What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow Grave
Tuck Everlasting meets The Village in this delightfully eerie middle grade novel about a boy trapped in a strange town where secrets turn deadly and the unnatural lurks in the night.
Twelve-year-old Arlo is afraid of fire, creepy TV shows, and even his own shadow--but most of all, he's afraid of losing his mother to the disease that nearly claimed her life a year ago.
During a Thanksgiving road trip, a sudden collision with a strange beast in the middle of the road totals the family's car, and Arlo, his mom, and his sister end up stranded in a small town called Livermore.
But there's something off about this place. No one has a phone or a car, and the townspeople aren't exactly friendly. Without phone service to make a call for help, Arlo and his family stay at the Samuels' mansion, but inexplicable sightings at night set Arlo on edge. When he stumbles upon a dark secret that the town's inhabitants will kill to keep, getting out of Livermore becomes a matter of life or death.
Twelve-year-old Arlo is afraid of fire, creepy TV shows, and even his own shadow--but most of all, he's afraid of losing his mother to the disease that nearly claimed her life a year ago.
During a Thanksgiving road trip, a sudden collision with a strange beast in the middle of the road totals the family's car, and Arlo, his mom, and his sister end up stranded in a small town called Livermore.
But there's something off about this place. No one has a phone or a car, and the townspeople aren't exactly friendly. Without phone service to make a call for help, Arlo and his family stay at the Samuels' mansion, but inexplicable sightings at night set Arlo on edge. When he stumbles upon a dark secret that the town's inhabitants will kill to keep, getting out of Livermore becomes a matter of life or death.
272 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 3, 2022
2 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Marina Cohen
22 books124 followersMarina Cohen is the author of several horror and fantasy books for children and young teens. Her novels THE INN BETWEEN, THE DOLL'S EYE, A BOX OF BONES and SHADOW GRAVE have been nominated for various awards in Canada and the United States including, The Sunburst Award, The Ontario Library Association's Red Maple and Silver Birch Awards, The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award, The Rocky Mountain Book Award, The Manitoba Young Reacher's Choice Award, and The Pacific Northwest Library Association Children's Choice Award. THE INN BETWEEN and A BOX OF BONES and SHADOW GRAVE are also Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections.
Marina loves old castles, hot cocoa, mysterious doors of all shapes and sizes, gingerbread and all things dark and creepy. She spends far too much time asking herself "What if?"
Marina loves old castles, hot cocoa, mysterious doors of all shapes and sizes, gingerbread and all things dark and creepy. She spends far too much time asking herself "What if?"
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 2, 2022
This was my 4th read by Marina Cohen, & I can honestly say she has definitely become a favorite author. She does the creepy, spooky, eerie, dark upper MG that I just love. This was phenomenal. This whole town is so spooky. Gives me Victorian abandoned ghost town vibes. The people who live there make it even creepier. The author has such vivid & immersive writing that just pulls you into the story, & with this type of story-it makes it even more eerie & atmospheric. 1 thing I’ve noticed the author likes to do each book, is have chapters that show the past of some part of the story/characters so you can see what led to the current situation. She does that again with this book, & it’s something I always enjoy. It always makes me feel more connected to the story/characters, & have just a better understanding in general. Our MC Arlo grabs your heart. That poor kid has been though so much. A mother who has been battling illness in the past, an absent father who cares more about his new wife & the kids they have together & not including him or his sister in any of it, anxiety/fear..Between what has happened with his mom, & his dad’s absence & constantly letting him down..it has made Arlo so fearful of everything, & non trusting that things really will be ok. He also feels like the protector for his mom & sister. So much on his shoulders. So of course after a car crash where his mom is injured, coming upon this creepy town & its residents is A LOT for Arlo, to say the least. He shows true bravery though-even though he’s terrified, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get his family to safety. So many relatable issues & themes for kids in here, to go along with the fantastical spooky elements. What we end up learning about this town, the residents, & the mystery of it all as a whole-never saw coming. Such an intriguing idea, & makes you think. Makes you wonder what you would do..& what type of person you could become as a result as well. This is full of danger, suspense, family, imagination, heart, atmosphere-& superb descriptive, hauntingly beautiful writing. Add in high stakes, the trapped feeling you get(the isolated town with no phones & no way out), makes for a suspenseful fast-paced thrilling read. Also, loved learning in the authors note things that helped inspire this story. A few inspirations include: a classic children’s book(won’t say which cause it might spoil certain aspects), another was a poem by Robert Frost(loved that being in here, & the symbolic deeper meaning that, again, makes you think), & the 1 the most interesting to me(I love spooky things & history) is the real Livermore. A “ghost town” in New Hampshire! I love when books are inspired in some what by real life places/people/events. So cool! HIGHLY recommend. Can’t wait for more from this author. STUNNING cover by Hannah Peck as well. 💜
May 3, 2022
Marina Cohen is one of those authors that have books I’ve been meaning to try. A while ago, I had the opportunity to read her latest release, Shadow Grave. I had no expectations going in, other than what was laid out in the synopsis.
I liked this story. From the start, it seemed like it would be a very spooky read, and I have to admit that it kind of was. There was something going on, and there were moments of tension. Plus, the setting was isolated, which created a sense of being trapped. It certainly had a sense of eeriness and mystery, which was something that the main character, Arlo picked up on. But there was directness to the narrative that limited some of the intensity that could have been there. That being said, when Shadow Grave hit its stride, the story sped toward the conclusion (and stuck the landing) with plenty of twists and turns. Ultimately, it had a strong dark fairy tale kind of vibe to it.
Shadow Grave also proved to be largely about its characters. That was a good thing, as it’s one of the areas where the story excelled. The topics could be heavy—absent parent, illness, accidents, etc.—but I ultimately liked the way Cohen approached them from the viewpoint Arlo. His character was largely shaped by everything he’d experienced prior to the start of the story. There was also his mother’s soothing reassurances, and the broken promises made by…well, someone else (If you want to know, you’ll have to read the story). These things formed the way he tried to handle the situation, while looking out for himself, his mother, and his little sister, Lola.
Overall, Shadow Grave was great. There were a number of good things about the story that I think a lot of readers would enjoy.
