The Visitors

by Greg Howard

A lonely twelve-year-old boy spends his days “stuck” at the deserted Hollow Pines Plantation in Georgetown, South Carolina with no recollection of his name, how long he’s been there, and no idea how to leave.

Things never change much for the lost souls at Hollow Pines and time is strange when you’re dead. But when visitors from the living world arrive for the first time in a long while, the boy feels a spark of hope. These visitors are around his age, and they seem to understand more than others that the plantation is not just spooky or eerie, it’s a sad place where the unspeakable happened again and again. And if these kids could understand the truth about Hollow Pines, maybe they could help him uncover the dark secrets of his past and help him find a way to finally move on.

But Hollow Pines doesn’t like visitors. And with a malevolent spirit lurking in the shadows and painful memories buried deep, and for good reason, the boy wonders if he’ll ever find his way home or be stuck at Hollow Pines forever.

Genres: Middle Grade, LGBT, Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Mystery, Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Happy to respond to messages at:
greg@greghowardauthor.com

Greg Howard was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry where his love of stories blossomed at a young age. Originally set on becoming a songwriter, Greg followed that dream to Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent years producing the music of others before eventually returning to his childhood passion for writing stories.

Greg’s critically acclaimed debut middle-grade novel, The Whispers, was nominated for an Edgar Award and was named a Best Book of 2019 by Advocate Magazine. His second middle-grade novel, Middle School’s a Drag, You Better Werk! is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick. The Visitors, his third middle-grade offering, was a 2022 New York Public Library Best Book. Also, the author of the young adult novel Social Intercourse, Greg’s next middle-grade book, The Travelers, will be available on August 25, 2026.

Greg writes for and about LGBTQ youth, creating the kind of books he wishes he’d had access to as a young reader growing up gay in the American South. When he’s not writing books, Greg enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends. He lives in Nashville with his two fur babies—Sadie and Riley.

Reviews

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All I know for sure is that a boy was hurt, and it was my fault. I don’t know exactly how he was hurt or what my part in it was, though. Those memories are gone, and I say good riddance. Ever since then, I haven’t been able to leave. So I try my best to carry on like the other lost souls around here, wishing for the day when we all might find a way to move on. But wishing is easy at Hollow Pines. It’s the being stuck here that’s hard.” (6)

Since his death, a 12-year old boy is stuck trapped in a former South Carolina Plantation with no way to move on. He doesn’t remember who he is or how he died or when he died. His “family” now consists of former inhabitants of the plantation: Retha Mae, the cook; Emma, her assistant; Teacherman, tutor to the owner’s stepchildren; Miss Rebecca, the owner’s grieving wife; Cousin Cornelius; Preacher; and Jackson Culpepper the Third, the evil owner of the plantation, and his malevolent shadow spirits.

When three adolescent visitors—Thomas, twins Mateo and Maya, and dog Goldie—arrive, the boy reveals himself, hoping they can somehow help him to remember and move on. Unfortunately Jackson Culpepper has other ideas for their souls.
* * *
“The sting of Daddy’s hand on my face. The names I was called at school—"sissy,” “homo,” “queer.” The heaviness in my head and the tightness in my chest. Ronnie. Ronnie’s betrayal—twice. (179)

The dead boy’s story is skillfully interwoven with the story of Will Perkins, a 7th grader who was relentlessly bullied for being gay, constantly abused by his father after his mother abandoned them, and betrayed by his best friend, and who disappeared 50 years previously. Coincidentally, the three visitors are investigating the disappearance of Will Perkins whose body was never discovered.

This is a most beautifully-written story of mystery, suspense, friendship, betrayal, and real history, a story that tackles impactful subjects, such as slavery, trans and gay children, and mental health. I read through in two days, sitting on the edge of my seat, making guesses along with the protagonist.

Not only a riveting story that will engage all readers, even reluctant readers, THE VISITORS is a crucial story to have available to all adolescent readers.

[Nev · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s just something about queer middle grade books. This is such a moving story about queer kids, the pain of ostracization, literal ghosts, and people learning about dark pasts. It was interesting seeing the main character of a ghost of a young boy from the 1970s interacting with kids from the present day. Through them he’s able to see glimpses of how much the world has changed since he was alive. There are parts of his backstory, and the stories of the other ghosts, that get pretty heavy for a middle grade story.

