that is both entertaining and meaningful. The story follows Basil Theriot, a curious and brave young girl who's beloved grandpère appears to her as a gentle ghost, guiding her on a journey to uncover her family’s roots. Through this supernatural-but-not-scary guide, Basil learns where she comes from and why caring for the land around her matters.
This book is a fun, engaging adventure without being frightening in any way, making it an excellent choice for its intended reading level. Parents and teachers can feel comfortable recommending it, as the story contains no ideology or propaganda—just a wholesome narrative centered on family, self-discovery, and environmental stewardship. As a parent, it is refreshing to see new middle grade books being published that are written purely for the joy of reading, inviting young readers into a literary adventure where the character grows and discovers herself along the way, all while delivering a satisfying and uplifting ending.
One especially noteworthy element is how Rachel M. Marsh weaves in real-world information about the Louisiana land-loss crisis. The author provides accessible background on what has happened to the land and what efforts are being made to address the issue. This added context deepens the reader’s understanding of the characters’ struggles and highlights how environmental changes, often caused by decisions made to improve travel and product shipping, have lasting impacts on communities. Overall, Grandpère’s Ghost Swamp is an inspiring, educational, and enjoyable read that will leave young readers feeling curious, hopeful, and more connected to the world around them.
#NetGalley #GrandperesGhostSwamp #RachelMMarsh #MiddleGradeReads
May 6, 2026
12-year-old Basil Theriot is haunted by the ghost of her grandfather. At his funeral, Grandpere shows up in the back row, and Basil is the only one who can see him. Basil begins to follows G'Pere's instructions to see if she can help him move on. Meanwhile, her family's restaurant is in disarray as Basil's father takes over as head chef and tries to figure out G'Pere's secret ingredient. G'Pere warns Basil that he regrets the restaurant and bringing his family to the city of New Orleans and away from the bayous where their Cajun family originated. This is all fine by Basil, because she secretly hates the family business and resents her parents' dream for her to someday take over. With her school's Career Day looming, Basil and her best friend Tommy, follow G'Pere's ghost on a journey to reconnect with the Theriot's Cajun roots by venturing into Louisiana's swamps and wetlands where Basil learns the importance of coastal preservation - and how to be a more honest friend.
The setting in this book really pulls through, and it is enriched by Basil's Cajun heritage and Tommy's Creole-Italian family. Because Basil grows up in a Cajun restaurant, there is an emphasis on the smells and flavors of food in a city known for it's unique cuisine. But this book also pays tribute to wild Louisiana, explaining how government intervention led to an increase of devastating hurricanes in the area. This is my favorite kind of book - one with a lot of middle grade appeal, and lots of moving parts that come together in the end. This one also offers hope for our environmental future, in the hands of young people.
The setting in this book really pulls through, and it is enriched by Basil's Cajun heritage and Tommy's Creole-Italian family. Because Basil grows up in a Cajun restaurant, there is an emphasis on the smells and flavors of food in a city known for it's unique cuisine. But this book also pays tribute to wild Louisiana, explaining how government intervention led to an increase of devastating hurricanes in the area. This is my favorite kind of book - one with a lot of middle grade appeal, and lots of moving parts that come together in the end. This one also offers hope for our environmental future, in the hands of young people.
Read
July 28, 2026This was a story following a Cajun child of restaurateurs as she navigates her grandfather’s death (and haunting her), the financial troubles of her parent’s restaurant, and learning about the loss of land in Louisiana. There were some good bits, such as educating about the difference between Creole and Cajun, and it’s clear that Marsh has a deep love for her home’s endangered ecology, great food, and the meaning of friendship. However, it felt just a little forced at times: as a teacher, I can tell you no kid is saying “Career day is on the line.” I thought it was an interesting choice to focus so much on land loss - to be clear, very important - but not engage with other issues. When Basil went on a shrimping boat, why on earth don’t you bring up the growing dead zone? It’s a bigger issue facing shrimpers than land loss, and would be incredibly relevant to the restaurant business. Finally, it felt like Marsh was going out of her way to avoid engaging with race. There’s no discussion about how the worst damage from Hurricane Katrina happened in Black neighborhoods, or the relatively common idea in the 9th Ward that the levee was blown intentionally to protect richer and whiter communities (whether or not this is true is irrelevant, because it's definitely something Basil would have heard of with how much she thinks about the Hurricane in this book). Race doesn’t need to be a central focus of every book set in New Orleans, but the overwhelming absence of even tangential discussions is notable and disappointing. Overall this is a fine enough middle grade book, but I wasn’t as impressed with it as I hoped.
