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Creepy Kid
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26A hilariously creepy middle grade novel from award-winning author Caleb Roehrig! Poe has spent his whole life wishing he could meet a ghost, but when he moves into a real-life haunted house, he discovers that communing with the other side might be a little more than he bargained for.
Twelve-year-old Edgar Alden, also known as “Poe,” has always been an outcast. Obsessed with the macabre, he’s never remotely hit it off with other kids. Only Grandma ever really understood his love for the supernatural, but when she dies and his parents move into a dilapidated house on the other side of town, things for Poe quickly go from bad to worse.
You see, Poe has a roommate. A dead one. A 12-year-old ghost named Violet, who’s been stuck haunting Poe’s room for longer than she can remember. Violet is territorial, kind of annoying, and tethered to the human world by her doll, Baby Jessica.
But Poe quickly discovers that Violet isn’t the only spirit haunting his house. There’s a vengeful, violent entity in his basement. And it’s up to Poe to find a way to help them both cross to the other side.
Creepy Kid is a heartfelt but page-turning exploration of grief, moving on, and finding one’s place in the world—sure to make middle grade readers laugh, cry, and wonder about the mysteries that might lie on the other side.
Twelve-year-old Edgar Alden, also known as “Poe,” has always been an outcast. Obsessed with the macabre, he’s never remotely hit it off with other kids. Only Grandma ever really understood his love for the supernatural, but when she dies and his parents move into a dilapidated house on the other side of town, things for Poe quickly go from bad to worse.
You see, Poe has a roommate. A dead one. A 12-year-old ghost named Violet, who’s been stuck haunting Poe’s room for longer than she can remember. Violet is territorial, kind of annoying, and tethered to the human world by her doll, Baby Jessica.
But Poe quickly discovers that Violet isn’t the only spirit haunting his house. There’s a vengeful, violent entity in his basement. And it’s up to Poe to find a way to help them both cross to the other side.
Creepy Kid is a heartfelt but page-turning exploration of grief, moving on, and finding one’s place in the world—sure to make middle grade readers laugh, cry, and wonder about the mysteries that might lie on the other side.
- GenresMiddle Grade
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 25, 2026
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Caleb Roehrig
18 books867 followersCaleb Roehrig is a writer and television producer originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Having also lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Helsinki, Finland, he has a chronic case of wanderlust, and can recommend the best sights to see on a shoestring budget in over thirty countries. A former actor, Roehrig has experience on both sides of the camera, with a résumé that includes appearances on film and TV—as well as seven years in the stranger-than-fiction salt mines of reality television. In the name of earning a paycheck, he has: hung around a frozen cornfield in his underwear, partied with an actual rock-star, chatted with a scandal-plagued politician, and been menaced by a disgruntled ostrich.
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December 11, 2025This book is for all the kids who think cemeteries are less frightening than the suburbs 🦇
February 5, 2026
I would like to thank Caleb Roehrig, Harper Collins Publishers, and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to preview The Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig in exchange for my sincere review.
For anybody who is looking for their next scare, this book should be on your TBR list. Perfect for middle school readers!
Poe is obsessed with all things ghosts until he comes face to face with one multiple times! When his grandmother passes away unexpectedly, Poe learns about his secret ability that allows him to communicate with the dead. What turns out to be everything he ever wanted in life, ends up changing his fate and putting his life in extreme danger. He must help the ghost that lives in his house before it is too late.
I would highly recommend this book to all the aspiring young ghost hunters in the world.
For anybody who is looking for their next scare, this book should be on your TBR list. Perfect for middle school readers!
Poe is obsessed with all things ghosts until he comes face to face with one multiple times! When his grandmother passes away unexpectedly, Poe learns about his secret ability that allows him to communicate with the dead. What turns out to be everything he ever wanted in life, ends up changing his fate and putting his life in extreme danger. He must help the ghost that lives in his house before it is too late.