Disclaimer: this copy of the book was provided by the publisher (Roaring Book Press) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
This review is also posted on my blog, Our Thoughts Precisely
I liked this story. From the start, it seemed like it would be a very spooky read, and I have to admit that it kind of was. There was something going on, and there were moments of tension. Plus, the setting was isolated, which created a sense of being trapped. It certainly had a sense of eeriness and mystery, which was something that the main character, Arlo picked up on. But there was directness to the narrative that limited some of the intensity that could have been there. That being said, when Shadow Grave hit its stride, the story sped toward the conclusion (and stuck the landing) with plenty of twists and turns. Ultimately, it had a strong dark fairy tale kind of vibe to it.
Shadow Grave also proved to be largely about its characters. That was a good thing, as it’s one of the areas where the story excelled. The topics could be heavy—absent parent, illness, accidents, etc.—but I ultimately liked the way Cohen approached them from the viewpoint Arlo. His character was largely shaped by everything he’d experienced prior to the start of the story. There was also his mother’s soothing reassurances, and the broken promises made by…well, someone else (If you want to know, you’ll have to read the story). These things formed the way he tried to handle the situation, while looking out for himself, his mother, and his little sister, Lola.
Overall, Shadow Grave was great. There were a number of good things about the story that I think a lot of readers would enjoy.
Disclaimer: this copy of the book was provided by the publisher (Roaring Book Press) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
This review is also posted on my blog, Our Thoughts Precisely
Read
October 1, 2022Cover does not do this one justice. Take Tuck Everlasting except make it an existential horror book for kids -- so much more interesting than the cover looks!
Read
July 12, 2022DNFed on page 103
October 29, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Arlo is anxious about many things, which is probably a reaction to his mother's fight with cancer. When she decides to take the Thanksgiving weekend away to stay in a bed and breakfast and Arlo and his nine year old sister, Lola, he's not thrilled, but he is prepared. It's a good thing, because when they are on one of the back roads to their destination ("The road less traveled!" the mother enthuses.), a strange creature runs into the road in front of their car, and there is an accident. Arlo comes to hours later, in the cold, to find his dazed sister outside the car and his mother with a badly injured leg. They know that there was no civilization back the way they came, so after fashioning a crutch for the mother out of a branch, they hobble off to find a town. They find the small, rather abandoned looking Livermore (it is the middle of the night), and manage to get someone to answer the door. There's a dour woman who tells them to go away, but Lola is insistent, and Hannah, who is Arlo's age, comes and tells them to enter. Arlo asks if they can call a doctor, but Hannah says they have no phones or cars in their town, and goes off to get the doctor. He manages to take care of the mother's leg while Hannah shows the children the town, including the creepy mansion where there is a bed and breakfast. They arrange to stay there, but Arlo is not getting a good vibe. The daughter of the owners, Alice, is very odd. Is it his anxiety, or the whisperings he hears that seems to indicate that the family should leave? Arlo tries to get his father to come and get them, but he's busy with his new family and says he will come the next day, since the mother has been taken care of and everyone is safe. After a grim Thanksgiving with the townspeople, Arlo waits to be rescued, but Lola seems to enjoy the town. What's with the abandoned mill, the small population, and the fact that a group of townspeople emit an eerie glow when Arlo sees them making plans outside of town in the middle of the night? Will his father ever take his pleas for help seriously and resuce them? Will he be able to get his family to safety in the meantime?
Strengths: There are a lot of twists and turns in this, and some interesting history that is very timely given the world's current predicament, but I can't really say anything about what goes on in Livermore without spoiling it. I really got into the beginning of the book, and even though there were a lot of details (old maroon Buick), they were all just really compelling. Arlo's anxiety seemed well managed and well founded, and it was good to see him struggle but power through difficult things. The mother's cancer was treated in the same way, and did come into the plot in an important manner. The note at the end about all of the inspiration for the story was quite interesting as well. A great choice for fans of Lawrence's The Stitchers, Currie's Scritch Scratch, and Arden's Small Spaces. I'm glad that we are getting a lot more middle grade horror!
Weaknesses: The cover is not fantastic, although slightly reminiscent of The Smashed Man of Dread End, which has circulated well. The chapters that go back in history and are from Alice's point of view were interesting but took me out of the story a bit, and the end got a bit hard to follow with all the paranormal threads.
What I really think: I enjoyed this author's The Doll's Eye but didn't care as much for Box of Bones or The Inn Between. Looking back at those reviews, I noticed that Cohen frequently mixes sad real life issues with her spooky tales, sort of like Ness' When a Monster Calls. This waters down the horror component for my students who like scary tales. I'll probably buy this one, but it may have to be hand sold due to the cover.
Ms. Yingling
Posted by Ms. Yingling at 5:00 AM
No comments:
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Sven Carter and the Trashmouth Effect, The Empty Grave
30187807Vlock, Rob. Sven Carter and the Trashmouth Effect
October 3rd 2017 by Aladdin
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline
Sven and his friend Will have their quirks-- Will navigates the world while dealing with OCD, and Sven has a compulsion to lick or eat disgusting things, hence his nickname, Trashmouth. After a weird biking incident where Sven thinks his arm has been detached from his body (with gruesome details), Sven visits Dr. Shallix, but comes to no conclusions. He gets more information after a new girl in his science class, Alicia, vaporizes Will! Obviously, this is upsetting, especially when Alicia claims that Will was an alien "Tick" who had come to destroy the Earth. In order to defeat the Ticks, Alicia decides that she should keep Sven around; besides, she sort of likes him. After a series of adventures that include snakes with clown wigs that get set on fire, murderous room service chicken dinners, tin foil underpants, a giant toilet at Niagra Falls and a clone of Sven with a face on its butt, Alicia realizes that Sven is indeed the Tick's secret weapon, and in order to save the world, they need to either figure out how to stop the plan from unfolding... or neutralize Sven.
Strengths: Although my reading preferences might suggest otherwise, I am not, nor have I ever been, an actual 12-year-old boy, and it takes books like this to reaffirm that. This was a bit too much on the gross, inexplicable side for me personally, but I think that this (as well as the great cover) will make it appeal to my readers. Lots of funny turns of phrase, a decent enough plot, and a great female character in Alicia. Very interested to see what this author produces next. (Skateboarding. Please. Involve aliens if you must, but get those skateboards in there!)
Weaknesses: This was a bit on the long side. I would have cut some of the beginning about Brandon Marks and the bullying. Didn't really add much to the story. Sorry, Mr. Vlock. Judging from the acknowledgements, YOU really liked having Brandon in the book.