October 2, 2025
A great story about friendship, family and the environment.
The relationship between Basil (FMC) and her family is strained. The story opens up at Basil's g'pere's funeral where she sees him as a ghost. G'pere doesn't know why he's stuck as a ghost but he knows it involves the swamp and Basil is the only one who can see him. He guides her along this journey to discover new things and gain courage to act within her local environment and family.
Her friendship with Tommy and strain with Nico really layered on depth for her character development. The secondary characters were very flushed out and living their own lives, which only enhanced the story for me. This book was really thought out and developed and I enjoyed it so much.
I live on the Gulf Coast so I understood a lot of what was going on in this story first hand. I'm not from New Orleans but it read like experiences I've had in the past with the people, culture and tourists.
It was great to learn about Cajun and Creole culture from the view of a French Quarter restaurant and the family that runs it.
I learned a lot, organically, about the environmental impact humans have on their surroundings. As well as the delicate balance needed between people and nature.
My only trigger warning is for people who have gone through Katrina and other hurricanes first hand. I wasn't expecting to unearth my feelings about Katrina but I did as Basil and other characters found themselves in conversation about it. It hit me right in the gut. It's not a bad thing, just a warning.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
The relationship between Basil (FMC) and her family is strained. The story opens up at Basil's g'pere's funeral where she sees him as a ghost. G'pere doesn't know why he's stuck as a ghost but he knows it involves the swamp and Basil is the only one who can see him. He guides her along this journey to discover new things and gain courage to act within her local environment and family.
Her friendship with Tommy and strain with Nico really layered on depth for her character development. The secondary characters were very flushed out and living their own lives, which only enhanced the story for me. This book was really thought out and developed and I enjoyed it so much.
I live on the Gulf Coast so I understood a lot of what was going on in this story first hand. I'm not from New Orleans but it read like experiences I've had in the past with the people, culture and tourists.
It was great to learn about Cajun and Creole culture from the view of a French Quarter restaurant and the family that runs it.
I learned a lot, organically, about the environmental impact humans have on their surroundings. As well as the delicate balance needed between people and nature.
My only trigger warning is for people who have gone through Katrina and other hurricanes first hand. I wasn't expecting to unearth my feelings about Katrina but I did as Basil and other characters found themselves in conversation about it. It hit me right in the gut. It's not a bad thing, just a warning.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
December 3, 2025
A great story about friendship, family and the environment.
The relationship between Basil (FMC) and her family is strained. The story opens up at Basil's g'pere's funeral where she sees him as a ghost. G'pere doesn't know why he's stuck as a ghost but he knows it involves the swamp and Basil is the only one who can see him. He guides her along this journey to discover new things and gain courage to act within her local environment and family.
Her friendship with Tommy and strain with Nico really layered on depth for her character development. The secondary characters were very flushed out and living their own lives, which only enhanced the story for me. This book was really thought out and developed and I enjoyed it so much.
I live on the Gulf Coast so I understood a lot of what was going on in this story first hand. I'm not from New Orleans but it read like experiences I've had in the past with the people, culture and tourists.
It was great to learn about Cajun and Creole culture from the view of a French Quarter restaurant and the family that runs it.
I learned a lot, organically, about the environmental impact humans have on their surroundings. As well as the delicate balance needed between people and nature.
My only trigger warning is for people who have gone through Katrina and other hurricanes first hand. I wasn't expecting to unearth my feelings about Katrina but I did as Basil and other characters found themselves in conversation about it. It hit me right in the gut. It's not a bad thing, just a warning.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
The relationship between Basil (FMC) and her family is strained. The story opens up at Basil's g'pere's funeral where she sees him as a ghost. G'pere doesn't know why he's stuck as a ghost but he knows it involves the swamp and Basil is the only one who can see him. He guides her along this journey to discover new things and gain courage to act within her local environment and family.
