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Ghostsitter
Tiffany Hart dreams of one thing, to be class president. But dreams turn to nightmares when she ends up almost dead in an abandoned slaughterhouse and develops the gift of ghost-seeing. Unfortunately she only knows one person who can help her shake her ghoulish problem, her neighbor and the weirdest boy at school, Justin Henderson. Justin has been seeing spirits since he was nine, a creepy claim that has earned him the privilege of eating lunch by himself for years. Together they start to unravel a mystery with dead orphans, a white witch, and phantom spiders. To save their lives (and afterlives of innocent children) they must face a terrifying specter and a ghastly woman who isn't afraid of hurting kids, dead or alive.
195 pages, Hardcover
Published April 22, 2024
2 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Brown
15 books98 followersA native to the ocean and transplanted to the mountains, Shelly Brown has always loved children and books so it made sense when she started writing books for children. In her spare time she helps her husband, author Chad Morris, write MORE children's books. In her extra-extra spare time she loves the theater and traveling. She is also one of the worst tap dancers you will ever meet. But she does it anyway.
She has no regrets, one husband, three chickens, five children, and sixty-four Pez dispensers.
For more information, to request interviews or school visits, or for a press kit contact her at shellybrownwriter@gmail.com
She has no regrets, one husband, three chickens, five children, and sixty-four Pez dispensers.
For more information, to request interviews or school visits, or for a press kit contact her at shellybrownwriter@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 6, 2016
Filled with humor, adventure, and some ghostly twists and turns, this book is a fun read!
June 5, 2016
Shelly Brown's debut, GHOSTSITTER, is a darling story with just the right amount of creepy for young readers. Tiffany is determined to have a perfect year: she'll win student-body president, which will increase her popularity and guarantee her the middle-school life she wants. Unfortunately, Tiffany isn't counting on the trio of young ghosts who attach themselves to her (that no one else can see), or the need to defend said ghosts from an old evil. And the only one who can help her is her childhood friend Justin, who also sees ghosts--and who, as a result, is universally considered weird and might be fatal to her popularity. As Tiffany struggles to win her nomination and get rid of her (initially) unwanted attachments, hilarity ensues. Tiffany is by turns smart, funny, and earnest, and readers will cheer as her story progresses.
March 18, 2016
I’ve never read a ghost story I’ve loved more than Ghostsitter. A unique, fun, spooky, action-filled take on a classic! Ghostsitter is the kind of book that will make kids want to read with a flashlight under the covers long after they should be sleeping. With characters to root for, a setting to completely immerse yourself in, and a plot that keeps you turning the page, Ghostsitter is a fantastic read! I cannot wait until October so everyone can fall in love with this!
May 6, 2016
I loved this--probably more than an adult should, but it was awesome.
By chapter two I couldn't put it down--and yes, my jaw literally dropped once.
Then I told the school librarian how cool it was when she asked about something I wrote as an author, I was like, "forget my book, you need to read this awesome story!"
It's just that good.
Good enough to throw your own self under a bus so people will read this book.
:)
Loved it.
By chapter two I couldn't put it down--and yes, my jaw literally dropped once.
Then I told the school librarian how cool it was when she asked about something I wrote as an author, I was like, "forget my book, you need to read this awesome story!"
It's just that good.
Good enough to throw your own self under a bus so people will read this book.
:)
Loved it.
May 29, 2017
I read this aloud to my 7-year-old twins, and they really enjoyed it. I thought it was pretty cute too. I’m not normally a big fan of ghost stories, but the ghosts in this story weren’t creepy-evil. Most of them were just needy and wanted the living to help them wrap up unfinished business. The plot was well-paced and the characters were well-drawn. As a mom, I liked the theme that being a good friend is more important than being popular, and about how strong family ties can be.
Both of the kids I read it to said they wanted to give it 5 stars, so that’s what I’ll give it.
Both of the kids I read it to said they wanted to give it 5 stars, so that’s what I’ll give it.