What I really think: I will definitely purchase this, but I think it is not a bad plan to tell readers that it is a funny science fiction story and NOT a realistic book about BMX biking!
32324555Stroud, Jonathan. The Empty Grave (Lockwood & Co. #5)
September 12th 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Public Library Copy
Lockwood, Lucy, George, Holly and the others are back in this final book in a fantastic, spooky series. After the exploits in The Creeping Shadow, the crew suspects that Penelope Fittes is really Marissa Fittes, egged on by the Skull, who suggests that the essence of the two are the same. Investigating Marissa's tomb reinforces this idea, and when the Fittes agency starts to shut down all of the other agencies, and George is brutally attacked, Lucy suspects that the final confrontation is at hand. It's likely that Portland Row will be attacked, so much time is spent fortifying it as well as creating a portal to the Other Side in Jessica's bedroom. This comes in handy when the attack inevitably occurs, and allows the group to break into Marissa's base and finally halt the progression of the Problem and save the small agencies.
Strengths: Despite the lackluster review (I don't want to give things away), I adored this so much that I spent five days reading it! I didn't want to finish it too quickly! The information we receive about the Skull is fascinating, and its relationship with Lucy is the best part of the book. Flo Bones and Kipps also get some good coverage. Lots of salt and silver slinging, intrigue, nasty cold ghost details, and a quickly moving plot. Honestly? My favorite part was when they were putting the Portland Row house back together at the end of the book? Why? Since my most longed for fictional job is to be Lockwood & Co.'s office manager, I was planning to repaint and have the carpets cleaned about the time they started taking the artifacts off the wall. I never thought that Stroud would include that bit, but it made me ridiculously happy.
Weaknesses: There is not enough Lockwood. Sure, some of his appeal is that he is brooding and enigmatic, and there is a scene where he and Lucy share a moment, but there's no kiss, and just not enough interplay between the two. I was beginning to think that Lucy would somehow bring the Skull back from the dead, because those two spent MUCH more quality time together.
What I really think: A TELEVISION SERIES??? That's something that I might actually watch, even though I don't normally do creepy. Such a great series. Stroud's work holds up nicely, too: The Amulet of Samarkand (2003) still circulates with my heavy duty fantasy readers.
28006120Riordan, Rick. The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3)
October 3rd 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Copy provided by the publisher
I have apparently been very, very good. A copy of this arrived in the mail yesterday afternoon, and after I wept for about 45 minutes, I jumped right in, knowing that I HAD to finish it last night so that I could give it to a student today. I'm not giving it to him first thing in the morning, because he would do nothing else all day, but after the cross country meet, immediately after his race, I will let him have the book.
I've given up reviewing Riordan. There's a mission with lots of stops with the different gods, and a big set to, and lots of good details about Norse mythology. I even had a dream about Sam fighting someone. The details about Ramadan were interesting-- clearly, Riordan has lots of people proof read his books so he gets things right. The whole point to ME of a Riordan book are the snerks. At least once every three pages, I would laugh out loud, and after yesterday, I really, really needed that.
Next Trials of Apollo out in May, and then what? Do think there is going to be a final volume where everybody meets up and finally saves the world from everything. Then, sadly, Percy and Annabeth will probably get married, and the series will be over. After that, though, I bet that Riordan will go on to do other things, unlike some famous series writers. And the books he writes will still be really good!
Posted by Ms. Yingling at 5:00 AM
No comments:
Home
Search This Blog
shadow grave
Review Policy
Because this blog is aimed at librarians and patrons of school libraries, I use E ARCs provided by Netgalley and Edelweiss, and physical ARCs if provided by major publishers. All books reviewed should be available in hard cover from vendors like Follett. I do not earn any money from this blog, and any books I receive are donated to my school library or other libraries in my district. All opinions are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.
2022 Reading Challenge
2022 Reading Challenge
2022 Reading Challenge
Ms. has read 236 books toward her goal of 825 books.
236 of 825 (28%)
view books
Blog Archive
▼ 2022 (319)
▼ October (30)
Zara's Rules for Finding Hidden Treasure
Miles Morales: Stranger Tides
Undercover Latina
Fight Back
The Glass Witch
MMGM- All the Nonfiction!
New Kids and Underdogs
Booked: The Graphic Novel
Nikhil Out Loud
The Ghosts at Spruce Point
Garvey in the Dark
Outside Nowhere
MMGM- Unlawful Orders: A Portrait of Dr. James B. ...
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party
Saturday Morning DOGS
Requiescat in Pace
Two Degrees
Where the Lost Ones Go
Playing Through the Turnaround
Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask
MMGM- Space Ships Crashing EVERYWHERE!
Butt Sandwich and Tree
Cartoon Saturday- Play Like a Girl
A Million Views
Decomposition of Jack
Bhai for Now
New Dragon City
MMGM- Sisterhood of Sleuths and Spooky Snacks and ...
Spells for Lost Things
Enemies
► September (30)
► August (32)
► July (35)
► June (34)
► May (33)
► April (31)
► March (32)
► February (30)
► January (32)
► 2021 (386)
► 2020 (396)
► 2019 (379)
► 2018 (390)
► 2017 (416)
► 2016 (421)
► 2015 (423)
► 2014 (415)
► 2013 (420)
► 2012 (450)
► 2011 (337)
► 2010 (278)
► 2009 (239)
► 2008 (262)
► 2007 (217)
► 2006 (103)
Ms. Yingling Reads
Contact me at msyingling@yahoo.com
Social Media
Books I Want Right Now!
To-read book montage
Bea and the New Deal HorseStarry Henna Night: A Branches BookThe Progress of Our People: A Story of Black Representation at the 1893 Chicago World's FairSecrets and SidekicksThe Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian FamineThe Puffin KeeperStranger on the Home Front: A Story of Indian Immigration and World War ISpirit WeekThe Golden Frog Games
Ms. Yingling's favorite books »
Followers
Grab A Button
Ms. Yingling Reads
2021 Reading Challenge
2021 Reading Challenge
2021 Reading Challenge
Ms. has read 0 books toward her goal of 825 books.
0 of 825 (0%)
view books
2020 Challenge!
2020 Reading Challenge
2020 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 815 books in 2020!