I would highly recommend this book to all the aspiring young ghost hunters in the world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig is a wonderfully eerie and heartfelt middle-grade novel that hits the perfect balance between spooky vibes and profound emotional depth. As a reader who enjoys paranormal stories with a touch of mystery and a dash of humor, I found this book to be a captivating blend of creepy fun and meaningful themes.
The story centers around Poe, a twelve-year-old who has always been fascinated by ghosts and the supernatural but has yet to encounter one in real life—until he moves into a supposedly haunted house with his parents. Roehrig does a fantastic job of creating a spooky, atmospheric setting that will appeal to kids who love creepy stories. The house is described with just the right amount of eerie details, making it feel immersive without being too frightening for middle-grade readers.
Poe himself is a relatable protagonist. He's an outcast, dealing with grief after the loss of his beloved grandma, and struggling to find his place in a new environment. His love for the macabre and his curiosity about the supernatural are portrayed authentically, making him a character that readers will root for. The way he navigates his grief and loneliness adds emotional weight to the story, making it more than just a spooky adventure.
Violet, the ghost haunting Poe’s room, is both hilariously creepy and endearing. Her territorial personality and her tether to the living world through her doll, Baby Jessica, add a quirky, humorous touch that balances the darker elements. The interactions between Poe and Violet are amusing and touching, illustrating the complexities of their unusual friendship.
The plot thickens when Poe discovers there’s a vengeful spirit in the basement, adding suspense and danger to his supernatural encounters. Roehrig expertly ramps up the tension, creating a page-turning mystery that keeps readers guessing. The story’s exploration of themes like grief, moving on, and self-discovery is handled with sensitivity and nuance, making it highly relatable for preteens who are trying to understand their own feelings of loss and change.
Overall, Creepy Kid is a fun, creepy, and heartfelt novel that will resonate with kids who love the paranormal and mysterious. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories that make them laugh, shiver, and cry—all at the same time. Roehrig’s writing is engaging, and the blend of humor, suspense, and emotional depth makes this a standout middle-grade read. I’d definitely recommend it to young readers looking for a spooky story with a meaningful message.
The story centers around Poe, a twelve-year-old who has always been fascinated by ghosts and the supernatural but has yet to encounter one in real life—until he moves into a supposedly haunted house with his parents. Roehrig does a fantastic job of creating a spooky, atmospheric setting that will appeal to kids who love creepy stories. The house is described with just the right amount of eerie details, making it feel immersive without being too frightening for middle-grade readers.
Poe himself is a relatable protagonist. He's an outcast, dealing with grief after the loss of his beloved grandma, and struggling to find his place in a new environment. His love for the macabre and his curiosity about the supernatural are portrayed authentically, making him a character that readers will root for. The way he navigates his grief and loneliness adds emotional weight to the story, making it more than just a spooky adventure.
Violet, the ghost haunting Poe’s room, is both hilariously creepy and endearing. Her territorial personality and her tether to the living world through her doll, Baby Jessica, add a quirky, humorous touch that balances the darker elements. The interactions between Poe and Violet are amusing and touching, illustrating the complexities of their unusual friendship.
The plot thickens when Poe discovers there’s a vengeful spirit in the basement, adding suspense and danger to his supernatural encounters. Roehrig expertly ramps up the tension, creating a page-turning mystery that keeps readers guessing. The story’s exploration of themes like grief, moving on, and self-discovery is handled with sensitivity and nuance, making it highly relatable for preteens who are trying to understand their own feelings of loss and change.
Overall, Creepy Kid is a fun, creepy, and heartfelt novel that will resonate with kids who love the paranormal and mysterious. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories that make them laugh, shiver, and cry—all at the same time. Roehrig’s writing is engaging, and the blend of humor, suspense, and emotional depth makes this a standout middle-grade read. I’d definitely recommend it to young readers looking for a spooky story with a meaningful message.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4/5 stars. Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC.