As an adult reader, the reveals about the main character’s past and why he’s stuck were pretty obvious. But that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book at all. This book didn’t punch me in the heart quite the same way that The Whispers, the other book I’d read from Greg Howard, did. But overall I think this is a great book.

[Laura vB · Rating 4 out of 5]

« If you ever find yourself at Hollow Pines Plantation, the first thing you’ll notice is how quiet it is. No birds singing. No crickets chirping. No frogs croaking. It’s like they were all scared off by something—something invisible. Invisible, but everywhere. Kind of like God, but also not like God at all. »

I really liked this book. It has a great buildup, and you get to know the main-character’s identity along the way. It’s like you’re figuring everything out alongside him.

It is supposed to be a middle grade book, but some themes can get quite heavy. Yet, what is mentioned in this book is important for every age group. For example slavery, abuse, depression, self-harm, but also what it’s like to trans and gay, and learning to forgive and accept yourself. The fact that a lot of experiences of the main-character are shared by the author himself, makes it even more real and heartbreaking.

I really enjoyed the story, and I’m glad that the book had a happy ending (sort off)😅☺️

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narration : Michael Crouch - 4 stars 🌟 he always does an excellent job:)

Story: characters: 5 stars 🌟
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Some heavy but important subject matter (agree with the author in his afterword here) Books like these can help emphasize and maybe save lives, help others feel not as alone.


I'm wondering if a couple characters felt bad for certain actions and events... maybe not but I hope so.

One bit near the end and the end itself had me both smiling and tearing up some.

Just wanted to hug them all.

Words are powerful, they can heal and hurt... we need more empathy and compassion in the world 🌎.

Would recommend 👌 <3

[Dustin Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Howard, one of the very best authors writing MG and YA novels today (see SOCIAL INTERCOURSE, THE WHISPERS and MIDDLE SCHOOL’S A DRAG, YOU BETTER WERK!), has written yet another timeless classic in the making with THE VISITORS. Primarily set at a haunted, long-abandoned South Carolina plantation, the book is uniquely told from the POV of a 12-year-old ghost who, for reasons he is not sure about, is trapped on the property. THE VISITORS explores heavy themes, including the lead character’s struggle of self-acceptance as a young gay boy who is bullied and told his sexuality is wrong, and Howard has a gift for touching on these topics in entertaining, poignant and insightful ways that never, not once, talk down to his readers. This is a wonderful read, deeply felt and inspired by Greg Howard’s own troubled childhood. His passion for this story shines through with every lovely word. THE VISITORS is a modern masterpiece for readers of just about any age, ages 10 to 100.

[Rebecca Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more perfect middle grade ghost story there cannot be. The narrator is a ghost himself, and we learn little by little as the story is teased out how he came to haunt the ruins of Hollow Pines Plantation. Howard tells a southern gothic story with grace. The details about life in the 1960's and the 1860's are given with tender respect. The added layer of sexual identity and betrayal makes for a complex and satisfying read. I'm a teacher and I know many parents would love to see a book like this on the shelf--there are issues here about teen mental health we all need to hear.

[Christopher Renna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, sweet novel about self-awareness, friendship, and the power of forgiveness.

I gave The Visitors four stars because it didn't quite match the heartfelt mastery of Greg Howard's novella The Whispers.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book! Thanks to the author, Greg Howard for being so open in the epilogue with his history. I’m sure this and the book will help struggling LGBTQ teens & young adults. Great job overall Greg !

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely important book for any kid that is being bullied and/or identifying as LGBTQIA+. It is a beautiful blend of ghost story, historical fiction, and realistic fiction that has friendship, heartbreak, abuse, and a resolution that is heart-warming and full of hope. I couldn’t put it down and I know Will’s story and the story of all The Visitors will stay with me for a long time.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes kids lit writing is just a little too simple and straightforward for my taste, and I think that's why I didn't connect with this one. The story and sense of place kept me reading until the end, though.

[Amy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHEW. I read this book for possible inclusion on a Pride booklist for kids at the library, but we wanted to focus mainly on queer joy, and this book is basically just queer trauma. It's a super quick read, with legit creepy ghosts and an ultimately hopeful ending.

