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Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards
rom APALA Honor award-winning author Susan Tan, a middle-grade novel about a girl who must overcome her worries to find the truth behind her town's urban legend.
Mo is not afraid of toast. Just to be clear. She is afraid of fires, though. Which can be caused by everyday appliances, like toasters. So toast isn’t the problem, but you could say it’s the start of a slippery slope. Since her family's recent move, Mo's been eating oatmeal for breakfast.
Moving to a new town is never easy, but it’s even harder when you’re dealing with a stepdad who just left and a mom who can’t get out of bed long enough to find a new a job.
But Mo doesn’t have time to dwell on these things. Because it’s her job to keep her family together. To keep them safe.
So when an elephant starts to haunt her dreams―and a mysterious spirit attacks her home―Mo knows it’s up to her to intervene before things get too dangerous.
With her new friend, Nathaniel, she embarks on an investigation, searching for the truth about the town, its people, and their history. But things are much more complicated and tangled than she thought.
To find out what’s really going on, Mo might have to live a little dangerously after all.
Mo is not afraid of toast. Just to be clear. She is afraid of fires, though. Which can be caused by everyday appliances, like toasters. So toast isn’t the problem, but you could say it’s the start of a slippery slope. Since her family's recent move, Mo's been eating oatmeal for breakfast.
Moving to a new town is never easy, but it’s even harder when you’re dealing with a stepdad who just left and a mom who can’t get out of bed long enough to find a new a job.
But Mo doesn’t have time to dwell on these things. Because it’s her job to keep her family together. To keep them safe.
So when an elephant starts to haunt her dreams―and a mysterious spirit attacks her home―Mo knows it’s up to her to intervene before things get too dangerous.
With her new friend, Nathaniel, she embarks on an investigation, searching for the truth about the town, its people, and their history. But things are much more complicated and tangled than she thought.
To find out what’s really going on, Mo might have to live a little dangerously after all.
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First published April 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 19, 2023
This was a middle school mystery that was also realistic fiction with a touch of the paranormal.
While one might be tempted to assume that everything she experienced that was paranormal in nature was just a result of her anxieties, other characters see or hear things that can't be fully explained, so it leaves the reader wondering.
What I liked about this book was the journey the author took us through the mind of a 12-year-old experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, as well as OCD, triggered by some traumatic events in her life. But the author also explored the impact a bad divorce can have on the family after a parent leaves. The depression experienced by the parent left behind and its impact on the kids was explored here, but I liked that the author also talked about how a family culture where one never talks about feelings can make everything even harder. I liked that the resolution included counseling for both her mom and her.
I also really liked how she used music as a way to communicate, and I ended up pulling up some of those songs even as I read this book. It would be cool if there was a list of songs at the end of the book--the author could even share a song list on Spotify or Youtube, lol!
I will say that it took me a little time to warm up to Mo, but she was at a bad place in her life, and given that she never had counseling and her mom never talked to her about any of it, it's understandable that she didn't know how to deal with her bad feelings. But as we learned more about her past experiences, as well as the past experiences of the other two boys, I started warming up to all three of them.
I also liked that she explored the theme of racism in their town, and I loved the librarian. With Mo's state of mind at the beginning of the book, all she could do was be angry about the obvious racism and prejudice she was experiencing, but I loved how the librarian ended up being a resource both for the mystery of the past, but also for concrete ways Mo can speak out about the casual racism that she encounters.
Overall, I thought this was a solid middle school book that tackles several serious topics in a way that is accessible to 11–13-year-olds.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While one might be tempted to assume that everything she experienced that was paranormal in nature was just a result of her anxieties, other characters see or hear things that can't be fully explained, so it leaves the reader wondering.
What I liked about this book was the journey the author took us through the mind of a 12-year-old experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, as well as OCD, triggered by some traumatic events in her life. But the author also explored the impact a bad divorce can have on the family after a parent leaves. The depression experienced by the parent left behind and its impact on the kids was explored here, but I liked that the author also talked about how a family culture where one never talks about feelings can make everything even harder. I liked that the resolution included counseling for both her mom and her.