March 19, 2017
Ghostsitter was an enjoyable story, and I liked the twists and turns throughout! Told alternately from Tiffany and Justin's perspectives, the tale follows the pair's difficulties as they work with three young ghosts who are trying to get the help of the two living kids. Meanwhile, Justin is dealing with pain in his past that he needs to face and overcome. The story dealt with some sad issues, but did so on a level appropriate for kids. There was also plenty of good humor thrown in, to lightening things up in the right places. There were some questions I had which the story didn't quite answer, but I don't know that I should mention those specifically without giving away spoilers. Overall, though, I really liked the story, and I think young people will enjoy it!
May 9, 2016
#futurehousepub
I was originally going to have my 9 year old daughter read this and help me on the review since it is wrote for a younger audience. I was glad that she decided she didn't have the time to read it because it was a great book and would be loved by all ages. I wasn't quite sure what to think from the title and the cover, I mean how can you babysit ghosts.
I don't want to give away any spoilers in my review so I will try my best. When I first started reading the book I was a little confused to whose point of view the book was being read from until I notices names at the tops of each chapter telling me whose point a view it was from. That is just because I am a guy and just want to get to the meat of the book and skip past the details that help....you know like reading instructions.
For a shorter book there was a fair amount of character development in the book, more than I expected at least. The chemistry between the two main characters is great, not ever knowing if they are going to end up as more than just friends. One wanting to be more and the other not sure because of the social repercussions it would have.
I was pleasantly surprised at how the babysitting aspect of the book played out and it didn't end up being to scary seeing how it is for younger kids in mid grade level. Although there was a few times that I got goosebumps reading a few parts, but not to intense.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone of all ages to read. For adults or older kids it is fairly easy to read and I didn't want to put it down after the first few chapters. I am glad I got this book for free in exchange for my honest review and opinion because it was a great read. Dad's will love it as well because they can relate to the main characters father if they have daughters of their own....:"Justin Get away from my daughter"....LOL loved it.
I was originally going to have my 9 year old daughter read this and help me on the review since it is wrote for a younger audience. I was glad that she decided she didn't have the time to read it because it was a great book and would be loved by all ages. I wasn't quite sure what to think from the title and the cover, I mean how can you babysit ghosts.
I don't want to give away any spoilers in my review so I will try my best. When I first started reading the book I was a little confused to whose point of view the book was being read from until I notices names at the tops of each chapter telling me whose point a view it was from. That is just because I am a guy and just want to get to the meat of the book and skip past the details that help....you know like reading instructions.
For a shorter book there was a fair amount of character development in the book, more than I expected at least. The chemistry between the two main characters is great, not ever knowing if they are going to end up as more than just friends. One wanting to be more and the other not sure because of the social repercussions it would have.
I was pleasantly surprised at how the babysitting aspect of the book played out and it didn't end up being to scary seeing how it is for younger kids in mid grade level. Although there was a few times that I got goosebumps reading a few parts, but not to intense.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone of all ages to read. For adults or older kids it is fairly easy to read and I didn't want to put it down after the first few chapters. I am glad I got this book for free in exchange for my honest review and opinion because it was a great read. Dad's will love it as well because they can relate to the main characters father if they have daughters of their own....:"Justin Get away from my daughter"....LOL loved it.
May 25, 2016
I received a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I thought this book was well written and had a good story line. As an adult, I was skeptical about reading a book intended for middle-school aged children. Since I have enjoyed other teen-lit, I thought I would give it a try. I was not disappointed. The main characters were well developed and the backstories were well timed. This is the type of book that makes reading fun. I would recommend this book to young people as well as adults who are looking for a light read.
September 13, 2016
I was slightly skeptical to read this because the cover reminds me of the books I read in elementary school but it definitely wasn't like the books I read back then.
This is a great, spooky story for young readers. It's a fun read and has a lot of humor in it as well. The story flowed well. It's a quick page turner. I think this is a perfect book for Halloween.
I enjoyed that every character had their own story line and it left me wanting to know even more about them. You really got to know the characters and they all have very relatable qualities.
This book has multiple POV. If you don't like reading that style of book, you may not want to read this but I would say to give this book a chance.