I checked out Creepy Kid on a whim because I liked the title. I enjoyed this book a lot. Edgar ("Poe") is a self-confessed weird kid, who dresses in black and loves ghosts and the occult. His favorite person in the word, Grandma, died recently and Poe is missing her like crazy. When his parents decide to relocate to the better side of town the only thing that they can afford is a run down old house previously owned by a creepy old man who filled the house with hoarded junk and cats. Poe quickly learns that he is not the only one occupying his room. The previous resident, a girl named Violet, has been there ever since she died, her spirit tethered to an old doll named Baby Jessica.
I loved the burgeoning friendship between Poe and Violet, who has ghost amnesia about her life and cause of death. The two of them join forces to investigate not only Violet's past but the identity and motivation of another, much scarier entity who inhabits the basement. I felt the first two thirds of this book were better than the conclusion, which departed too much from the creepy/mysterious vibe and into straightforward action. But I think kids will really enjoy the story, which combines humor, pathos and scariness for a pleasurable mix.
I checked out Creepy Kid on a whim because I liked the title. I enjoyed this book a lot. Edgar ("Poe") is a self-confessed weird kid, who dresses in black and loves ghosts and the occult. His favorite person in the word, Grandma, died recently and Poe is missing her like crazy. When his parents decide to relocate to the better side of town the only thing that they can afford is a run down old house previously owned by a creepy old man who filled the house with hoarded junk and cats. Poe quickly learns that he is not the only one occupying his room. The previous resident, a girl named Violet, has been there ever since she died, her spirit tethered to an old doll named Baby Jessica.
I loved the burgeoning friendship between Poe and Violet, who has ghost amnesia about her life and cause of death. The two of them join forces to investigate not only Violet's past but the identity and motivation of another, much scarier entity who inhabits the basement. I felt the first two thirds of this book were better than the conclusion, which departed too much from the creepy/mysterious vibe and into straightforward action. But I think kids will really enjoy the story, which combines humor, pathos and scariness for a pleasurable mix.
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January 26, 2026Twelve-year-old Edgar, also known as “Poe,” has always been an outcast. Obsessed with the macabre, he’s never remotely hit it off with other kids. Poe has spent his whole life wishing he could meet a ghost, but when he moves into a real-life haunted house, he discovers that communing with the other side might be a little more than he bargained for. Grandma understood his love for the supernatural, but when she dies and his parents move into a dilapidated house on the other side of town, things for Poe quickly go from bad to worse. Now Poe has a roommate. A dead one. A 12-year-old ghost named Violet, who’s been stuck haunting Poe’s room for longer than she can remember. But he then discovers that Violet isn’t the only spirit haunting his house. There’s a vengeful, violent entity in his basement. It seems that it’s up to Poe to find a way to help them both cross to the other side. Will he be able to do it?
It is a story of grief, moving on, and finding one’s place in the world. At times, it made me laugh and cry. It is a book that touched my heart for Poe.
Disclaimer: I received an arc from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC through NetGalley to review! Feedback is 100% my own!
Poe is misunderstood by adults and kids alike, but I love that he stays true to himself. He knows what he is interested in - all things supernatural! - and he goes all in. I think the universe helps him along a bit because, while he's grieving the loss of the one person who DID understand him, the house his family has just moved into is... not very welcoming. He is pushed to figure out why, and maintains humor and authenticity through it all. Getting to know Poe through his family and peer relationships showed me multiple facets of who he was - and I just wanted more people to know him more fully, like his grandmother did.
I love to read aloud to my youngest, who is 11 and claims he is into horror and scary stories. We read about a third of Creepy Kid together! Turns out, the basement in Poe's new (old) house was so authentically creepy that my son decided I could continue reading on my own. ;) Cheers to the author for writing some creatively spooky scenes! (I mean, basements are perfect for that!)
I did continue reading on my own, and I loved it. It's fast-paced, creepily tense, and I was really rooting for Poe! I wanted everyone to see how creepy/cool he really was!
Thanks for the ARC!
Poe is misunderstood by adults and kids alike, but I love that he stays true to himself. He knows what he is interested in - all things supernatural! - and he goes all in. I think the universe helps him along a bit because, while he's grieving the loss of the one person who DID understand him, the house his family has just moved into is... not very welcoming. He is pushed to figure out why, and maintains humor and authenticity through it all. Getting to know Poe through his family and peer relationships showed me multiple facets of who he was - and I just wanted more people to know him more fully, like his grandmother did.