I also really liked how she used music as a way to communicate, and I ended up pulling up some of those songs even as I read this book. It would be cool if there was a list of songs at the end of the book--the author could even share a song list on Spotify or Youtube, lol!
I will say that it took me a little time to warm up to Mo, but she was at a bad place in her life, and given that she never had counseling and her mom never talked to her about any of it, it's understandable that she didn't know how to deal with her bad feelings. But as we learned more about her past experiences, as well as the past experiences of the other two boys, I started warming up to all three of them.
I also liked that she explored the theme of racism in their town, and I loved the librarian. With Mo's state of mind at the beginning of the book, all she could do was be angry about the obvious racism and prejudice she was experiencing, but I loved how the librarian ended up being a resource both for the mystery of the past, but also for concrete ways Mo can speak out about the casual racism that she encounters.
Overall, I thought this was a solid middle school book that tackles several serious topics in a way that is accessible to 11–13-year-olds.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2023
Mo is a twelve-year-old girl who has been blindsided and whose whole life has been destroyed by her scum-bag step-dad choosing to abruptly abandon her family (Mo, her Mom Lily, and little five-year-old sister CeCe) so that he can live with his girlfriend and the child they are expecting. Who needs him!? He makes horrible, selfish choices and leaves devastation in his wake (and what kind of stupid woman is he with that doesn't believe the same thing will happen to her seven years down the line? Karma, it's a b****!).
Whew! That having been said: Mo and her ghost-hunting friend Nathaniel weave an adventurous tale of a ghost elephant, a mysterious white dog, a haunted house deep in the woods, a deceased, tormented circus owner, a troubled classmate, and how they plan to set everyone free from what is haunting them. Featuring serious subject matter: divorce, mental health issues (depression, anxiety, ocd, phobias), the whitewashing of history, racism, animal cruelty, and more).
Whew! That having been said: Mo and her ghost-hunting friend Nathaniel weave an adventurous tale of a ghost elephant, a mysterious white dog, a haunted house deep in the woods, a deceased, tormented circus owner, a troubled classmate, and how they plan to set everyone free from what is haunting them. Featuring serious subject matter: divorce, mental health issues (depression, anxiety, ocd, phobias), the whitewashing of history, racism, animal cruelty, and more).
May 27, 2023
Above-average writing. It’d be nice if all kid’s lit were at least this well-written. Sticking with three stars because I thought some things could’ve been fleshed out better (or left out), and I read this with my head more than my heart.
April 10, 2024
Please seek out diverse perspectives.
This is a delight. If you like ghost stories, have anxiety and complicated family dynamics this story is for you. A middle grade story about family upheaval, moving, making new friends, parents being human and making big mistakes that impact you as a kid…this has a lot of important topics. The story is entertaining, too.
There is animal cruelty in a historical sensed, racism, adults abandoning kids, mental health challenges.
This is a delight. If you like ghost stories, have anxiety and complicated family dynamics this story is for you. A middle grade story about family upheaval, moving, making new friends, parents being human and making big mistakes that impact you as a kid…this has a lot of important topics. The story is entertaining, too.
There is animal cruelty in a historical sensed, racism, adults abandoning kids, mental health challenges.
November 21, 2023
I liked this a lot! As a portrayal of anxiety/trauma in a middle schooler I thought it was good and then I also liked the ghostly mystery.
June 11, 2023
4 Starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
When her step-father leaves and her family loses their home to a fire, twelve-year-old Monica, preferably called Mo, has a few fears, but the chance to hunt an elephant ghost, and the promise of a new friend just might show Mo that she can live with a little danger.
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards was an enjoyable read, with funny remarks between Mo and Nathaniel, a boy she meets at her new school. I liked the storyline and the interesting plot twist. I wasn’t a fan of some of the characters or the backstory of the ghost.
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**
When her step-father leaves and her family loses their home to a fire, twelve-year-old Monica, preferably called Mo, has a few fears, but the chance to hunt an elephant ghost, and the promise of a new friend just might show Mo that she can live with a little danger.
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards was an enjoyable read, with funny remarks between Mo and Nathaniel, a boy she meets at her new school. I liked the storyline and the interesting plot twist. I wasn’t a fan of some of the characters or the backstory of the ghost.