853 of 815 (100%)
view books
2019 Reading Challenge
2019 Reading Challenge
2019 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 810 books in 2019!
839 of 810 (100%)
view books
2018 Challenge
2018 Reading Challenge
2018 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 800 books in 2018!
836 of 800 (100%)
view books
2017 Challenge
2017 Reading Challenge
2017 Reading Challenge
Ms. has read 823 books toward her goal of 825 books.
823 of 825 (99%)
view books
2016 Reading Challenge
2016 Reading Challenge
2016 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 750 books in 2016!
822 of 750 (100%)
view books
2015 Reading Challenge
2015 Reading Challenge
2015 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 730 books in 2015!
807 of 730 (100%)
view books
2014 Reading Challenge
2014 Reading Challenge
2014 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 710 books in 2014!
783 of 710 (100%)
view books
2013 Reading Challenge
2013 Reading Challenge
2013 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 700 books in 2013!
730 of 700 (100%)
view books
Visiting?
Arlo is anxious about many things, which is probably a reaction to his mother's fight with cancer. When she decides to take the Thanksgiving weekend away to stay in a bed and breakfast and Arlo and his nine year old sister, Lola, he's not thrilled, but he is prepared. It's a good thing, because when they are on one of the back roads to their destination ("The road less traveled!" the mother enthuses.), a strange creature runs into the road in front of their car, and there is an accident. Arlo comes to hours later, in the cold, to find his dazed sister outside the car and his mother with a badly injured leg. They know that there was no civilization back the way they came, so after fashioning a crutch for the mother out of a branch, they hobble off to find a town. They find the small, rather abandoned looking Livermore (it is the middle of the night), and manage to get someone to answer the door. There's a dour woman who tells them to go away, but Lola is insistent, and Hannah, who is Arlo's age, comes and tells them to enter. Arlo asks if they can call a doctor, but Hannah says they have no phones or cars in their town, and goes off to get the doctor. He manages to take care of the mother's leg while Hannah shows the children the town, including the creepy mansion where there is a bed and breakfast. They arrange to stay there, but Arlo is not getting a good vibe. The daughter of the owners, Alice, is very odd. Is it his anxiety, or the whisperings he hears that seems to indicate that the family should leave? Arlo tries to get his father to come and get them, but he's busy with his new family and says he will come the next day, since the mother has been taken care of and everyone is safe. After a grim Thanksgiving with the townspeople, Arlo waits to be rescued, but Lola seems to enjoy the town. What's with the abandoned mill, the small population, and the fact that a group of townspeople emit an eerie glow when Arlo sees them making plans outside of town in the middle of the night? Will his father ever take his pleas for help seriously and resuce them? Will he be able to get his family to safety in the meantime?
Strengths: There are a lot of twists and turns in this, and some interesting history that is very timely given the world's current predicament, but I can't really say anything about what goes on in Livermore without spoiling it. I really got into the beginning of the book, and even though there were a lot of details (old maroon Buick), they were all just really compelling. Arlo's anxiety seemed well managed and well founded, and it was good to see him struggle but power through difficult things. The mother's cancer was treated in the same way, and did come into the plot in an important manner. The note at the end about all of the inspiration for the story was quite interesting as well. A great choice for fans of Lawrence's The Stitchers, Currie's Scritch Scratch, and Arden's Small Spaces. I'm glad that we are getting a lot more middle grade horror!
Weaknesses: The cover is not fantastic, although slightly reminiscent of The Smashed Man of Dread End, which has circulated well. The chapters that go back in history and are from Alice's point of view were interesting but took me out of the story a bit, and the end got a bit hard to follow with all the paranormal threads.
What I really think: I enjoyed this author's The Doll's Eye but didn't care as much for Box of Bones or The Inn Between. Looking back at those reviews, I noticed that Cohen frequently mixes sad real life issues with her spooky tales, sort of like Ness' When a Monster Calls. This waters down the horror component for my students who like scary tales. I'll probably buy this one, but it may have to be hand sold due to the cover.
Ms. Yingling
Posted by Ms. Yingling at 5:00 AM
No comments:
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Sven Carter and the Trashmouth Effect, The Empty Grave
30187807Vlock, Rob. Sven Carter and the Trashmouth Effect
October 3rd 2017 by Aladdin
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline
Sven and his friend Will have their quirks-- Will navigates the world while dealing with OCD, and Sven has a compulsion to lick or eat disgusting things, hence his nickname, Trashmouth. After a weird biking incident where Sven thinks his arm has been detached from his body (with gruesome details), Sven visits Dr. Shallix, but comes to no conclusions. He gets more information after a new girl in his science class, Alicia, vaporizes Will! Obviously, this is upsetting, especially when Alicia claims that Will was an alien "Tick" who had come to destroy the Earth. In order to defeat the Ticks, Alicia decides that she should keep Sven around; besides, she sort of likes him. After a series of adventures that include snakes with clown wigs that get set on fire, murderous room service chicken dinners, tin foil underpants, a giant toilet at Niagra Falls and a clone of Sven with a face on its butt, Alicia realizes that Sven is indeed the Tick's secret weapon, and in order to save the world, they need to either figure out how to stop the plan from unfolding... or neutralize Sven.
Strengths: Although my reading preferences might suggest otherwise, I am not, nor have I ever been, an actual 12-year-old boy, and it takes books like this to reaffirm that. This was a bit too much on the gross, inexplicable side for me personally, but I think that this (as well as the great cover) will make it appeal to my readers. Lots of funny turns of phrase, a decent enough plot, and a great female character in Alicia. Very interested to see what this author produces next. (Skateboarding. Please. Involve aliens if you must, but get those skateboards in there!)
Weaknesses: This was a bit on the long side. I would have cut some of the beginning about Brandon Marks and the bullying. Didn't really add much to the story. Sorry, Mr. Vlock. Judging from the acknowledgements, YOU really liked having Brandon in the book.
What I really think: I will definitely purchase this, but I think it is not a bad plan to tell readers that it is a funny science fiction story and NOT a realistic book about BMX biking!