I love to read aloud to my youngest, who is 11 and claims he is into horror and scary stories. We read about a third of Creepy Kid together! Turns out, the basement in Poe's new (old) house was so authentically creepy that my son decided I could continue reading on my own. ;) Cheers to the author for writing some creatively spooky scenes! (I mean, basements are perfect for that!)
I did continue reading on my own, and I loved it. It's fast-paced, creepily tense, and I was really rooting for Poe! I wanted everyone to see how creepy/cool he really was!
Thanks for the ARC!
January 21, 2026
After Poe's grandmother passes away, he and his parents move into a new house, where he discovers that he might actually be able to see and interact with the ghosts he's spent so long believing in. But in his basement lives a being that is not interested in a new family settling in, so Poe must learn who this being is and what it needs so that his family's house can be safe once again.
I always enjoy a good middle-grade story and was very excited to be approved for an ARC of Creepy Kid. I had a fun time with it! Poe was a relatable character to follow, and I loved watching him take on this role of trying to help Violet and the thing in the basement figure out how to be released fully into the afterlife. I could easily imagine the plot as it took place and thought the author did a great job balancing a theme of grief with a fun ghost story that was quick and easy to get through. I would very much recommend Creepy Kid!
CW for loss of grandparent, death, fire, bullying.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC of Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig.
I always enjoy a good middle-grade story and was very excited to be approved for an ARC of Creepy Kid. I had a fun time with it! Poe was a relatable character to follow, and I loved watching him take on this role of trying to help Violet and the thing in the basement figure out how to be released fully into the afterlife. I could easily imagine the plot as it took place and thought the author did a great job balancing a theme of grief with a fun ghost story that was quick and easy to get through. I would very much recommend Creepy Kid!
CW for loss of grandparent, death, fire, bullying.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC of Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig.
December 5, 2025
When you spend your whole life wanting to meet ghosts, moving to a real-life haunted house might sound pretty good. Unless the reason you’re moving is that your grandma, the only person who has ever seen the real you, has died. Starting over at a new school, with new bullies, and having a 12 year-old ghost girl for a roommate is the just the beginning of Edgar Alden’s deepening troubles.
I found Creepy Kid to a be a much more mature read than I expected. It was well written, with a lot of sarcasm and wit mixed into the narrative. It tackles bullying, death, and grief in ways that a younger audience can relate to. I also really enjoyed the many references to spooky and creepy movies and books, even though some of them are not appropriate for 12 year olds. While I enjoyed the graphic descriptions of the hauntings, it isn’t suitable for very young children and I would recommend this for pre-teens and up.
Content Warnings:
Major - Grief, Bullying
Moderate - Death, Violence
Minor - Child Death
I found Creepy Kid to a be a much more mature read than I expected. It was well written, with a lot of sarcasm and wit mixed into the narrative. It tackles bullying, death, and grief in ways that a younger audience can relate to. I also really enjoyed the many references to spooky and creepy movies and books, even though some of them are not appropriate for 12 year olds. While I enjoyed the graphic descriptions of the hauntings, it isn’t suitable for very young children and I would recommend this for pre-teens and up.
Content Warnings:
Major - Grief, Bullying
Moderate - Death, Violence
Minor - Child Death
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hola Besties!!
I just finished Creepy Kid and honestly? This book is adorable in that “I’m slightly unsettled but also fully entertained” kind of way. It gives off the perfect mix of quirky, mysterious, and kid‑logic chaos that had me flipping pages like okay but what is this child up to now.
The main character is equal parts oddball and sweetheart — the kind of kid who absolutely means well but somehow manages to make every situation feel like a plot twist waiting to happen. The humor is subtle, the weirdness is intentional, and the whole vibe is a middle‑grade adventure dipped in just the right amount of “huh??” energy.