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**
April 24, 2023
When her stepfather leaves the family, Mo, her half-sister, and their mom cram into her hippie great-uncle Ray's house in a new town. Anxious about starting a new middle school--as well as more serious dangers like toaster fires and overloaded electrical outlets--Mo does her best to take care of her sister and her depressed mom and to shake off comments from new neighbors, some of whom assume she is a tourist because there are no other Chinese American families around, and a boy at school whose class clown act borders on bullying. Bonding with Uncle Ray over classic rock music helps Mo unwind a bit after school, but at night, she experiences a recurrence of her childhood sleepwalking habit, this time with vivid dreams that linger into the mornings with unexplainable physical connections to a town legend of the ghost of Maudie, a circus elephant that died in a fire. Determined to get to the root of her dreams, Mo enlists the help of her classmate Nathaniel, an authority on ghosts and exorcisms, but as they dig deeper into the town's past, they begin to realize that the stories about Maudie were distorted and to find peace--for the elephant and themselves--they will have to read between the lines to find the truth, about the circus and the tragedies in their own lives.
Mo's funny, honest voice propels an enthralling narrative with fantasy elements that function on both a literal and metaphorical level. I had trouble putting this one down and highly recommend it to fans of middle grade contemporary fiction with embedded fantasy elements, such as The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin or The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhart. This is also a great pick for book clubs!
Mo's funny, honest voice propels an enthralling narrative with fantasy elements that function on both a literal and metaphorical level. I had trouble putting this one down and highly recommend it to fans of middle grade contemporary fiction with embedded fantasy elements, such as The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin or The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhart. This is also a great pick for book clubs!
May 29, 2023
Charming, spooky, sad, fun, and mysterious. I appreciated the real life discussions of racism, anxiety, depression, animal stewardship (or lack thereof), and generational traumas. Mo’s struggles with maintaining friendships, her resistance to articulating internal strife, and her anger were sensitively and honestly drawn. Yet these elements lift the story up instead of bogging it down. Finally, despite all this realness, there is woven throughout a taste of the metaphysical and magical, which can be found in how Mo’s uncle introduces her to the power of music and in memories locked in the land. A+++! Kids are gonna dig this and probably stay up too long reading to the end, like I did. Oh, and here’s where I mention the author is in similar writing kidlit circles in Boston, MA. We are buddies, yet I think distant enough to not overly cloud this review. I’m a true fan of Susan’s voice and her work, and I look up to how she’s making her way in this writing world. I definitely recommend checking out her other novels!
June 14, 2023
Super cute read filled with adventure and friendship I loved watching Mo learning how to navigate a new school, a reconfigured family and her anxiety and it was a joy watching she and her uncle bond over music. She and her new friend Nathaniel start investigating a town legend and Mo learns that history is not what it seems. And, there is a ghost elephant as well! A fun read overall.
January 31, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Monica Lin (who likes to be called Mo), her mother, and younger sister CeCe have lost their home and moved in with her mother's Uncle Ray. After CeCe's father (whom Mo called S-Dad) left, Mo's mother had a hard time paying the bills, and is now looking for another job in their new location. Uncle Ray considers himself an aging Chinese hippie, and puts a lot of interesting vegetables into all the food that he serves. Mo is leery of people at school, and runs afoul of Peter, who claims he owns the school, but makes a tentative friendship with Nathaniel. The two usually hide in the library at lunch, and develop a shared interest in a historical fire in a traveling circus that happened in New Warren and resulted in the death of an elephant, Maudie. Mo is very worried about a lot of things, especially fire, since there was a significant fire in her house caused by a toasted oven the day that S-Dad moved out. Uncle Ray's house is very near the local junk yard, where Maudie was supposedly buried, and Mo realizes that the ghost of Maudie is haunting the area. Since Nathaniel is serious about a career as a paranormal investigator, the two are soon investigating the history of the circus, the town, and the family behind all of the problems. Will Mo be able to put Maudie's spirit to rest and also get help for her own trauma?