CW: suicide, bullying, slavery, infant death, abuse

[LadySmoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was...amazing. I honestly have so many feelings about this one, and they are all jumbled up, making it difficult to know where to start. For starters, I loved the book. I can't express that enough. It was skillfully written, immensely impactful, just truly excellent. As stated in my bio, I work in a small rural library. We ordered this book, and my director and I were struggling to decide which section to place it in. In our library, the juvenile section is far away from the young adult section, so its placement in one section or the other would have a significant impact on who picked it up. We've had some book challenges in our area and after reading reviews about the book to find out exactly what kind of content it had, we knew we needed to be thorough and deliberate about its place on the shelves. For me it's a book that lives on the cusp. It is marketed as a middle grade book, but we wanted to make sure the kids who would need it would have opportunity to stumble upon it, and the kids who aren't ready for it, wouldn't. After reading it myself to be certain, including the author's note in the end, I can confidently say that it is most certainly is appropriate for 5th-7th grade kids, but still holds and appeal that might interest highschoolers. This book doesn't pull any punches, but the content is so skillfully written for the intended audience. In the author's note at the end, he describes his own struggles with identity, self-worth, depression, and disillusionment, and it is truly shown in how well these subjects are handled in the book. This is definitely a book that would have ended up on my TBR all on its own, simply because it has a story that appeals to all ages, even if I hadn't decided to read it in the course of my job. It's also one I will be recommending to the kids I work with. If ever there was a book to make a marginalized kids feel less alone, or to help a kid learn some empathy for the experiences of their peers, this is it. It's exactly the kind of book I wish I had available when I was in middle school, but I'm so glad to be able to read it now.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When I was young, I never saw myself represented on television, in movies, in magazines, or in books. At times that made me feel like I was the only boy in the world who was attracted to other boys, and often it simply made me feel invisible and incredibly lonely. It's why I've made it my mission to write books I desperately needed as a queer kid growing up in the rural South."

- Greg Howard, afterword.

A twelve year old boy dies at an old abandoned plantation under mysterious circumstances, and finds himself in a weird netherworld where he can't leave or remember how he died or even how long he's been there. His only company are a bunch of other lost souls, that is until a group of visitors arrive who may just help him figure out why he's stuck there.

My introduction to Greg Howard was "The Whispers" about another confused boy growing up in the South. It became one of my favourite books of 2019, so I was pretty happy to check out what seemed to be a spirtual successor.

The thing I really appreciate about Howard's books is that they that suit middle grade kids but that are also appealling to readers of all ages. He talks about issues he faced when he was a kid, issues that unfortunately kids today still face and he does it in a very charming way. You can't help but sympathise with his protagonists.

It's pretty clear that Howard had a sad childhood at times, and he discusses issues in this book that perhaps a lot of other books aimed at middle grade kids would avoid. Messed up home lives, abusive parents, bullying, suicide are all very heavy topics but are handled with a gentleness and realism.

I think the only thing I really had to force suspension of disbelief is around the ghost and how they can apparently interact with humans pretty easily, so where the hell is all the proof? But it's fine, it's a book for middle school kids so even if there is an explanation it's really not that important.

Like "The Whispers" I really like the protagonist and it's nice that there are authors out there writing books they wished they had as a kid.

[Karen Gagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine if you were 12 years old, couldn’t remember who you were or how you became stuck on an old rice plantation called: Hollow Pines. Also imagine how you would feel if you were a lost boy, who’s soul was trapped with no way of knowing how to become free. That’s exactly what has happened to the narrator of this gripping story about Hollow Pines & its many lost souls.
All the days are pretty much the same for the lost souls living at Hollow Pines – they follow the same patterns they did when they were living. Things can get pretty bizarre when you’re dead, because time seems to move in different ways. Hollow Pines has a mind & soul of its very own and it doesn’t like visitors around.
Whenever any visitors from the world of the living arrive – the lost souls usually scare them off fast, before anything bad can happen to them. Because a malicious spirit lurks in the shadows of Hollow Pines, one who preys upon the living & their souls.
One day everything changes when some younger visitors come to Hollow Pines – the first in a very long time. Upon seeing these new visitors, the lost boy suddenly feels a small spark of hope – because they are around his own age. These visitors also seem to understand more than anyone else that the plantation is a place where some unspeakable things happened to the poor folks who were enslaved there generations ago.
The lost boy reckons that if these kids can understand the truths behind Hollow Pines, just maybe they might also help him uncover the dark secrets of his own unknown past & help him finally become free.
Will the lost boy find a way to remember who he is & become free? What will happen to the other lost souls trapped at Hollow Pines? To find out the answers to these questions – grab a copy of this special book right away.