The friendships are cute, the pacing is quick, and the little breadcrumbs of mystery keep things fun without ever getting too heavy. It’s the kind of story that feels like a cozy afternoon read with a side of giggles and raised eyebrows.
If you like your middle‑grade books with charm, personality, and a sprinkle of delightful weirdness, this one is such a fun pick. Totally a great read for younger kids.
I just finished Creepy Kid and honestly? This book is adorable in that “I’m slightly unsettled but also fully entertained” kind of way. It gives off the perfect mix of quirky, mysterious, and kid‑logic chaos that had me flipping pages like okay but what is this child up to now.
The main character is equal parts oddball and sweetheart — the kind of kid who absolutely means well but somehow manages to make every situation feel like a plot twist waiting to happen. The humor is subtle, the weirdness is intentional, and the whole vibe is a middle‑grade adventure dipped in just the right amount of “huh??” energy.
The friendships are cute, the pacing is quick, and the little breadcrumbs of mystery keep things fun without ever getting too heavy. It’s the kind of story that feels like a cozy afternoon read with a side of giggles and raised eyebrows.
If you like your middle‑grade books with charm, personality, and a sprinkle of delightful weirdness, this one is such a fun pick. Totally a great read for younger kids.
December 1, 2025
This is a great book to engage middle-grades readers in a paranormal mystery while exploring themes of grief, bullying, and anxiety. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I feel that the grief aspect was a little too repetitive throughout the book. I don't judge that too harshly though because I understand that losing his grandma was devastating to this kid, and I think that overall this book is a very good blend of dark grief, dark paranormal and school bullying, and a more lighthearted, humorous side to the paranormal. It's a lot of sort of dark humor, but age-appropriate. Nothing made me pause and think twice about this being a middle-grades book. It may be a heavy read due to the themes. But the ending gives good closure to the story and enhances the themes of family, friendship, and forgiveness. I definitely recommend this book for ages ~8-teens.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
December 22, 2025
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the free copy for review.
Creepy Kid is a great choice for the middle grade set that is ready for something more thoughtful than Goosebumps, but who still want plenty of thrills and chills. Poe is a darkly funny, relatable loner who just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere he goes. He's always longed for a real connection with the supernatural, but when his family moves into a haunted house, he gets more than he bargained for. This book sets itself apart with its handling of grief. How we handle grief can lead to horror and harm, or peace and understanding. Monsters aren't just the bad guys; they are created from pain and suffering. And there's always a chance for understanding and forgiveness. Some of the gore might be a little much for kids who aren't used to this genre. Overall, a satisfactory entry into this genre, which may resonate with some kids who relate to its hero.
#netgalley
Creepy Kid is a great choice for the middle grade set that is ready for something more thoughtful than Goosebumps, but who still want plenty of thrills and chills. Poe is a darkly funny, relatable loner who just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere he goes. He's always longed for a real connection with the supernatural, but when his family moves into a haunted house, he gets more than he bargained for. This book sets itself apart with its handling of grief. How we handle grief can lead to horror and harm, or peace and understanding. Monsters aren't just the bad guys; they are created from pain and suffering. And there's always a chance for understanding and forgiveness. Some of the gore might be a little much for kids who aren't used to this genre. Overall, a satisfactory entry into this genre, which may resonate with some kids who relate to its hero.
#netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Creepy Kid is a great ghost story/paranormal book for younger readers! This book also handles themes of the difficulties of being the new kid at school, having trouble finding people who understand you, and grief. I liked that they author wasted no time in revealing Poe's ability to see and communicate with ghosts. I had a feeling the librarian Poe meets initially was more than she appeared and liked how that revelation was presented. Poe also stays true to who he is throughout the entire book and never feels the need to change in order to please other people. The ghosts in Poe's house offered two different takes on hauntings - one that is scary and one that is more annoying in general. The reveal of the identity of the scary ghost was well crafted and actually very sad. I would love to follow Poe on more adventures helping ghosts, but I have a feeling this may be a standalone.