Strengths: I really liked the New Warren setting, and especially Uncle Ray. I think there are a lot of young readers who end up living with relatives for extended periods of time, and there aren't as many books that include this. I also thought that Mo's emotions concerning S-Dad, and the fact that he didn't have any contact with her when he left, were worth exploring. Mo and Nathaniel make a good investigative pair, and Nathaniel's ties to Peter are realistic. I was glad to see that Mo's family problems were talked about, and that she and her mother got some help. Uncle Ray was so much fun, and I enjoyed the scenes where he was trying to help Mo make sense of the world.
Weaknesses: I always question a school library that allows students to hide from the librarian and eat lunch. It's so busy in my library, and I'm so careful to know where all the students are that it always bothers me.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like some ghosts mixed in with mental health issues in books like Urban's Almost There and Almost Not, Malinenko's This Appearing House, or Arnold's The House That Wasn't There.
Monica Lin (who likes to be called Mo), her mother, and younger sister CeCe have lost their home and moved in with her mother's Uncle Ray. After CeCe's father (whom Mo called S-Dad) left, Mo's mother had a hard time paying the bills, and is now looking for another job in their new location. Uncle Ray considers himself an aging Chinese hippie, and puts a lot of interesting vegetables into all the food that he serves. Mo is leery of people at school, and runs afoul of Peter, who claims he owns the school, but makes a tentative friendship with Nathaniel. The two usually hide in the library at lunch, and develop a shared interest in a historical fire in a traveling circus that happened in New Warren and resulted in the death of an elephant, Maudie. Mo is very worried about a lot of things, especially fire, since there was a significant fire in her house caused by a toasted oven the day that S-Dad moved out. Uncle Ray's house is very near the local junk yard, where Maudie was supposedly buried, and Mo realizes that the ghost of Maudie is haunting the area. Since Nathaniel is serious about a career as a paranormal investigator, the two are soon investigating the history of the circus, the town, and the family behind all of the problems. Will Mo be able to put Maudie's spirit to rest and also get help for her own trauma?
Strengths: I really liked the New Warren setting, and especially Uncle Ray. I think there are a lot of young readers who end up living with relatives for extended periods of time, and there aren't as many books that include this. I also thought that Mo's emotions concerning S-Dad, and the fact that he didn't have any contact with her when he left, were worth exploring. Mo and Nathaniel make a good investigative pair, and Nathaniel's ties to Peter are realistic. I was glad to see that Mo's family problems were talked about, and that she and her mother got some help. Uncle Ray was so much fun, and I enjoyed the scenes where he was trying to help Mo make sense of the world.
Weaknesses: I always question a school library that allows students to hide from the librarian and eat lunch. It's so busy in my library, and I'm so careful to know where all the students are that it always bothers me.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like some ghosts mixed in with mental health issues in books like Urban's Almost There and Almost Not, Malinenko's This Appearing House, or Arnold's The House That Wasn't There.
September 2, 2022
What worked:
Deep fears are an issue in the book and pyromania is a big problem for Mo. Mo’s family lost their home so they’re now living with her Uncle Ray. Mo can’t sleep unless she’s checked the house for fire hazards and made sure all appliances have been unplugged. She also has a fear of ghosts but it’s not clear where it originated. Her phobias are exaggerated when she hears a story about the ghost of an elephant haunting the town after it was killed in a circus tent fire many years ago.
This strange tale of Maudie the elephant becomes the focus for the rest of the plot. Residents keep the myth of her ghost alive as a tourist attraction although there’s usually a hint of truth behind these kinds of stories. Mo reluctantly makes friends with a classmate named Nathaniel out of necessity. She has dreams about the elephant and fire but discovers some unexpected evidence that there’s more going on than she thought. Nathaniel has a strong interest in ghosts so he’s a perfect partner to help her uncover the mystery. The junkyard next to Uncle Ray’s house is the epicenter of the problem and makes an especially creepy setting, even more so at night.
The plot involves many serious issues and feelings that might be encountered by young readers. Mo’s stepdad left and remarried so she has mixed emotions about remembering him. He’s the only father she remembers but he abandoned the family and doesn’t treat her like his birth-daughter CeCe. In addition, Mo’s mother is still struggling after the divorce so she hasn’t been behaving very motherly. Being the new kid at school, Mo has trouble with classmates and doesn’t see the value in making new friends. Nathaniel’s father died a year ago so those emotions are still fresh in his mind, especially with the memory of his last words to his father.