32324555Stroud, Jonathan. The Empty Grave (Lockwood & Co. #5)
September 12th 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Public Library Copy
Lockwood, Lucy, George, Holly and the others are back in this final book in a fantastic, spooky series. After the exploits in The Creeping Shadow, the crew suspects that Penelope Fittes is really Marissa Fittes, egged on by the Skull, who suggests that the essence of the two are the same. Investigating Marissa's tomb reinforces this idea, and when the Fittes agency starts to shut down all of the other agencies, and George is brutally attacked, Lucy suspects that the final confrontation is at hand. It's likely that Portland Row will be attacked, so much time is spent fortifying it as well as creating a portal to the Other Side in Jessica's bedroom. This comes in handy when the attack inevitably occurs, and allows the group to break into Marissa's base and finally halt the progression of the Problem and save the small agencies.
Strengths: Despite the lackluster review (I don't want to give things away), I adored this so much that I spent five days reading it! I didn't want to finish it too quickly! The information we receive about the Skull is fascinating, and its relationship with Lucy is the best part of the book. Flo Bones and Kipps also get some good coverage. Lots of salt and silver slinging, intrigue, nasty cold ghost details, and a quickly moving plot. Honestly? My favorite part was when they were putting the Portland Row house back together at the end of the book? Why? Since my most longed for fictional job is to be Lockwood & Co.'s office manager, I was planning to repaint and have the carpets cleaned about the time they started taking the artifacts off the wall. I never thought that Stroud would include that bit, but it made me ridiculously happy.
Weaknesses: There is not enough Lockwood. Sure, some of his appeal is that he is brooding and enigmatic, and there is a scene where he and Lucy share a moment, but there's no kiss, and just not enough interplay between the two. I was beginning to think that Lucy would somehow bring the Skull back from the dead, because those two spent MUCH more quality time together.
What I really think: A TELEVISION SERIES??? That's something that I might actually watch, even though I don't normally do creepy. Such a great series. Stroud's work holds up nicely, too: The Amulet of Samarkand (2003) still circulates with my heavy duty fantasy readers.
28006120Riordan, Rick. The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3)
October 3rd 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Copy provided by the publisher
I have apparently been very, very good. A copy of this arrived in the mail yesterday afternoon, and after I wept for about 45 minutes, I jumped right in, knowing that I HAD to finish it last night so that I could give it to a student today. I'm not giving it to him first thing in the morning, because he would do nothing else all day, but after the cross country meet, immediately after his race, I will let him have the book.
I've given up reviewing Riordan. There's a mission with lots of stops with the different gods, and a big set to, and lots of good details about Norse mythology. I even had a dream about Sam fighting someone. The details about Ramadan were interesting-- clearly, Riordan has lots of people proof read his books so he gets things right. The whole point to ME of a Riordan book are the snerks. At least once every three pages, I would laugh out loud, and after yesterday, I really, really needed that.
Next Trials of Apollo out in May, and then what? Do think there is going to be a final volume where everybody meets up and finally saves the world from everything. Then, sadly, Percy and Annabeth will probably get married, and the series will be over. After that, though, I bet that Riordan will go on to do other things, unlike some famous series writers. And the books he writes will still be really good!
Posted by Ms. Yingling at 5:00 AM
No comments:
Home
Search This Blog
shadow grave
Review Policy
Because this blog is aimed at librarians and patrons of school libraries, I use E ARCs provided by Netgalley and Edelweiss, and physical ARCs if provided by major publishers. All books reviewed should be available in hard cover from vendors like Follett. I do not earn any money from this blog, and any books I receive are donated to my school library or other libraries in my district. All opinions are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.
2022 Reading Challenge
2022 Reading Challenge
2022 Reading Challenge
Ms. has read 236 books toward her goal of 825 books.
236 of 825 (28%)
view books
Blog Archive
▼ 2022 (319)
▼ October (30)
Zara's Rules for Finding Hidden Treasure
Miles Morales: Stranger Tides
Undercover Latina
Fight Back
The Glass Witch
MMGM- All the Nonfiction!
New Kids and Underdogs
Booked: The Graphic Novel
Nikhil Out Loud
The Ghosts at Spruce Point
Garvey in the Dark
Outside Nowhere
MMGM- Unlawful Orders: A Portrait of Dr. James B. ...
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party
Saturday Morning DOGS
Requiescat in Pace
Two Degrees
Where the Lost Ones Go
Playing Through the Turnaround
Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask
MMGM- Space Ships Crashing EVERYWHERE!
Butt Sandwich and Tree
Cartoon Saturday- Play Like a Girl
A Million Views
Decomposition of Jack
Bhai for Now
New Dragon City
MMGM- Sisterhood of Sleuths and Spooky Snacks and ...
Spells for Lost Things
Enemies
► September (30)
► August (32)
► July (35)
► June (34)
► May (33)
► April (31)
► March (32)
► February (30)
► January (32)
► 2021 (386)
► 2020 (396)
► 2019 (379)
► 2018 (390)
► 2017 (416)
► 2016 (421)
► 2015 (423)
► 2014 (415)
► 2013 (420)
► 2012 (450)
► 2011 (337)
► 2010 (278)
► 2009 (239)
► 2008 (262)
► 2007 (217)
► 2006 (103)
Ms. Yingling Reads
Contact me at msyingling@yahoo.com
Social Media
Books I Want Right Now!
To-read book montage
Bea and the New Deal HorseStarry Henna Night: A Branches BookThe Progress of Our People: A Story of Black Representation at the 1893 Chicago World's FairSecrets and SidekicksThe Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian FamineThe Puffin KeeperStranger on the Home Front: A Story of Indian Immigration and World War ISpirit WeekThe Golden Frog Games
Ms. Yingling's favorite books »
Followers
Grab A Button
Ms. Yingling Reads
2021 Reading Challenge
2021 Reading Challenge
2021 Reading Challenge
Ms. has read 0 books toward her goal of 825 books.
0 of 825 (0%)
view books
2020 Challenge!
2020 Reading Challenge
2020 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 815 books in 2020!
853 of 815 (100%)
view books
2019 Reading Challenge
2019 Reading Challenge
2019 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 810 books in 2019!
839 of 810 (100%)
view books
2018 Challenge
2018 Reading Challenge
2018 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 800 books in 2018!
836 of 800 (100%)
view books
2017 Challenge
2017 Reading Challenge
2017 Reading Challenge
Ms. has read 823 books toward her goal of 825 books.
823 of 825 (99%)
view books
2016 Reading Challenge
2016 Reading Challenge
2016 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 750 books in 2016!