I would recommend this book to everyone with middle school aged children. Shelly Brown has done a wonderful job on her first book.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great, spooky story for young readers. It's a fun read and has a lot of humor in it as well. The story flowed well. It's a quick page turner. I think this is a perfect book for Halloween.
I enjoyed that every character had their own story line and it left me wanting to know even more about them. You really got to know the characters and they all have very relatable qualities.
This book has multiple POV. If you don't like reading that style of book, you may not want to read this but I would say to give this book a chance.
I would recommend this book to everyone with middle school aged children. Shelly Brown has done a wonderful job on her first book.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
This is a great book for middle graders.
Full of suspense and spooky situations, will keep children interested from beginning to end. I sure couldn’t put it down.
It is well written and the language used is perfect, easily to understand and the sequence told from two points of view is flawless. I think this could prepare children for more complicated reading and think how fun is to immerse in a story.
Also has a very good message of friendship and how to not judge other kids if you don’t understand their situation.
Filled with funny moments, like when Tiffy’s dad was mad at Justin for being so close to her daughter.
Note: I received a copy of Ghostssitter from Future House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Full of suspense and spooky situations, will keep children interested from beginning to end. I sure couldn’t put it down.
It is well written and the language used is perfect, easily to understand and the sequence told from two points of view is flawless. I think this could prepare children for more complicated reading and think how fun is to immerse in a story.
Also has a very good message of friendship and how to not judge other kids if you don’t understand their situation.
Filled with funny moments, like when Tiffy’s dad was mad at Justin for being so close to her daughter.
Note: I received a copy of Ghostssitter from Future House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2016
My daughter and I both love this book. The writing is great and can really be geared to people of all ages, but teens would probably like this better then the average adult. My daughter often put herself in the main character position while she was reading. You can tell she is a strong, smart kid and I would love for my daughter to be like her.
I like that there are multiple POV's in this book. It really gives you more perspective then you usually get in a book. I feel like I learned about the characters and that it is easy to get lost in this book and imagine that you are right in there with the characters. I feel like it is a wonderful book! (I do not give spoilers)
I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion/review.
I like that there are multiple POV's in this book. It really gives you more perspective then you usually get in a book. I feel like I learned about the characters and that it is easy to get lost in this book and imagine that you are right in there with the characters. I feel like it is a wonderful book! (I do not give spoilers)
I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion/review.
April 29, 2016
This book is really good! I love how it is written, you get the view points of Justin and Tiffany depending on the chapter. This book has a lot of adventure in it and these kids in 7th grade are dealing with a lot! The end of this book made me cry, which I was not expecting when I started reading this book. I think this is a great book to read for adult and teens, the story is interesting and written so that it draws you in. It is one of those books that is hard to put down because you want to know what it going to happen. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest unbiased review. This has not influenced my opinions on the book.
July 29, 2016
I could go on and on about the compelling inciting incident, the quirky characters and the endearing voices of both main characters. I could also go into how all the creepy parts were mixed with some humor, and just enough goose-bumpy-ness to keep it middle-grade and suspenseful. But I'm not sure I need to. I can give this book no higher praise than this: I told a group of girls ranging in age from 9-12 all about the book and received wide eyes, huge smiles and pleas to buy it right now so they could all read it!! The author nailed this one. HUGE thumbs up from my crowd!
October 10, 2016
Great book! It's easy to read and I couldn't put it down. Even got a little spooked at one point as I was reading it way past my bedtime. I started hearing noises in the apartment and I was a little worried it was a "freaky-scary" ghost child. Finished the book in two days. I laughed and maybe even cried a little (Wait, what? No, I'm awesome!). I seriously hope there are more books by this author in my future.
Update:
My first copy of this book mysteriously disappeared before I could read it. I'm not saying it's a ghost but....OK it's a ghost.
Update:
My first copy of this book mysteriously disappeared before I could read it. I'm not saying it's a ghost but....OK it's a ghost.
April 21, 2016
This book is soooo good. I couldn't stop reading it. I especially like how it goes from 2 different point of views. Terrific read for the younger generation and adults. I hope she does another book to find out about Sara
March 30, 2016
Super fun read! My kids are going to love it.
November 8, 2018
Initially, I was quite worried about Tiffany as a character. She's caught up in teen drama and concerned only for herself. At times, she's even mean to Justin, her friend since elementary school. Tiffany has a change of heart, and even though she would like to be class president, she learns who true friends are and how they're the ones who stand by you in hard times. When Tiffany says, she's basically a babysitter for ghosts I just about died laughing. Really, can it be that hard? She will attest to the fact that it's harder than it looks. Ghosts don't need to sleep but we do, so right there is one of the problems of being a ghostsitter.
Justin is a mixed bag and doesn't feel like he fits in. He's big, smells like burnt sage (a sure-fire recipe to keep ghosts away - as well as friends) and he sees ghosts, at least on every Wednesday. To make matters worse, he's had a crush on Tiffany for years - for reasons even he can't explain.
As the scenes develop, I was surprised to see that the book was spookier than the cover indicated. I actually think having it a little scarier is better. Too often, I've heard my kids complain that books don't do a good enough job. If it has ghosts they want it scary. Ghostsitter is layered with problems and ghosts, who each have their own reason for coming around. There were moments when I laughed - cue the spiders to enter - and times when I thought, "Oh no! What's next?" A screaming woman in the graveyard that seems bent on your destruction is not the kind of outing one hopes for, especially with a parade of ghosts following you everywhere. Where is there peace for the dead? Tiffany and Justin work together to find the answer to this very question.
To find out more get Ghostsitter immediately, it will grab you as surely as a ghost in a graveyard! This is a middle-grade book but I think kids as old as 14 could still enjoy it.
Justin is a mixed bag and doesn't feel like he fits in. He's big, smells like burnt sage (a sure-fire recipe to keep ghosts away - as well as friends) and he sees ghosts, at least on every Wednesday. To make matters worse, he's had a crush on Tiffany for years - for reasons even he can't explain.
As the scenes develop, I was surprised to see that the book was spookier than the cover indicated. I actually think having it a little scarier is better. Too often, I've heard my kids complain that books don't do a good enough job. If it has ghosts they want it scary. Ghostsitter is layered with problems and ghosts, who each have their own reason for coming around. There were moments when I laughed - cue the spiders to enter - and times when I thought, "Oh no! What's next?" A screaming woman in the graveyard that seems bent on your destruction is not the kind of outing one hopes for, especially with a parade of ghosts following you everywhere. Where is there peace for the dead? Tiffany and Justin work together to find the answer to this very question.
To find out more get Ghostsitter immediately, it will grab you as surely as a ghost in a graveyard! This is a middle-grade book but I think kids as old as 14 could still enjoy it.
June 26, 2017
I read this book with my seven and six-year-old daughters. The seven-year-old loved it, but the six-year-old thought it was too scary and eventually jumped ship. I think the book is probably better-suited to slightly older readers, like fifth or sixth graders. My seven-year-old was able to keep up with the vocabulary and action for the most part until the last twenty-five pages or so, when I felt like my kid was interrupting me every other paragraph or so to get me to clarify what was going on. This may have been because the end moved a little more quickly, like most climactic conclusions should, or it may be because the ending was a little confusing and took a little extra cognitive bridge-building to get over. There was at least one pretty significant plot hole at the end that bothered me, but I don't think she picked up on it.
Overall I thought it was a good book. There were a few genuinely creepy moments and the mystery was well-crafted. The characters were well-rounded and believable. The baby-sitting element was a little hard for me to swallow, but I guess that's because I read with the expectations of a crotchety old man, not a ten-year-old girl.
Overall I thought it was a good book. There were a few genuinely creepy moments and the mystery was well-crafted. The characters were well-rounded and believable. The baby-sitting element was a little hard for me to swallow, but I guess that's because I read with the expectations of a crotchety old man, not a ten-year-old girl.
May 30, 2017
When a near-fatal asthma attack almost kills her, Tiffany Hart finds she can suddenly see ghosts. All around her are kids ghosts that want their deaths solved. To do so, she’ll need the help of Justin, her friend that has been able to see ghosts since he was 9. Two particularly nasty ghosts, however, have no intention of letting them solve the case. Will they succeed or will Justin and Tiffany be able to solve the case?
The characters are well developed, likable, and easily draw the reader into their world. The plot is engaging, full of plot twists and turns, and suspense. Fans of humor, supernatural mysteries, and adventure will enjoy reading this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' Weekly Reads Wrapup 23 with Lincoln Child and Rick Riordan episode. For more book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit our youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A Copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest review
The characters are well developed, likable, and easily draw the reader into their world. The plot is engaging, full of plot twists and turns, and suspense. Fans of humor, supernatural mysteries, and adventure will enjoy reading this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' Weekly Reads Wrapup 23 with Lincoln Child and Rick Riordan episode. For more book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit our youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A Copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest review
July 29, 2017
I got this book when it first came out and started reading it, but the first chapter freaked me out and I don't like freaky ghost books (usually—there are exceptions). I ended up having to read it anyway for an awards program.
I liked it, and it's a good book. Great characters, dialogue. The biggest issue I have with it is the cover makes it look like it's for younger Middle Graders, but I think it's too intense for most. I'd say 8th grade +. And the characters sound older than they are described in the book.
But it's a good debut book, and I'll be looking forward to more from this author. Unless they get too scary.
I liked it, and it's a good book. Great characters, dialogue. The biggest issue I have with it is the cover makes it look like it's for younger Middle Graders, but I think it's too intense for most. I'd say 8th grade +. And the characters sound older than they are described in the book.
But it's a good debut book, and I'll be looking forward to more from this author. Unless they get too scary.
August 19, 2017
I thought this story was more appropriate for a teen audience than a middle reader since it had a pretty spooky feel to it. I really enjoyed the mystery part and felt like that could have been more a part of the book than the whole running for class president, but a younger audience will find the humor of it interesting.
A girl, Tiffany, has an asthma attack and starts seeing ghosts after it. At first it is 3 little kids and they wont leave her alone. "Luckily" her neighbor also sees ghosts and he helps her figure out what to do to help the kids cross over and be at peace.
There is a pretty violent ghost fight and some scary scenes with spiders, no sex, no language
A girl, Tiffany, has an asthma attack and starts seeing ghosts after it. At first it is 3 little kids and they wont leave her alone. "Luckily" her neighbor also sees ghosts and he helps her figure out what to do to help the kids cross over and be at peace.
There is a pretty violent ghost fight and some scary scenes with spiders, no sex, no language
June 18, 2024
I've never cried while reading fiction, so it takes a darn good book to make me tear up. Ghostsitter did that--as well as make me shiver in fear, laugh out loud, have righteous indignation, and make me feel all sorts of other emotions.
Ghostsitter is a fantastic middle-grade ghost story. I was continually surprised by the plot's twists and turns, loved the main characters (especially Justin; his arc was amazing), and found myself theorizing why the ghosts and the magic worked how they did. To have all that in a book that made me feel deeply was a delight to read. Definitely recommend.
Ghostsitter is a fantastic middle-grade ghost story. I was continually surprised by the plot's twists and turns, loved the main characters (especially Justin; his arc was amazing), and found myself theorizing why the ghosts and the magic worked how they did. To have all that in a book that made me feel deeply was a delight to read. Definitely recommend.
September 9, 2025
The characters can see ghosts and/or are haunted by ghosts who are stuck in between here and hereafter with some sort of unfinished business. In this case, Justin and Tiffany both experience dying and coming back to life (near death?) which is their ticket to being ghostsitters.
Some funny parts, some scary parts, references to kissing (ew haha) but nothing inappropriate for younger readers. They characters are 12 but act older; I think 11/12 year old readers will love imagining themselves in a similar situation!