Her friendship with Tommy and strain with Nico really layered on depth for her character development. The secondary characters were very flushed out and living their own lives, which only enhanced the story for me. This book was really thought out and developed and I enjoyed it so much.
I live on the Gulf Coast so I understood a lot of what was going on in this story first hand. I'm not from New Orleans but it read like experiences I've had in the past with the people, culture and tourists.
It was great to learn about Cajun and Creole culture from the view of a French Quarter restaurant and the family that runs it.
I learned a lot, organically, about the environmental impact humans have on their surroundings. As well as the delicate balance needed between people and nature.
My only trigger warning is for people who have gone through Katrina and other hurricanes first hand. I wasn't expecting to unearth my feelings about Katrina but I did as Basil and other characters found themselves in conversation about it. It hit me right in the gut. It's not a bad thing, just a warning.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Basil Theriot grew up spending every free moment in her family’s Cajun restaurant in the French Quarter – whether she liked it or not. After her she spots the ghost of her grandpere, Chef Claude, at his own funeral, Basil’s life takes a strange turn. G’pere insists Basil learn about the bayous and swamps where her family came from. She enlists the help of her ghost-obsessed bestie, Tommy, to trick her parents into letting her explore airboat tours, shrimping boats and coastal restoration expeditions. In the process, Basil learns about the environmental impact of land loss in Louisiana’s coastline and decides her life’s purpose will be protecting the swamps. The only problem is telling her family she’s not interested in inheriting the family restaurant.
Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp is a heartfelt exploration of family expectations and finding your own path. The environmental impacts Basil learns about were fascinating, and the care author Rachel M Marsh took made me feel I was discovering the swamps beside the kids. Basil’s struggles with her parents and Tommy helped keep the narrative grounded and from reading too lecture-y. And as a connoisseur of Cajun food, the scenes in the kitchen were exciting.
Thank you to Harper Collins Children’s and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp is a heartfelt exploration of family expectations and finding your own path. The environmental impacts Basil learns about were fascinating, and the care author Rachel M Marsh took made me feel I was discovering the swamps beside the kids. Basil’s struggles with her parents and Tommy helped keep the narrative grounded and from reading too lecture-y. And as a connoisseur of Cajun food, the scenes in the kitchen were exciting.
Thank you to Harper Collins Children’s and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This "middle grade" book is terrific. I learned so much about the land loss in the New Orleans area and some of its history regarding the Cajun and Creole people. The main character, 12-year-old Basil, is worried about all the wrong things. She can't stand the fact that her parent's jobs (running/cooking) at her Grandpere's restaurant takes time away from just being a family. She resents not being able to celebrate major holidays the way the rest of her peers do. When her G'pere dies suddenly, things go from bad to worse, at least in Basil's mind. Especially when she starts to see his ghost ....
Basil is struggling with a lot and is at odds with herself. She is afraid of disappointing her parents so much, that she lies to them. She feels like she is also losing her best friend, Tommy, to the new kid in class, Nico. When she has a difficult time deciding on a class project, she then ropes Tommy into helping her; now she has him lying too. Through all of this, her G'pere has her meet some of his friends and gets her out of her head and into the wilds of Louisiana.
Basil has a hard time deciding when/how she can come clean to her folks. It takes losing her bestie, to open the flood gates and start the communication process to obliterate the lies.
This is such a marvelous story, with great characters and writing, and the narration is spot on.
Basil is struggling with a lot and is at odds with herself. She is afraid of disappointing her parents so much, that she lies to them. She feels like she is also losing her best friend, Tommy, to the new kid in class, Nico. When she has a difficult time deciding on a class project, she then ropes Tommy into helping her; now she has him lying too. Through all of this, her G'pere has her meet some of his friends and gets her out of her head and into the wilds of Louisiana.
Basil has a hard time deciding when/how she can come clean to her folks. It takes losing her bestie, to open the flood gates and start the communication process to obliterate the lies.
This is such a marvelous story, with great characters and writing, and the narration is spot on.
June 9, 2026
Thanks Greenwillow for the gifted ARC book.