What didn’t work as well:
Uncle Ray helps Mo deal with her stress throughout the book by listening to remixes of old music and discussing the song lyrics. I’m a huge fan of classic rock but young readers probably won’t appreciate song references without having some idea of their words. Readers will still get the gist of some songs after Uncle Ray shares his thoughts and the overall plot can still be enjoyed.
The Final Verdict:
The early part of the book may not grab readers right away due to Mo’s phobias and negativity. However, the author tenderly addresses Mo’s deep emotions and blends that with her quest to bring a peaceful resolution for Maudie’s spirit.
Deep fears are an issue in the book and pyromania is a big problem for Mo. Mo’s family lost their home so they’re now living with her Uncle Ray. Mo can’t sleep unless she’s checked the house for fire hazards and made sure all appliances have been unplugged. She also has a fear of ghosts but it’s not clear where it originated. Her phobias are exaggerated when she hears a story about the ghost of an elephant haunting the town after it was killed in a circus tent fire many years ago.
This strange tale of Maudie the elephant becomes the focus for the rest of the plot. Residents keep the myth of her ghost alive as a tourist attraction although there’s usually a hint of truth behind these kinds of stories. Mo reluctantly makes friends with a classmate named Nathaniel out of necessity. She has dreams about the elephant and fire but discovers some unexpected evidence that there’s more going on than she thought. Nathaniel has a strong interest in ghosts so he’s a perfect partner to help her uncover the mystery. The junkyard next to Uncle Ray’s house is the epicenter of the problem and makes an especially creepy setting, even more so at night.
The plot involves many serious issues and feelings that might be encountered by young readers. Mo’s stepdad left and remarried so she has mixed emotions about remembering him. He’s the only father she remembers but he abandoned the family and doesn’t treat her like his birth-daughter CeCe. In addition, Mo’s mother is still struggling after the divorce so she hasn’t been behaving very motherly. Being the new kid at school, Mo has trouble with classmates and doesn’t see the value in making new friends. Nathaniel’s father died a year ago so those emotions are still fresh in his mind, especially with the memory of his last words to his father.
What didn’t work as well:
Uncle Ray helps Mo deal with her stress throughout the book by listening to remixes of old music and discussing the song lyrics. I’m a huge fan of classic rock but young readers probably won’t appreciate song references without having some idea of their words. Readers will still get the gist of some songs after Uncle Ray shares his thoughts and the overall plot can still be enjoyed.
The Final Verdict:
The early part of the book may not grab readers right away due to Mo’s phobias and negativity. However, the author tenderly addresses Mo’s deep emotions and blends that with her quest to bring a peaceful resolution for Maudie’s spirit.
June 8, 2023
I love that this middle grade story is mostly contemporary with a bit of supernatural mixed in. The main character, Mo, is struggling after her stepfather abruptly left the family, her mom lost her job, and Mo, Mom, and younger sister CeCe have to move to a new town with hippie Uncle Ray. Mo is dealing with a lot of anger towards her stepdad, and also a particular fear of fire, since she was making toast when her stepdad told her he was leaving and she ran outside, leaving the toaster oven on and starting a small kitchen fire. She also feels that she has to protect her family from any impending doom, especially since Mom is dealing with depression after losing her husband, job, and house, and isn't very present in her daughters' lives at the moment.
Mo also struggles to trust any potential friends. This is explained more towards the end of the book. But she does manage to trust Nathaniel with her mission to help Maudie the elephant ghost, who is haunting Mo's dreams. She feels that she needs to set Maudie's spirit free in order to help her find peace, and also to protect Mo's family from any evil spirits that might be connected to Maudie's past. Nathaniel loves all things ghosts, so he seems a likely candidate to assist in this mission.
I enjoyed watching the mystery of Maudie's past unfold as well as getting to know Mo and what makes her the way she is. The supernatural storyline parallels the present-day storyline really well and serves as a kind of metaphor for what Mo is going through. It is nice to see Mo settling into her new home and making peace with the past, both hers and Maudie's.