822 of 750 (100%)
view books
2015 Reading Challenge
2015 Reading Challenge
2015 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 730 books in 2015!
807 of 730 (100%)
view books
2014 Reading Challenge
2014 Reading Challenge
2014 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 710 books in 2014!
783 of 710 (100%)
view books
2013 Reading Challenge
2013 Reading Challenge
2013 Reading Challenge
Ms. has completed her goal of reading 700 books in 2013!
730 of 700 (100%)
view books
Visiting?
July 26, 2022
A car accident lands Arlo and his family in a town that doesn't seem quite right. Facing challenges and the looming illness of his mom, Arlo asks some big questions about life and death as he comes to terms with what's at stake in this strange place. Creepy and suspenseful throughout. Fantastic read for fans of middle grade horror.
February 26, 2022
Perfectly creepy. Arlo knows there is something not quite right with this little town of Livermore. People seem weird. Off, somehow.
A page turner! Can't put it down! If you like creepy, this is the book for you.
I loved how mental health issues were also explored and emotions explained. I loved the use of exploring poetry and the underlying message that can be found in a poem and I particularly love Robert Frost.
Thank you to Marina Cohen for the privilege of reading an advanced copy. So enjoy it!!
A page turner! Can't put it down! If you like creepy, this is the book for you.
I loved how mental health issues were also explored and emotions explained. I loved the use of exploring poetry and the underlying message that can be found in a poem and I particularly love Robert Frost.
Thank you to Marina Cohen for the privilege of reading an advanced copy. So enjoy it!!
February 13, 2022
Marina Cohen compels the reader to peel back the ick and creepiness of each new horror that she manages to concoct. In Shadow Grave, Arlo just wants some happy normal family time after all the disastrous things that have happened of late, but being stranded in Livermore after a car accident shows him that even the worst experiences he's had are comparatively cushy compared to what he's about to deal with. Taut and timely, I dare you to read this alone in the dark.
October 4, 2022
It's going to be okay.
Words so easily spoken, and yet, so often wrong.
Shadow Grave was eerie, unsettling, and addictive, I could not stop reading, I read this in one day because I needed to know what was going to happen next. Cohen pulls you in with the mystery and doesn't disappoint with the reveal.
Right off the bat Cohen wastes no time pulling you in, she gives the first chapter a slow build and then BAM she ends it with the most out of pocket moment one could think of, and I don't think I have come across a similar event in other MG books, so I was impressed. We learn Arlo is super anxious and has a terrible fear of everything, that are a result of his mother's illness. While his younger sister Lola still seems to try to enjoy life as much as possible.
The minute this family winds up in the town of Livermore, the unsettling feeling really starts to crop up through the story. This town was strange, mysterious, and so unnerving, as where the people. Arlo starts getting strange feelings about everyone, he gets strange warnings from some, their actions leave him puzzled. As the reader you also pick up on these things as well, and you start to think are there strange rituals going on in this town, why is everyone either so happy or so angry, why does no one new ever come through. When it does finally get revealed its wild and unexpected and then the story takes a turn, because Arlo and his family are more involved than they realize and how they were involved crushed my heart, I was crying, I was worried, I couldn't believe the conversation that was happening in response to this outcome. I started to pick up on it but when it was finally confirmed I was a mess. And then slowly Arlo learns who can and can't be trusted but his fear and anxiety stop him from putting his whole trust in them, which forces him to be brave and a face what needs to be done, Arlo grew so much in this story.
I really loved how Cohen took time to dedicate a part of the story to a particular character and reveal what events lead up to the current situation everyone was in. I really liked how this was presented and it allowed us to get to know another character in a shorter time frame but still have it make an impact. Although I would like to know if this characters father ever found out what happened to them at the end, it was never confirmed if he knew or not and that broke my heart.
One aspect I really loved was how Cohen showed us Arlo's fathers reaction after everything Arlo, Lola and their mother had been through when he finally decided to show up. Through the story we are told how he is basically an absent father, one who continues to make promises and never follow through with them. He leaves Arlo and Lola hanging constantly in favor of his new family. We spend some time with Arlo reflecting on this through the story and we see him grow and realize how angry he really truly is at his dad but how he also tries so desperately to excuse what he does because he wants his father in his life, both children do. It was very easy to despise Arlo's father and be so angry with him through the story. So when the end came and he finally responded how he should have the whole time his reaction was full of everything I wanted, and while Cohen doesn't delve super into it, its written clearly that he realizes he messed.
Shadow Grave was everything I didnt know I wanted in spooky middle grade story and I will be looking into more of Cohen's works.
May 12, 2022
#indigoemployee Thank you to the author for giving me a free signed copy and it was very nice meeting you.
The story has very solid beats and an interesting premise and I was very excited to read this. Our main character Arlo is a very paranoid kid and knows a lot of first aid methods. This flavour of horror was very subtle and creepy and I could really feel the frustration from Arlo as his requests for help get ignored. I'm sure that many children who love creepy stories and want to read more age appropriate horror.
That being said, I'm going into the more subjective stuff that some may or may not agree with.
One thing that stuck out is that I had a hard time connecting to Arlo in general since he seemed very unphased by his mother's injuries from the car crash in the beginning. I'm guessing it was due to his mother's illness and him having to grow up really fast due to it but at this point it's probably speculation. I wish there were more hints of that past since I have no clue as a reader what this child has went through. He felt very consistent personality wise and I wish there was a moment where he just broke. He is just a child and this would really take a huge toll on an adult, even worse for a kid. It didn't feel like we fully got to know him and his damage and I think that would've really added to me being more attached to him as a character.
All in all, I had a pleasant time with this book and will be reccomending it if anyone is looking for a good middle grade horror that isn't just Neil Gaiman.
The story has very solid beats and an interesting premise and I was very excited to read this. Our main character Arlo is a very paranoid kid and knows a lot of first aid methods. This flavour of horror was very subtle and creepy and I could really feel the frustration from Arlo as his requests for help get ignored. I'm sure that many children who love creepy stories and want to read more age appropriate horror.
That being said, I'm going into the more subjective stuff that some may or may not agree with.