Some funny parts, some scary parts, references to kissing (ew haha) but nothing inappropriate for younger readers. They characters are 12 but act older; I think 11/12 year old readers will love imagining themselves in a similar situation!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2018
Such a fun action, mystery, thriller read for tweens. Just so interesting to read how these kids chose to deal with their problems. Loved the fact that Shelly didn't shy away from tween drama and met it head on. She allowed the kids in the book to be real and deal with real issues while seeing ghosts and other crazy things. I also loved that there were teaching moments in this book.
And, well I love the name of the main character. Go Tiffany!
And, well I love the name of the main character. Go Tiffany!
November 3, 2017
Ghost story with heart
Both scarier and sweeter than I anticipated, this was a really fun read. Tiffany and Justin are the best sort of odd couple and I loved the dual perspective of two very different characters with strong, distinct voices. This story will stay with me for a long time.
Both scarier and sweeter than I anticipated, this was a really fun read. Tiffany and Justin are the best sort of odd couple and I loved the dual perspective of two very different characters with strong, distinct voices. This story will stay with me for a long time.
December 12, 2018
Loved the ending! I won't spoil it, but the whole story came together in such a fun and surprising way!! This is the perfect book for kids who love a slightly spooky story.
May 14, 2020
This book is the best
June 22, 2020
My 7 year old gave this 5 stars. For myself I don’t really like middle grade, or ghost stories. There was some fun humor in this one, but mostly I was bored.
November 7, 2016
I don't like this genre but this was really cute and kid-friendly. :)
May 3, 2016
4.25 stars
“Ghostsitter” by Shelly Brown is a young adult paranormal story that features Tiffany Hart, who discovers that Justin Henderson’s may not be as weird as she thought, because she is also having very odd experiences. She refuses to let anything stand in the way of her quest to become class president, and that includes ghosts who shriek at her and an issue with asthma, and a persistent neighbor who elicits mixed reactions in her parents!
This fun story portrays the angst and challenge of being a fifth-grader with the additional complications of dealing with ghosts. Justin’s method of coping is not appealing to Tiffany, who is obviously a young girl who does things the way she wants. The relationship between these two twelve year olds is both sweet and awkward, but the brutal honesty that Tiffany displays toward Justin is balanced by his persistent adoration of her that he has a lovely metaphysical explanation for.
I enjoyed the gradually unfolding mystery that required Tiffany to undergo a complete transformation of belief and the descriptions of the challenges that had to be overcome. I like that not everything was a success and that both of the main characters had a chance to face adversity and grow, and learned to look at events from a different perspective. I wasn’t quite enamored of Tiffany’s parents because their reactions seemed a bit caricaturish to me but I loved the overall story and would love to read more by this author. I think this story would appeal to children in the pre-teen to early teen ages who like tales that border on being a little spooky and have an intriguing mystery to solve.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“Ghostsitter” by Shelly Brown is a young adult paranormal story that features Tiffany Hart, who discovers that Justin Henderson’s may not be as weird as she thought, because she is also having very odd experiences. She refuses to let anything stand in the way of her quest to become class president, and that includes ghosts who shriek at her and an issue with asthma, and a persistent neighbor who elicits mixed reactions in her parents!
This fun story portrays the angst and challenge of being a fifth-grader with the additional complications of dealing with ghosts. Justin’s method of coping is not appealing to Tiffany, who is obviously a young girl who does things the way she wants. The relationship between these two twelve year olds is both sweet and awkward, but the brutal honesty that Tiffany displays toward Justin is balanced by his persistent adoration of her that he has a lovely metaphysical explanation for.
I enjoyed the gradually unfolding mystery that required Tiffany to undergo a complete transformation of belief and the descriptions of the challenges that had to be overcome. I like that not everything was a success and that both of the main characters had a chance to face adversity and grow, and learned to look at events from a different perspective. I wasn’t quite enamored of Tiffany’s parents because their reactions seemed a bit caricaturish to me but I loved the overall story and would love to read more by this author. I think this story would appeal to children in the pre-teen to early teen ages who like tales that border on being a little spooky and have an intriguing mystery to solve.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
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