[Aud · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in this book, and I don't mean that in a bad way. The main narrator is a boy who died on a haunted plantation in the early 1970s. He doesn't remember how - he doesn't even remember his name. In between the sections where he tells the reader about his existence on the plantation, the other "lost souls" there, and the kids who are currently "visiting" the plantation, we get sections where we see the story of Will Perkins, a boy who disappeared in 1971, and whom the titular "visitors" are investigating for their would-be podcast.

The book discusses modern and historical LGBTQIA+ issues and discrimination, the brutal treatment of enslaved people and how that part of American history is improperly taught in schools, the importance of self-forgiveness and finding safe people to talk to, and is ultimately a surprisingly hopeful story by the end. It also has some very scary parts. It's all tied together well, in a cohesive plot. The world building is strong, and the characters felt authentic.

Due to the scary ghost who rules the roost on the plantation, and the talk of at least two dead babies and one suicide, I might not hand this book to an extremely sensitive reader. I'm honestly not sure I could have handled this book without bawling at age ten - I came pretty close to crying as an adult, towards the end. But there are plenty of kids aged 10+ who would get a lot out of this. Who are strong readers and will appreciate all the history and plot threads and everything else. And, frankly, there are a lot of things in human history worth crying about. The author's note does an excellent job of explaining some of his choices, and they all make perfect sense to me.

A strong addition to a middle grade collection. Strong middle grade readers who like horror with some history will get the most out of it. Well done, Mr. Howard!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I told a few friends of mine that I knew this book would be special and that was only when I was on chapter 6! I turned out to be right! Although I am not of the community this story is primarily written for, I believe everyone needs to read it to understand the impact of harmful speech and actions. Although it is framed somewhat as a ghost story the concept of people being left behind because of unfinished business is not a new one, but it is one that each other can frame it differently to make it unique. In the case of The Visitors, the reader meets the main character, but doesn't have a name because the character himself isn't sure who he is or how he ended up as a ghost. Every time the MC tries to leave, he can't. I liked this mystery behind the main character because throughout the book I was trying to figure out who he was. Should it have been obvious? Probably, but honestly with the way it was framed there were options. The overall theme of forgiveness played a part in every character's story and I felt that was powerful. How do you move on from pain if you can't forgive yourself or someone else? I really enjoyed the twist that came about, but I wish the author had played into that a bit more because it would have been really neat. The truth is we are all affected by the people and events that came before us. History teaches us what we should do to be better moving forward. I felt for Thomas, Maya and Mateo who were all struggling with how to do that. My favorite scene for them was the scene where they are talking in front of the fire. I believe that was a turning point in their part of the story. I felt every emotion while reading this book and I believe that is because it is well written. Adult and young readers alike will get a lot out of this book and hopefully learn something from it. Books are for entertainment, but even fiction can be used to teach a lesson.

[Laina SpareTime]

Cross-posted from my blog where there's more information on where I got my copy and links and everything.

Wow, I really, really liked this. This is such a good example of what really good middle grade horror can be. It is legitimately creepy, but also really heartfelt and lovely. The main character of this book was born in the sixties, and so the book addresses a lot of historical attitudes and events. I liked the comparison of his story as a queer kid against queer kids of the present day and how much hope he finds in that.

I also appreciated the way the book discussed South Carolina’s history. The main character talks about how he wasn’t taught accurate history in school and that the kids who are in school now are being taught the same things he was.

Also the kids are making a true crime podcast and I think that’s just a hilarious concept for a bunch of kids to be doing. It’s for a school project, but it’s still a true crime podcast.

I am failing at reviewing this, but I liked it and I’d recommend if. If you are a fan of Kyle Lukoff’s Too Bright to See or Just South of Home, this would fit in with those very well. This is not the happiest queer middle grade book, but I think it is very lovely.

Also, funny thing about this one? I read it by accident lol. I meant to order a different book by the author and mixed up the titles.

Representation: The main character, the ghost, is gay. One of the podcast kids is a trans girl.