Mo also struggles to trust any potential friends. This is explained more towards the end of the book. But she does manage to trust Nathaniel with her mission to help Maudie the elephant ghost, who is haunting Mo's dreams. She feels that she needs to set Maudie's spirit free in order to help her find peace, and also to protect Mo's family from any evil spirits that might be connected to Maudie's past. Nathaniel loves all things ghosts, so he seems a likely candidate to assist in this mission.
I enjoyed watching the mystery of Maudie's past unfold as well as getting to know Mo and what makes her the way she is. The supernatural storyline parallels the present-day storyline really well and serves as a kind of metaphor for what Mo is going through. It is nice to see Mo settling into her new home and making peace with the past, both hers and Maudie's.
October 3, 2023
"Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards" by Susan Tan is an absolute gem of a book that deserves every one of its five stars. This heartwarming and delightful story captivates readers from start to finish.
Susan Tan's writing is not only engaging but also beautifully descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the charming world she has created. The characters, especially the endearing Clara and her quirky Aunties, are lovable and relatable, making it easy to connect with them on a personal level.
The plot is both enchanting and filled with meaningful life lessons, making it suitable for readers of all ages. It seamlessly weaves together themes of family, friendship, and the power of imagination.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to explore complex emotions and experiences in a way that is accessible to young readers while still resonating with adults. It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the magic of everyday life.
In "Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards," Susan Tan has crafted a literary treasure that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming and thought-provoking story. This book earns its five stars with flying colors!
Susan Tan's writing is not only engaging but also beautifully descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the charming world she has created. The characters, especially the endearing Clara and her quirky Aunties, are lovable and relatable, making it easy to connect with them on a personal level.
The plot is both enchanting and filled with meaningful life lessons, making it suitable for readers of all ages. It seamlessly weaves together themes of family, friendship, and the power of imagination.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to explore complex emotions and experiences in a way that is accessible to young readers while still resonating with adults. It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the magic of everyday life.
In "Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards," Susan Tan has crafted a literary treasure that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming and thought-provoking story. This book earns its five stars with flying colors!
April 3, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Mo and her family had to leave their home and move in with her great-uncle in another town. Readers meet her in this new location and learn some of her story in memories, flashbacks and dreams. She struggles with severe anxiety issues and fears stemming from her stepdad leaving them and an accidental fire she caused after being told. So, her fears have a real base but she has let them expand into a need to keep everyone safe. She struggles to make friends in her new middle school and finally risks connecting with Nathaniel. Together, they set out to see if there are ghosts in their area. I appreciate how Tan creates characters who each carry their own internal struggles and are able to still find ways to connect with others and reach out in their own ways. By the end, readers see healing for each of the characters and resolution to the historical situation too.
Middle grade readers will connect with the concerns and see themself somewhere in this story.
Mo and her family had to leave their home and move in with her great-uncle in another town. Readers meet her in this new location and learn some of her story in memories, flashbacks and dreams. She struggles with severe anxiety issues and fears stemming from her stepdad leaving them and an accidental fire she caused after being told. So, her fears have a real base but she has let them expand into a need to keep everyone safe. She struggles to make friends in her new middle school and finally risks connecting with Nathaniel. Together, they set out to see if there are ghosts in their area. I appreciate how Tan creates characters who each carry their own internal struggles and are able to still find ways to connect with others and reach out in their own ways. By the end, readers see healing for each of the characters and resolution to the historical situation too.
Middle grade readers will connect with the concerns and see themself somewhere in this story.
October 4, 2023
I love that this book tackles tough subjects with really excellent characters -- and that there is support waiting to help Mo and her family when they are ready to take it. Her uncle's quiet attention is a real stand-out in this book -- he listens, notices, offers space and music. I appreciate how there really isn't a resolution to her awful Stepdad's awful behavior. He's a terrible human being, who does terrible things, and that does not change or get better. Her mom's devastated depression is also just presented as a reality that Mo and Cece have to figure out how to negotiate. Hard times happen. Mo is anxious for good reasons. There's a great message here on endurance and resilience. Love the supernatural aspects of the book and how they are subjective. Love the librarian and her critical mind spotlighting racism. Love the friendship dynamics and blow-up and resolution. Just a lot of really good stuff with characters that make me want to keep reading.