One thing that stuck out is that I had a hard time connecting to Arlo in general since he seemed very unphased by his mother's injuries from the car crash in the beginning. I'm guessing it was due to his mother's illness and him having to grow up really fast due to it but at this point it's probably speculation. I wish there were more hints of that past since I have no clue as a reader what this child has went through. He felt very consistent personality wise and I wish there was a moment where he just broke. He is just a child and this would really take a huge toll on an adult, even worse for a kid. It didn't feel like we fully got to know him and his damage and I think that would've really added to me being more attached to him as a character.
All in all, I had a pleasant time with this book and will be reccomending it if anyone is looking for a good middle grade horror that isn't just Neil Gaiman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
I have wanted to read this book since it launched, but kids always had it out (bc our school’s readers are huge Marina Cohen fans). I was so happy to dive into it this week…and it did not disappoint!
We have so many kids who want “scary books,” but the few that are out there are rarely what I would call well written. Marina’s books are carefully crafted; they have CRAZY good creepy descriptions, eerie settings, and suspenseful plots, as well as multi-dimensional characters that are always wrestling with deep, layered dilemmas that put the other “scary books” to shame. As a teacher I love that she uses good vocabulary and rich poetic devices — perfect for reviewing similes, metaphors, alliteration, etc. As a librarian I love that she is still the queen of the suspenseful plot, with cliffhanger chapters, moral dilemmas, and twists kids won’t see coming.
I think her publisher did her a disservice, releasing this book in the spring instead of the fall; it’s a perfect read for Halloween. I also would have given it a spooky cover, with a scary forest and maybe a pair of glowing eyes — the cover they made is “pretty” but has nothing scary about it, and honestly, it barely goes with the book! Oh well…I’m not their marketing team.
Heartily recommend this for middle graders and all teachers and librarians who have kids who want scary books that are actually well written!
We have so many kids who want “scary books,” but the few that are out there are rarely what I would call well written. Marina’s books are carefully crafted; they have CRAZY good creepy descriptions, eerie settings, and suspenseful plots, as well as multi-dimensional characters that are always wrestling with deep, layered dilemmas that put the other “scary books” to shame. As a teacher I love that she uses good vocabulary and rich poetic devices — perfect for reviewing similes, metaphors, alliteration, etc. As a librarian I love that she is still the queen of the suspenseful plot, with cliffhanger chapters, moral dilemmas, and twists kids won’t see coming.
I think her publisher did her a disservice, releasing this book in the spring instead of the fall; it’s a perfect read for Halloween. I also would have given it a spooky cover, with a scary forest and maybe a pair of glowing eyes — the cover they made is “pretty” but has nothing scary about it, and honestly, it barely goes with the book! Oh well…I’m not their marketing team.
Heartily recommend this for middle graders and all teachers and librarians who have kids who want scary books that are actually well written!
November 22, 2024
DNF'd fairly early on. I know it's a kid's book but glaring errors were too annoying. The accident happens at dusk so maybe between five and seven pm. After the accident when they all conveniently wake up at the same time, Arlo checks his watch and it's three am. But his mom is bleeding enough that he has to stop it. She's been bleeding that badly for eight hours?
Then when they are walking into town, Arlo wonders where everyone is considering it's the day before Thanksgiving and everyone should be out getting ready. Then when he's talking to his dad, it's Thanksgiving and the townsfolk later are going to the big house whatever it was for Thanksgiving. But it's still the same day, so which is it? The day before or the day of Thanksgiving. I was so confused I checked twice that it did say the day before Thanksgiving when they were walking into town. Very obvious error so poor editing there.
I also don't think the mom was very fair in scolding Arlo to only think positive thoughts when he got nervous about her driving. If you think someone is driving unsafely, I think it's perfectly acceptable to say something. And only thinking positive thoughts is detrimental to facing real life because bad things do happen and only thinking positive thoughts is going to make you completely unprepared for reality.
Then when they are walking into town, Arlo wonders where everyone is considering it's the day before Thanksgiving and everyone should be out getting ready. Then when he's talking to his dad, it's Thanksgiving and the townsfolk later are going to the big house whatever it was for Thanksgiving. But it's still the same day, so which is it? The day before or the day of Thanksgiving. I was so confused I checked twice that it did say the day before Thanksgiving when they were walking into town. Very obvious error so poor editing there.
I also don't think the mom was very fair in scolding Arlo to only think positive thoughts when he got nervous about her driving. If you think someone is driving unsafely, I think it's perfectly acceptable to say something. And only thinking positive thoughts is detrimental to facing real life because bad things do happen and only thinking positive thoughts is going to make you completely unprepared for reality.
April 2, 2022
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.
First of all, I think the book is a bit spookier than the cover so keep that in mind when recommending the book to kids. One thing I really enjoyed about the book was the switch in narrator in the middle of the book from Arlo to Alice, gave an interesting perspective and really made me think and question what was going on. I have to admit that there were a couple times in the book where I was a bit confused about what was happening, so I could see some parts being tricky for kids. But overall, a good spooky book.
From a teaching perspective, it would be very interesting to have kids read this and Tuck Everlasting to draw comparisons, find similar themes, and the books raise some good big questions.
First of all, I think the book is a bit spookier than the cover so keep that in mind when recommending the book to kids. One thing I really enjoyed about the book was the switch in narrator in the middle of the book from Arlo to Alice, gave an interesting perspective and really made me think and question what was going on. I have to admit that there were a couple times in the book where I was a bit confused about what was happening, so I could see some parts being tricky for kids. But overall, a good spooky book.
From a teaching perspective, it would be very interesting to have kids read this and Tuck Everlasting to draw comparisons, find similar themes, and the books raise some good big questions.
December 4, 2023
Arlo and his mother and sister are on a road trip to spend Thanksgiving at a B&B, to rest and relax after moms illness. They soon realize they have made a wrong turn when a massive beast runs out in front of them and their car hits a tree. Arlo is blacks out, mom is hurt, and sister Lola is thrown from the car. Little did they know that by hitting the tree, something sleeping deep in the ground has been woken up.
When Arlo comes too, Mom has a broken leg, and Lola is sitting out side the car unhurt!! She has a strange red mark on her neck, and cannot remember anything. They soon realize they are stranded in a strange logging town called Livermore, a strange place with no modern conveniences, no cell service, cars and electricity.
Why are the residents so unfriendly, and what has been woken. Will Arlo and his family get help, or be stranded in Livermore forever.