Content notes: Dicussions of racism and slavery, homophobia, bullying, suicide, discussions of transphobia.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't generally read middle-grade, or ghost stories, but this title came highly recommended from a smart friend whose opinion I admire. I was drawn right in to the creepy setting, and understood the kids' desire to learn about the abandoned plantation for their podcast school assignment. As they initially encountered the ghost of Will Perkins, the story really took off. Will's sad story, both as an abused gay child, and the fifty years of ghost-purgatory since at the mansion, was rough to read about, as were the stories of the ghosts trapped there for many years longer. When the kids eventually discovered the truth and helped Will understand what had really happened, it was a sort of relief, but the tragedy of what occurred at that location to the enslaved people and to Will made for a sorrowful read.

Goldie, the dog that accompanied the kids, was a bright spot, and Howard clearly can write about how dogs sense elements beyond what humans are capable of. The unexpected "reunion" toward the end took my breath away, as I wasn't prepared for it. All in all, a really exceptional novel for tweens.

One caveat: despite the author's note explaining why he wrote about the misguided way South Carolina history was and is taught, there were some moments of heavy-handed authorial voice which had me rolling my eyes. I questioned if all current SC history teachers are really that terrible, and if I were a more progressive teacher, I'd be pretty damn offended by this book's characterization.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selected this title because it had two of my favorite elements, middle school ghost story and a historical setting. The ghosts and history were there, but so were issues, realism and sensitivity. A 12 year old ghost is stuck at Hollow Pines, an uninhabited decrepit plantation in Georgetown County, South Carolina. He doesn't know his name, where he came from, or what happened to result in his not being able to leave, but he has the company of several other “stuck” ghosts from the days when whites exploited the enslaved, and most have become his family. One day three young visitors arrive on their bikes to work on a media project, “Finding Will”, a mystery that has been unsolved for 50 years. Our 12 year year old ghost is over the moon because they are his age, and he is lonely. There are three timelines-- the antebellum years, 1971, and present day. The 12 year old ghost speaks in first person and narrates the other time lines. He easily interprets the interactions of the three visitors, and is fascinated by their conversations, which contain words new to him, and equipment which was not invented when he became stuck at Hollow Pines. His goal is to not scare them away and to enjoy their company for a bit, while shielding them from possible harm by one ghost in particular. He also thinks they might be able to help him discover how and why he came to be stuck at Hollow Pines. The issues span across time -- abusive adults, bullies, and gender identity, but there are also stalwart family and friends who emote hate, ridicule, confusion, compassion, and acceptance. This is a little more serious than the usual ghost story, and borders on realistic fiction, and I highly recommend. Thank you to Putnam and Netgalley for the e-galley.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My feelings on this one are complicated. I very much see the value in the topics addressed in this book, but I'm not sure I'm enthusiastic about how it was done. In a middle grade book, I would have liked to seen clearer trigger warning on the front end for suicide, as this could be a really tough topic to be surprised by for some kids. I know this would have ruined a large reveal, but I'm not sure how I feel about suicide as a plot twist in general. I'm also not sure how I feel about the plantation setting, as it could have easily been set somewhere else and I'm not sure the white author was equipped or able to give the themes of slavery the full gravity they deserve in an already weighty book. It's clear the issues addressed are important to the author and were dealt with sensitively, but I'm not sure that was enough to make me recommend this book. For middle grade horror that deals with the legacy of slavery, I would recommend Eden's Everdark. For a queer middle grade ghost story that deals with grief, I would recommend Too Bright to See.

[Allenhuss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quick juvenile fiction read. This one is more for grade 5 or up. It hits on some very heavy topics. The author does an incredible job with a fast paced ghost story around an unsolved death and all while also dealing with sexuality and trans issues, abuse, slavery, and the whitewashing of plantation history. The author's note is especially good. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

Fav quotes"

1. The best part of a thing is always on the inside ... I'm not sure if she was talking about butter beans or people, but I always hope that the same was true about me.

2. They're too young to have such complicated lives. But I guess all kids are. I know I was.

3. Will wondered what that must feel like - to go through your days without a tightness in your chest and the constant happiness in your head making you sleepy all the time. And without fear.