March 13, 2024
I'd say maybe a 3.5 stars on this one. There was a lot going on, and it was confusing at times. It was almost like a puzzle, with bits and pieces dropped here and there, but they don't really all come together until the end. Sometimes that's good, but with this book sometimes it left me feeling a little lost. And, honestly, with the paranoia over fire being so prevalent in the beginning, I expected the actual fire to be a bigger deal. I was originally thinking the reason they had to move was because their house had burned down or something. And I kept waiting for there to be some kind of reveal. Surely the small toaster fire couldn't be that big a deal, could it? I understand it was tied in with the stepdad leaving, so that made it a bigger deal, but it just felt like a bit of a letdown.
Overall, good characterization, vivid imagery, compelling writing, but if feels like even after finishing the book I'm still trying to fit all the pieces together.
Overall, good characterization, vivid imagery, compelling writing, but if feels like even after finishing the book I'm still trying to fit all the pieces together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
Thank you to #NetGalley, Susan Tan and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mo is not afraid of toast, but of fire. Her toast caught on fire when she found out the her stepdad was leaving her, her mom and sister. Now it's Mo's job to keep her family together. They soon move in with her mom's Uncle Ray. Shortly after the move, Mo is haunted in her dreams by elephants and spirits attack in Uncle Ray's home, Mo has to get to the bottom of it. With the help of Nathaniel, will they be able to get to the bottom of what/who is attacking her home and their town?
I loved this quick and fun read. I loved the friendship between Mo and Nathaniel, Cece (Mo's little sister) and Uncle Ray. I also appreciated Mo's mom honesty with her and how sad she was after her husband (Mo's stepdad) left.
Mo is not afraid of toast, but of fire. Her toast caught on fire when she found out the her stepdad was leaving her, her mom and sister. Now it's Mo's job to keep her family together. They soon move in with her mom's Uncle Ray. Shortly after the move, Mo is haunted in her dreams by elephants and spirits attack in Uncle Ray's home, Mo has to get to the bottom of it. With the help of Nathaniel, will they be able to get to the bottom of what/who is attacking her home and their town?
I loved this quick and fun read. I loved the friendship between Mo and Nathaniel, Cece (Mo's little sister) and Uncle Ray. I also appreciated Mo's mom honesty with her and how sad she was after her husband (Mo's stepdad) left.
August 3, 2023
Some important work done in this realistic story with a touch of ghosts. I appreciate the author dealing with depression, confusion, lashing out from a place of pain, and then finding a path to help. All of that will ring true to so many readers, and give some hope and help.
I loved Uncle Ray and the music references - he can curate a playlist for my emotions any day. And the rockiness of friendships was honest and true. The sister relationship is beautifully rendered - how both girls are doing their best to keep everything together in their own way.
There are a few places that felt a bit too on the nose to me - too much telling rather than showing, but for all the emotional ground covered, there are only a few.
I loved Uncle Ray and the music references - he can curate a playlist for my emotions any day. And the rockiness of friendships was honest and true. The sister relationship is beautifully rendered - how both girls are doing their best to keep everything together in their own way.
There are a few places that felt a bit too on the nose to me - too much telling rather than showing, but for all the emotional ground covered, there are only a few.
June 4, 2023
Mo is full of anxiety as a result of past trauma. She's worried about how badly things can go wrong. She struggles with panic attacks and managing her emotions. If that's not relatable, I don't know what is. When she starts having strange dreams and encounters, she teams up with a boy from school to investigate. He's convinced ghosts are real. Mo isn't so sure.
I loved the writing. It's always nice to have elevated writing for juvenile fiction. I would have absolutely loved reading this when I was 12. I appreciate how vulnerable Mo was in the end and spoke about opening up.
I read this as a free ARC thanks to NetGalley.
I loved the writing. It's always nice to have elevated writing for juvenile fiction. I would have absolutely loved reading this when I was 12. I appreciate how vulnerable Mo was in the end and spoke about opening up.
I read this as a free ARC thanks to NetGalley.