Creepy Kid is a great ghost story/paranormal book for younger readers! This book also handles themes of the difficulties of being the new kid at school, having trouble finding people who understand you, and grief. I liked that they author wasted no time in revealing Poe's ability to see and communicate with ghosts. I had a feeling the librarian Poe meets initially was more than she appeared and liked how that revelation was presented. Poe also stays true to who he is throughout the entire book and never feels the need to change in order to please other people. The ghosts in Poe's house offered two different takes on hauntings - one that is scary and one that is more annoying in general. The reveal of the identity of the scary ghost was well crafted and actually very sad. I would love to follow Poe on more adventures helping ghosts, but I have a feeling this may be a standalone.
December 10, 2025
Read a free ARC on NetGalley.
Poe has always been called the Creepy Kid. He’s different from everyone else and his Grandma encourages that about him. When she dies, he’s lost his number one supporter. His parents don’t have much money so they buy a run down old house in a new neighborhood and he starts a new school. He faces several problems. He realizes he can see and speak to ghosts. There’s an annoying girl ghost with a baby doll living in his closet. There’s a scary ghostly presence in the basement. The popular kids are tormenting Poe at school because he lives in the “Garbage House.” All the while Poe is grieving the loss of his Grandma and trying to cope with everything happening to him with little support from his parents. Poe and ghost girl Violet must solve the mystery of his haunted house and figure out what her unfinished business is.
Poe has always been called the Creepy Kid. He’s different from everyone else and his Grandma encourages that about him. When she dies, he’s lost his number one supporter. His parents don’t have much money so they buy a run down old house in a new neighborhood and he starts a new school. He faces several problems. He realizes he can see and speak to ghosts. There’s an annoying girl ghost with a baby doll living in his closet. There’s a scary ghostly presence in the basement. The popular kids are tormenting Poe at school because he lives in the “Garbage House.” All the while Poe is grieving the loss of his Grandma and trying to cope with everything happening to him with little support from his parents. Poe and ghost girl Violet must solve the mystery of his haunted house and figure out what her unfinished business is.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author, Harper Collins, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. It will be a good fit for fans of Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and other things spooky.
The life of Edgar (aka Poe) has been turned upside down. In a short time span he loses a beloved family member, his home, and has to be the new kid at a different middle school. On top of all of that, he has an unexpected supernatural gift (or is it a curse?) to contend with. It was already difficult being known as “the creepy kid”, and now there are even more reasons for Poe to be a social outcast.
Will Poe find his community, or is he doomed to remain a loner? Read it to find out!
The life of Edgar (aka Poe) has been turned upside down. In a short time span he loses a beloved family member, his home, and has to be the new kid at a different middle school. On top of all of that, he has an unexpected supernatural gift (or is it a curse?) to contend with. It was already difficult being known as “the creepy kid”, and now there are even more reasons for Poe to be a social outcast.
Will Poe find his community, or is he doomed to remain a loner? Read it to find out!
February 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book early!
Right off the bat you can tell this was inspired by R.L Stine. The creep factor for a middle grade book but make it about a boy who has a hard time fitting in and making friends because he’s “creepy”.
Edgar “Poe” was such a complex character for being so young. He was attuned to the other worldly beings, even though he did freak out when he discovered what he could do. He was able to help not 1 but 2 ghosts stuck and was able to get them to move on…
Definitely not for children under grade 5 as it was quite “spooky and creepy”. I would definitely recommend this book though.
Right off the bat you can tell this was inspired by R.L Stine. The creep factor for a middle grade book but make it about a boy who has a hard time fitting in and making friends because he’s “creepy”.
Edgar “Poe” was such a complex character for being so young. He was attuned to the other worldly beings, even though he did freak out when he discovered what he could do. He was able to help not 1 but 2 ghosts stuck and was able to get them to move on…
Definitely not for children under grade 5 as it was quite “spooky and creepy”. I would definitely recommend this book though.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I thought that this was a fun read that I think kids could enjoy! I thought that using the term "Creepy Kid" multiple times was a bit cliched at some points, it was engaging from beginning to end.