4. You can't change the past ... none of us can so it's better not to be ruled by it.
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Suicide trigger warning. I read most, but listened to part of this as an audiobook. I had to turn it off because I was crying while grocery shopping. 💔

[Orion · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot of this novel revolves around the main character's desire to leave Hollow Pines Plantation, but he's tethered by a burden; this burden is how he died and how his sister is doing. The problem of the book is how the characters are presented/written. There are MANY characters and it's hard to keep up with who's who and what their relationships are, much less the dynamics among the characters.
Another complaint I have about this book is how vague it is. For example, Sarah is a recurring character in MC's life (i.e when he was alive), originally presented as a friend of MC. Later on, it is revealed that she is actually the sister of MC. And, if I am not mistaken, Thomas (the visitor, as per the book's illustration and on several pages) reveals that Sarah is his grandmother, which makes for some confusing reading. I HIGHLY recommend adding sticky notes on relevant pages so you can follow the characters and plot better!

[Rhiannon's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The abandoned Hollow Pines plantation in Georgetown is haunted. Among the lost souls trapped at Hollow Pines is a twelve year-old boy. When a group of teens visits the plantation as research for their school project, the boy begins to remember his time in the living world. Some stories, however painful, need to be told.

Interest Level: ages 12+
Reading Level: ages 9+

The Visitors is a story that does not shy away from the hard topics, with ongoing mention of slavery and suicide. This young ghost's story is an important one - a story of a boy who feels hopeless and alone, and a story of hope and acceptance in an ever-growing world. I have rarely read such a heartbreaking book, especially in the children's literature world. I so respect Greg Howard's dedication to representation of marginalized groups of people, which shows very clearly in this book.

[Andrew Eder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so. Darn. Great. I loved loved loved it! I went in with zero knowledge or expectations and was blown away, especially with a surprise queer plot line! I was really really happy there weren’t any casual slurs used either (a common attempt at authenticity in middle grade books).

This was a really interesting mystery that kept me engaged the whole time. Set back on an old slave plantation, you get to meet a lot of different characters (ghosts), and spend most of the time with the main character. I also really liked how the book went back and forth between now and then to give more clues into solving the mystery. There were a few WHOA moments that I wasn’t expecting either! HIGHLY recommend.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three middle school students visit an abandoned plantation to find answers to a fifty year old mystery.

Important issues include the white washing of the American education system, bullying and violence toward lgbtq persons, and suicide.

The author grew up as a gay youth in the south and shares some of his experiences in the authors note. He was never able to see himself in any of the books that he read.

This book is important for lgbtq students who need to see themselves in books and to know they are not alone. It will hopefully inspire empathy and acceptance and combat ignorance that leads to hate and bullying.

[KATHRYNE STEVENS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is equal parts spooky and emotional and I am here for it. It was a page turner where I couldn't put it down. It had me crying like a baby. While the book can read as a little young at time, especially with the characters, it managed to keep me engaged the whole time. I thought the plot was excellent in terms of how events led to one another and I appreciated the characters and their interactions. The characters were not completely developed, but in this story it seemed to work. I cared, I was surprised, I was nervous. I felt all the things.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say I get to apply the term "haunting" to just one book ever. I think this is it. Yes it's a ghost story, so, easy pun but, my friends, it's unforgettable and raw and it respectfully and unforgettably centers being a hopeless gay child in the early 1970s AND being an enslaved Black mother or sibling or cousin on an 18th century plantation in South Carolina. Anyone who thinks middle grade kiddos aren't ready for BIG topics needs to get over yourself or be completely scandalized by this indelible book.

[Angela Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an impactful and emotional story! A suspenseful ghost story that tackles a variety of important issues including gay and trans issues, bullying, mental health, child abuse and on top of that, the truths behind slavery. There is a lot going on, but the story is told so well that it all meshes together perfectly and then ends in a way that leaves a positive impact, in spite of the heart-wrenching emotions of the story.

[Susan Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so sad and dark that I didn't love it... But boy is it going to stick with me! The ghost of a young boy haunts a deserted rice plantation. He has been there for as long as he can remember, and he doesn't remember how he came to be there. Nor does he know a way to leave or move on. When a group of children ride their bikes out to the plantation to do some exploring, this sets in motion a terrifying series of events. Shocking and terribly disturbing.

[Annalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son picked this book out at Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN and upon finishing it, immediately recommended it to me. The book deals with some heavy topics including bullying of LGBTQ teens, abuse and the history of slavery. But it also wraps these topics into a mystery/ ghost story making these topics accessible to the middle school reader at which the book is aimed. I look forward to the conversation this book will spark around the dinner table.