I absolutely loved this middle-grade paranormal/magical realism story set in the Gulf coast of Louisiana about Basil, a young girl growing up in her family’s Cajun restaurant who begins seeing her Grandpere’s ghost after he passes away. Grandpere wants to connect her to her Cajun heritage and the bayou where he grew up, a place she’s never been before. The restaurant is in trouble with Grandpere gone. The coastline is disappearing. Basil’s not sure exactly what Grandpere is trying to tell her.
For being magical realism, this story felt really grounded with realistic family and friend issues for a sixth grader. The characters felt so genuine. Vivid imagery made me feel like I was in the swap, right there with Basil witnessing climate change’s devastation to the environment. There’s discussion of coastal land loss, Cajun and Creole culture, and social commentary on tourism. Themes of familial expectations, finding one’s identity, and grief were well explored. I enjoyed seeing Basil learn to speak up for herself and to support her friends.
This was such a touching and overall hopeful story that encourages young readers to participate in environmental activism without being patronizing. The author’s note is a can’t miss - full of further information on Louisiana’s land-loss crisis. Definitely recommend!
I absolutely loved this middle-grade paranormal/magical realism story set in the Gulf coast of Louisiana about Basil, a young girl growing up in her family’s Cajun restaurant who begins seeing her Grandpere’s ghost after he passes away. Grandpere wants to connect her to her Cajun heritage and the bayou where he grew up, a place she’s never been before. The restaurant is in trouble with Grandpere gone. The coastline is disappearing. Basil’s not sure exactly what Grandpere is trying to tell her.
For being magical realism, this story felt really grounded with realistic family and friend issues for a sixth grader. The characters felt so genuine. Vivid imagery made me feel like I was in the swap, right there with Basil witnessing climate change’s devastation to the environment. There’s discussion of coastal land loss, Cajun and Creole culture, and social commentary on tourism. Themes of familial expectations, finding one’s identity, and grief were well explored. I enjoyed seeing Basil learn to speak up for herself and to support her friends.
This was such a touching and overall hopeful story that encourages young readers to participate in environmental activism without being patronizing. The author’s note is a can’t miss - full of further information on Louisiana’s land-loss crisis. Definitely recommend!
April 5, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up because my ten year old nephew said 5 stars.
This is such a charming middle-grade book. I occasionally listen to audiobooks with my nephew, and since we usually seek out horror, I saw "ghost" in the title and Sophie Amoss narrating and figured we had to listen.
However, this was something else entirely. It wasn't a story of a haunting, as Grandpere hilariously and indignantly states partway through the book; instead, it's a story about family, culture, and Louisiana. It was incredibly informative while remaining entertaining. At one point, my nephew turned to me and asked, "Wait a minute, Auntie, is this a true story?" I side-eyed him and explained it wasn't a non-fiction account of a ghost. But the history of the food fusion was fascinating. The environmental information was also a huge hit. We actually had to pause the audiobook so my nephew could do a deep dive into the loss of a "football field" of land to erosion every 100 minutes.
Sophie Amoss is wonderful. I usually associate her with weird, dark lit, so hearing her narrate a middle-grade novel was an interesting change of pace, and she did a great job.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ALC!
This is such a charming middle-grade book. I occasionally listen to audiobooks with my nephew, and since we usually seek out horror, I saw "ghost" in the title and Sophie Amoss narrating and figured we had to listen.
However, this was something else entirely. It wasn't a story of a haunting, as Grandpere hilariously and indignantly states partway through the book; instead, it's a story about family, culture, and Louisiana. It was incredibly informative while remaining entertaining. At one point, my nephew turned to me and asked, "Wait a minute, Auntie, is this a true story?" I side-eyed him and explained it wasn't a non-fiction account of a ghost. But the history of the food fusion was fascinating. The environmental information was also a huge hit. We actually had to pause the audiobook so my nephew could do a deep dive into the loss of a "football field" of land to erosion every 100 minutes.
Sophie Amoss is wonderful. I usually associate her with weird, dark lit, so hearing her narrate a middle-grade novel was an interesting change of pace, and she did a great job.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ALC!
July 26, 2026
MG Contemporary
Ghost story 👻 (non-spooky)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
12yo Basil Theriot lives in New Orleans above her family’s authentic Cajun restaurant, originally opened by her Grandpere, Chef Claude, who recently passed away leaving the restaurant in a precarious financial situation but is hanging around as a ghost that only Basil can see… and his wish is for Basil to get back in touch with her Cajun roots, despite that his childhood home no longer exists due to erosion and land loss. Meanwhile, Career Day is coming up in school and Basil struggles to figure out the perfect option, with the help of her best friend, at least until until grandpere’s ghost nudges her in the right direction.
I really enjoyed this. I love a good ghost story, spooky or not (this one is not), and I especially love a conservation story so this was perfect all around and I’d give it more stars if I could.
I loved learning about New Orleans, Louisiana and how the levees have changed its swamps and coastline, causing more destruction due to hurricanes and how Basil and Grandpere linked it all to their family roots and Basil’s future.
This is also a very friendship-focused story with lots of character growth within the friendship!
Very enjoyable. One of the best MG novels I’ve read in a while!
Ghost story 👻 (non-spooky)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
12yo Basil Theriot lives in New Orleans above her family’s authentic Cajun restaurant, originally opened by her Grandpere, Chef Claude, who recently passed away leaving the restaurant in a precarious financial situation but is hanging around as a ghost that only Basil can see… and his wish is for Basil to get back in touch with her Cajun roots, despite that his childhood home no longer exists due to erosion and land loss. Meanwhile, Career Day is coming up in school and Basil struggles to figure out the perfect option, with the help of her best friend, at least until until grandpere’s ghost nudges her in the right direction.
I really enjoyed this. I love a good ghost story, spooky or not (this one is not), and I especially love a conservation story so this was perfect all around and I’d give it more stars if I could.
I loved learning about New Orleans, Louisiana and how the levees have changed its swamps and coastline, causing more destruction due to hurricanes and how Basil and Grandpere linked it all to their family roots and Basil’s future.
This is also a very friendship-focused story with lots of character growth within the friendship!
Very enjoyable. One of the best MG novels I’ve read in a while!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A love letter to New Orleans the way Bridge to Bat City was a love letter to Houston, Basil is the main character-- a girl whose family has a legacy of delicious Cajun food in the city and who just lost her grandpere, though he's now visiting her from the beyond as she's figuring out that she DOESN'T want to be a part of the food legacy and what her career could look like as the school fair nears.
With the same environmental focus as middle grade stories like Safe Harbor Saving Sunshine, this one points Basil in the direction of the swamps and the coastline and she realizes her calling in science. Heartwarming, Basil has a problem to get to solving.
With the same environmental focus as middle grade stories like Safe Harbor Saving Sunshine, this one points Basil in the direction of the swamps and the coastline and she realizes her calling in science. Heartwarming, Basil has a problem to get to solving.
April 17, 2026
I loved everything about this ecological middle grade--Basil's struggle balancing her grandfather as a ghost, heavy family obligations, changing friendships, and most of all, her dawning realization of the crisis her coastal Louisiana home is facing.
I got Christmas Carol vibes from this but instead of three ghosts visiting Scrooge to turn his (and the people around him) life for the better, we have Basil's recently deceased grandpere grappling with his life decisions and making sure Basil doesn't have the same regrets. Instead of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, at the urging of her grandpere, Basil meets up with an airboat captain, a shrimper, and a coastal scientist who shows her different perspectives of Louisiana's land loss crisis. The scene where the title comes from is my absolute favorite and brought tears to my eyes. Completely loved it.
Marsh includes Take Actions in the back of the book which I loved. She mentions Glass Half Full recycling, which my family and I use already so I'm happy to be a part of the solution. Also, if you like Cajun and Creole-Italian food, you will come away hungry.
I got Christmas Carol vibes from this but instead of three ghosts visiting Scrooge to turn his (and the people around him) life for the better, we have Basil's recently deceased grandpere grappling with his life decisions and making sure Basil doesn't have the same regrets. Instead of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, at the urging of her grandpere, Basil meets up with an airboat captain, a shrimper, and a coastal scientist who shows her different perspectives of Louisiana's land loss crisis. The scene where the title comes from is my absolute favorite and brought tears to my eyes. Completely loved it.
Marsh includes Take Actions in the back of the book which I loved. She mentions Glass Half Full recycling, which my family and I use already so I'm happy to be a part of the solution. Also, if you like Cajun and Creole-Italian food, you will come away hungry.
June 15, 2026
Basil, a 6th grade girl from New Orleans, discovers that she can see ghosts, or well a ghost, at her grandpere's funeral. He urgers her to find their roots. Her parents run a busy Cajun restaurant, and she doesn't want to burden them, so she and her best friend Tony set out to sneakily find their way to the swamp to get to know her family's roots. While she's trying to follow the mysterious messages from Grandpere's ghost, she also has to contend with career day at school. Obviously, her parents think she's going to be the third generation to run the restaurant, but Basil isn't sure. She knows she doesn't want the life her parents have (No work-life balance, no time for family), but she doesn't know what she does want. Although, she's feeling increasingly drawn to the swamp and the massive problems facing its conservation.
I am a middle school science teacher, so obviously I love that Basil finds passion in fighting to protect and preserve the environment. This was a really cute and sweet middle grade story. I would highly recommend it to young readers.
I am a middle school science teacher, so obviously I love that Basil finds passion in fighting to protect and preserve the environment. This was a really cute and sweet middle grade story. I would highly recommend it to young readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC read - A touching, beautifully-written, and action-packed middle grade ghost story! Basil is missing her G’pere, the family patriarch and chef at their New Orleans restaurant, when his ghost appears. Only Basil can see him, and so she must figure out why he wants her to go back to the bayou her family hails from before they moved to the big city. Along the way, she finds that she may want to be a climate scientist, rather than run the family business like her parents always expected. I think lots of kids will connect with seeing Basil struggle with her family working so many hours and much of her life taking place at the restaurant while other kids get to go home or out. I also think it is a great lead in to environmental discussions – this quote from G’pere captures that message: “The people, the language, the food, the land. Like the blankets your grandmere used to knit. When one thread unravels…”
April 9, 2026
This book was a unique look at the New Orleans and Cajun and Creole culture. It also took a close look at the coastal wetlands and land loss in Louisiana. The unique spin came in the form of a non-spooky Ghost.
Basil's family is laying her beloved Grandpere to rest. While still in the church she sees his ghost and he sets her on a quest. He has regrets about not passing his family's Cajun legacy to his offspring. While on her quest Basil takes an airboat tour of the swamp, goes shrimping in the gulf, and joins a restoration volunteer group to help plant trees. She realizes that instead of following in her grandfather and father's footsteps of running a restaurant, she wants to become a scientist who helps to regrow the swamp.
This book is complete with relationship challenges that need to be worked through. Basil learns to communicate better with her parents, how to be a supportive friend, and how to connect to her family's past. It was a sweet story.
Basil's family is laying her beloved Grandpere to rest. While still in the church she sees his ghost and he sets her on a quest. He has regrets about not passing his family's Cajun legacy to his offspring. While on her quest Basil takes an airboat tour of the swamp, goes shrimping in the gulf, and joins a restoration volunteer group to help plant trees. She realizes that instead of following in her grandfather and father's footsteps of running a restaurant, she wants to become a scientist who helps to regrow the swamp.
This book is complete with relationship challenges that need to be worked through. Basil learns to communicate better with her parents, how to be a supportive friend, and how to connect to her family's past. It was a sweet story.
May 22, 2026
A heartwarming story of a little girl named Basil growing up in a family owned restaurant down in New Orleans. We follow Basil's story as she and her best friend Tommy try to figure out why she is seeing her Grandpere's ghost.
Seeking out her Cajun roots, Basil finds a passion for the land her family came from, the bayou.
We may not always see it, but there is so much beauty and wonder in the swamp and bayous of South Louisiana . This book did a wonderful job of bringing that wonder to life.
As a South Louisiana girl myself, this book made me laugh, smile, tear up, and hope that we as a people do better to stop abusing the land we live on, and work to find ways to save the coastline of this unique state.
Seeking out her Cajun roots, Basil finds a passion for the land her family came from, the bayou.