When Arlo comes too, Mom has a broken leg, and Lola is sitting out side the car unhurt!! She has a strange red mark on her neck, and cannot remember anything. They soon realize they are stranded in a strange logging town called Livermore, a strange place with no modern conveniences, no cell service, cars and electricity.
Why are the residents so unfriendly, and what has been woken. Will Arlo and his family get help, or be stranded in Livermore forever.
October 24, 2022
A family of three experiences a car accident and seeks help in the town of Livermore, where the inhabitants hide a collective secret that will put Arlo, his mother and his sister in danger.
Grave Secret suffers from the most mismatched cover I think I've ever experienced; a dark and foreboding atmospheric novel, the cover looks more Robert Munsch than Chrisopher Pike.
Grave Secret suffers from the most mismatched cover I think I've ever experienced; a dark and foreboding atmospheric novel, the cover looks more Robert Munsch than Chrisopher Pike.
The story was okay and had some creative twists we haven't seen before. But, while I understand the writer's intent in crafting an atmospheric novel, the rising action/climax/resolution were incredibly drawn out. I'm not sure my students would have the patience to make it all the way to the end.
March 1, 2023
Arlo, his younger sister Lola, and their Mom are on their way to a B&B for the long Thanksgiving weekend. After getting lost in a remote corner of New Hampshire, a large animal appears in the road and they have a terrible car accident. Arlo manages to splint his mother’s broken ankle and the three of them hobble into a town that seems to have been lost in time. The residents are all reluctant to help them and there are no phones and no electricity. When Arlo realizes his sister might be in grave danger, he sneaks back to the car to find a way to charge his phone so he can call for help. Will Arlo be able to save his family before the secret of the town reveals itself?
February 23, 2022
“The moon hung like a silver pendant against the velvety black dress of night” is just one of the stunning images that pepper this spooky new middle grade novel from author Marina Cohen. It’s filled with vivid imagery and sensory details that pull you into the story. Cohen paints pictures with carefully chosen words that immerse the reader in the setting – the fictional New Hampshire town of Livermore. By turns ominous and thrilling, readers are compelled to keep reading even as you fear what lies around the corner. For anyone who loves a creepy well-told story.
August 2, 2022
4.5 stars rounded down to 4. Twelve year old Arlo, his mom, and younger sister Lola get in a car accident while on on their way to a B &B to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Mom is seriously injured which leads to Arlo taking charge of the family. They end up in a spooky Ghost Town where weird occurrences seem to be the norm. Very atmospheric description of the town and its people. Reminiscent of one of the author’s earlier book- The Inn Between- and also of Tuck Everlasting…. but a dark and ghoulish version.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
This is a good but weird story that has you questioning what is going on right until the end. It's a great blend of strange, mysterious, and subtly scary books that would suit the middle school crowd. Readers might be a little hesitant at first because it is subtle and, at times, more slow-paced rather than having a lot of jump scares, but it's definitely worth the read. I think the strongest appeal factors are the story's rich atmosphere and its characters, especially Arlo, whose overly cautious nature may speak to a lot of readers' experiences.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
July 17, 2022
Arlo and his mother and sister are in a terrible car accident one November night in rural New Hampshire. Bruised and bleeding they hobble into a strange and silent small town. From the beginning, Arlo knows something isn't right- there isn't any electricity or open stores and the townspeople are odd. Spooky but not frightening with a twist toward the end that I didn't see coming. A little Tuck Everlasting, a little ghost town-y. Decent read.
February 24, 2023
This book really relied on setting to get the spooky across. It really struck me as capital G Gothic lit. There seemed a lot of preamble before getting to what made the story spooky other than people being weird/ not modern. While I enjoyed the story immensely, it would be a very specific recommendation to a very specific kiddo looking for environmental spook.
October 27, 2022
I'm such a fan of Marina Cohen's books, and Shadow Grave really knocked it out of the park. The town is super scary (think: The Village) and the characters are three-dimensional.
I was looking for a smarter MG horror to give to a kid reader, and Shadow Grave is perfect. Recommended!
I was looking for a smarter MG horror to give to a kid reader, and Shadow Grave is perfect. Recommended!
Want to read
January 10, 2024SM
March 23, 2024
A lot of telling and not showing. The story and writing are meh. But i liked the mystery!
February 10, 2022
RTC closer to publication date....thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eArc to review....
December 28, 2023
a very powerful creepy book. Honestly much better than I would have expected.
March 5, 2023
My favorite parts of this book were the times that Arlo faces his fears and uses his skills and knowledge to solve problems.
May 10, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a complimentary earc to review!
This book wasn’t what I was expecting but in a totally good way! I really enjoyed the plot and the characters that were a part of this spooky book.
The book is told in three parts. The first and last parts come from the point-of-view of Arlo. He is a 12 year-old who is on vacation with his 9 year-old sister, Lola, and their mother. A happy thanksgiving away is meant to bring fun times but it becomes a disaster when they get in an accident and find themselves asking for help in a town called Livermore.
Arlo is a character I could relate to even though I am an adult. His sister watches a zombie show with him and she prefers that over unicorns. He was scared of zombies at her age. I still am, haha. Arlo watches this show only so that he doesn’t feel left out when his friends talk about it. I can understand not wanting to feel left out. I remember those days and it’s not a nice feeling. He also deals with anxiety and during the trip his mother is always trying to remind him that he is strong and to think positive. Because of his anxiety, he tries to have a plan in the back of his head. A perfect example of this was his use of first aid after the accident. He was a quick thinker and got the job done! Because of these two things, I feel like many kids will be able to relate to him.
When the book splits into another point-of-view, it comes from a girl named Alice who lives in Livermore. The town is very odd and so her point-of-view was quite interesting! We learn about a couple secrets when it comes to the town through her and she is a great friend towards Arlo and his sister Lola.
The plot wasn’t as spooky as I thought it would be but it didn’t stop me from enjoying what this book had to offer. I liked learning about the secrets of the town and it’s people. There are some cool plot twists as well. Although I still have a question or two about one thing in particular, it makes sense that it stays a mystery and I’m okay with how it all went down. I don’t think that kids will mind either.
I really liked the author’s note at the end as she explains where she found her inspiration, which does indeed include a real ghost town! Using things from history always intrigue me when it comes to these types of books.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read! This would be perfect for those who want to try a spooky book but want to read one that is more mild.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews