Ghostlight by Sonia Gensler
Reviewed by: Sharon Crawford, Children’s Department
Genre: Horror, Adventure
Suggested Age: Teens, Tweens
What is the book about?: Things that go bump in the night are just the beginning when a summer film project becomes a real-life ghost story! Avery is looking forward to another summer at Grandma’s farm, at least until her brother says he’s too old for “Kingdom,” the imaginary world they’d spent years creating. Lucky for her, there’s a new kid staying in the cottage down the road: a city boy with a famous dad. Julian’s more than a little full of himself, but he’s also a storyteller like Avery. So when he announces his plan to film a ghost story, Avery is eager to join in. Unfortunately, Julian wants to film at Hilliard House, a looming, empty mansion that Grandma has absolutely forbidden her to enter. As terrified as Avery is of Grandma’s wrath, the allure of film-making is impossible to resist. As the kids explore the secrets of Hilliard house, eerie things begin to happen, and the “imaginary” dangers in their movie threaten to become very real. Have Avery and Julian awakened a menacing presence? Can they turn back before they go too far?
My Review: Avery and Julian are filming a ghost story at Hilliard House a place Avery has been forbidden to go. When strange, weird things start happening (a doll moves, flicks flicker, doors open and close) Avery makes it her mission to find out the secrets that have haunted Hilliard House for too long. An exciting well-paced ghost story that has spooky atmosphere and happenings, yet it isn’t so scary that you’ll have nightmares. It has mystery, intrigue, and history. This story shows the ups and downs of family and forming new friendships and the complicated mess of growing up.
Rating: 4/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!