We may not always see it, but there is so much beauty and wonder in the swamp and bayous of South Louisiana . This book did a wonderful job of bringing that wonder to life.
As a South Louisiana girl myself, this book made me laugh, smile, tear up, and hope that we as a people do better to stop abusing the land we live on, and work to find ways to save the coastline of this unique state.
June 15, 2026
Basil is a middle schooler who comes from a family of restauranteurs in New Orleans. It includes some interesting details about Cajun culture and New Orleans history and ecology, while also exploring universal themes about friendship, and how to navigate feeling called to interests or paths that are different from family expectations or assumptions.
I listened to the audiobook with my 12-year-old, and we both enjoyed it. He said, “generic but believable characters, intricate plot; got across messages to take care of the environment, be true to yourself, honesty and thoughtfulness about others.”
3.5 to 4 stars. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to the audiobook with my 12-year-old, and we both enjoyed it. He said, “generic but believable characters, intricate plot; got across messages to take care of the environment, be true to yourself, honesty and thoughtfulness about others.”
3.5 to 4 stars. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Basil's parents run a restaurant that was founded by Basil's Granpere Claude and focused on the dishes of his native Cajun roots. When he passes away, his ghost remains but only Basil can see him. When Basil has to participate in Career Day at her school, her parents and teachers think she will share about life as a chef, but Basil does not want to be a chef. What ensues are adventures spurred on by Granpere's ghost. Along they way, Basil discovers a passion that eventually makes it's way to Career Day. The story introduces the idea of land loss in Louisiana in a way that brings it to life without sounding moralizing. Recommended for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
This book was a very enjoyable exploration of family, friendship, and the environment. I loved going on this journey with Basil. Basil is an enjoyable character who grows through the story and learns about what she wants. I loved how this book explored her feelings regarding pressure to do what her parents want her to do. I also enjoyed how she connected with the environment and wants to protect Louisiana, her home, as a result. The narrator did a great job with this one and was quite enjoyable to listen to.
This book was a very enjoyable exploration of family, friendship, and the environment. I loved going on this journey with Basil. Basil is an enjoyable character who grows through the story and learns about what she wants. I loved how this book explored her feelings regarding pressure to do what her parents want her to do. I also enjoyed how she connected with the environment and wants to protect Louisiana, her home, as a result. The narrator did a great job with this one and was quite enjoyable to listen to.
May 26, 2026
A good book about environmentalism, especially in the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana. Also themes of family and staying true to oneself. To me, this was more a book about Grandpere's regrets, rather than Basil finding herself. Maybe the two were became tied closely together. I did enjoy learning so much about New Orleans, especially how small things like levies have affected the city. I learned some things about the Mississippi River, and how it benefit(ed)(s) Louisiana. I got the impression that perhaps the author doesn't like all of the tourists that come to N.O. It was a good read, but not a great one for me.
July 29, 2026
Basil’s family runs a popular New Orleans restaurant but when her Grandpere (grandfather) dies, her father struggles to make the restaurant’s signature dish just the way Grandpere made it. At her grandfather’s funeral, Basil’s Grandpere’s ghost appears only to her (much to the chagrin of her ghost-loving best friend). Grandpere suggests Basil reach out to some of his friends to learn more about the dying bayou and this helps her realize what she really wants to do for career day (note: not follow in her family’s footsteps). Readers who enjoyed Nowhere Better Than Here will want to read this.
March 26, 2026
Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp by Rachel M. Marsh is a story of family, friendship, community, environmental conservation, Cajun culture, ghosts —all with a perfect dose of humor and suspense to keep you turning the page. And did I mention it’s set in the BEST city ever — New Orleans.
This page turner kept me entertained the entire time. I highly recommend!
This page turner kept me entertained the entire time. I highly recommend!
June 28, 2026
I love the journey that Basil goes on, thanks to her newly departed grandpere, to discover her roots, her dreams, and her voice. I loved learning about the issues Louisiana is facing through Basil's adventures.
Sophie Amoss did a great job narrating this story and bringing these characters to life.
Sophie Amoss did a great job narrating this story and bringing these characters to life.
December 3, 2025
fun cozy fantasy book with a Cajun protagonist who can see his grandfather's ghost while his father takes over the family restaurant. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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