January 5, 2026
Creepy Kid was a very creative and engaging read. I can see my middle schoolers loving this book. The macabre elements draw you in and the black humor added immensely to the reading experience. I fell in love with Edgar Alden from page one and had to read parts out loud to my family because I found them so clever and/or humorous. As a middle school librarian, I really appreciated how new and fresh this book felt. It didn't seem as if I had read it before with a different title and cover.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley + the publisher for an ARC.
Will be posting a review closer to publication date: August 2026.
Will be posting a review closer to publication date: August 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
CREEPY KID by Caleb Roehrig is a tale of growth after grief from the eyes of a "creepy kid" who loves all things macabre, eight-legged, and spooky. When Edgar Alden, also known as Poe, loses the one person who understood him deep down, he is grief-stricken and unsure what his life will look like without his Grandma. Forced to move from her home, his family finds a fixer-upper on the other side of the tracks in a cul-de-sac where every house looks the same. Poe couldn't be more ecstatic when he finds out that his house is haunted. But will he get more than he bargained for when there turns out to be more than one ghost living inside his family's new home?
I got a little choked up in the beginning when Poe's grandma dies. It felt very raw, in a good way. As the story progresses, Poe finds himself in all kinds of situations that are very familiar to those of us who were unpopular in middle school. There were some tense scenes that definitely pushed the thriller envelope for its audience, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I think the novel could use another round of editing. There are many instances where I was distracted by the use of parentheses and em dashes. I also found many sentences that didn't follow the norm for sentence structure and adjective order, and found myself rereading them.
Overall, CREEPY KID is an emotional story filled with plenty of life lessons and morals for our tween readers. My own middle-grade reader thought the ending left a strong cliffhanger and would love to see a book two in the future.
Thank you, HarperCollins Children's, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Find the full review on Tiny Plot Tales.
I got a little choked up in the beginning when Poe's grandma dies. It felt very raw, in a good way. As the story progresses, Poe finds himself in all kinds of situations that are very familiar to those of us who were unpopular in middle school. There were some tense scenes that definitely pushed the thriller envelope for its audience, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I think the novel could use another round of editing. There are many instances where I was distracted by the use of parentheses and em dashes. I also found many sentences that didn't follow the norm for sentence structure and adjective order, and found myself rereading them.
Overall, CREEPY KID is an emotional story filled with plenty of life lessons and morals for our tween readers. My own middle-grade reader thought the ending left a strong cliffhanger and would love to see a book two in the future.
Thank you, HarperCollins Children's, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Find the full review on Tiny Plot Tales.
December 5, 2025
It's funny that I had read this in October, but Goodreads hadn't added it to the queue (very odd) so I only reviewed it on Netgalley until I remembered to check. Here was my review!
Roehrig's new book is a middle grade cozy creepy mystery about Poe, the "creepy kid" whose grandma dies and whose parents decide to move and become homeowners. But what Poe realizes when he starts his new school that he'll get made fun of- not as the creepy kid again- but because his house is the "Garbage House" where a man died after hoarding garbage. That might be one thing, however the other is that Poe is being haunted by Violet, a ghost in the house who has a Baby Jessica doll and he's got to figure out just what the deal is because it might not be Violet alone in the house because there's something else in the basement.
It moves fast and easy with a fantastic front cover. Poe's twelve year old observations are spot on with how his life has been lived up to this point.
Roehrig's new book is a middle grade cozy creepy mystery about Poe, the "creepy kid" whose grandma dies and whose parents decide to move and become homeowners. But what Poe realizes when he starts his new school that he'll get made fun of- not as the creepy kid again- but because his house is the "Garbage House" where a man died after hoarding garbage. That might be one thing, however the other is that Poe is being haunted by Violet, a ghost in the house who has a Baby Jessica doll and he's got to figure out just what the deal is because it might not be Violet alone in the house because there's something else in the basement.
It moves fast and easy with a fantastic front cover. Poe's twelve year old observations are spot on with how his life has been lived up to this point.
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