June 29, 2023
I really loved this middle grade novel where the main character copes with the divorce of her mother from her stepfather, a man she considers her father, by trying to take care of everyone in her family, trying to make sure that she mitigates all possible hazards. She blames herself for the lack of relationship that she now has with "S-dad" and for some of his choices and in this novel explores how that has affected her own reactions. I think that Tan did an excellent job portraying these real struggles while also adding in a little bit of magic that may or may not have happened. I definitely recommend this book.
September 22, 2023
There are poignant bits of wisdom from a librarian named Lavender in this book. She encourages the main characters to think about what it might mean when a history book says something was “common practice”, could there have been other people who disagreed with that practice who aren’t mentioned? The idea of the danger of a single story in history is Ian important one. Later in the book, the same librarian talks to the students about the fact that no one in the book mentions that the land their town sits on was taken from native people and the town hall was built by enslaved people. None of this is in the research books, again, that danger of a single story.
January 8, 2023
Mo's anxiety levels are at an all-time high. After having to move to her Uncle Ray's house after her stepfather left pushed her mother into a deep depression which resulted in her losing her job. Now, Mo spends her time "mothering" her younger sister, adjusting to a mostly white town, and being haunted by an elephant circus ghost named Maudie.
Solid middle grade novel that will add diversity and relatable characters to a library collection. This is a good read-alike for students who liked Celesta Rimington's "The Elephant's Girl."
Solid middle grade novel that will add diversity and relatable characters to a library collection. This is a good read-alike for students who liked Celesta Rimington's "The Elephant's Girl."
December 16, 2023
3.5 stars bumped up to 4. The audiobook took a bit to get into, but I quickly got swept into Mo's life in New Warren and the awkward adjustments to a new place, new life situation, new friends, and a new ghostly mystery to be solved. The fantastical/paranormal elements blended well with the real world woes of middle school and encounters with racism, mental health, and belonging. While there were some holes in the story and some of the characters, I really enjoyed how the author depicted Mo's struggles and triumphs, and I especially liked Mo's relationship with Uncle Ray.
September 13, 2022
This is a great book that is perfect for middle grades readers who are struggling with adjustment issues. The main character has to deal with rejection by a stepfather who she viewed as a father after a divorce, although this is not the main story line. She also has to deal with being a new student in a community where she is the only Asian student. As she is dealing with these issues she stumbles upon a ghost story and the supernatural.
November 1, 2022
The author weaved the past and present into an enjoyable ghost hunting book.
I loved how the characters had insecurities, worries, and doubt but they still muscled through to find the truth and gain confidence in themselves.
I also appreciated how several adult characters were there to support and encourage the kids throughout their adventure.
I really enjoyed this book and literally flew through it.
Enjoy!
I loved how the characters had insecurities, worries, and doubt but they still muscled through to find the truth and gain confidence in themselves.
I also appreciated how several adult characters were there to support and encourage the kids throughout their adventure.
I really enjoyed this book and literally flew through it.
Enjoy!
November 20, 2022
I saw this book and though "What could this be about" and something about me is I rarely read a plot of a book, I go for the titles. And when I got approved for this book, I was like "OK I will try this" and I loved every minute of it. It was a feel good sci-fi novel, that I think would be perfect for reluctant readers.
October 1, 2023
Audiobook. Very well-written and well-read. Susan Tan acknowledges that past trauma can have present ramifications, even (especially?) for the young. Placing this helpful message in the context of a ghost story allows readers different ways to access this information, and different levels of personal connection with the hard issues of abandonment and loss.
May 4, 2024
This one punched me in the heart and lead me through twisty turns, while still managing to keep a smile on my face. Mo is a character that I will hold close to my heart for a long time to come. The emotions are strong and real, the characters and setting are nostalgic as a New Englander, and the twists and turns of the mystery had me on my toes!
September 7, 2024
I picked this up on Libby on a whim. I am coming back to review it months later, so not ideal in terms of remembering it well. It was a good grade school book. What struck me the most is how it feels timely to now -- and I remember reading books like that when I was that target age. Just made me feel old.
June 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Mo's has moved. Her family has changed in some big ways. She's afraid of something bad happening and thinks she has to protect her family. I think some tough situations were handled well. It was a heartfelt and lovely story.
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