The Haunting of Henry Davis

Barbara Anne Foley notices something off about the new boy at school, Henry Davis. She discovers he's being haunted by a ghost, and despite his reluctance, she insists on helping him solve the mystery. Barbara recruits her best friend Zack to assist with the investigation of the ghost's identity and purpose. The kids conduct research about local history and learn ghost-hunting techniques while trying to keep their activities hidden from suspicious adults. As Barbara and her friends dig deeper into the ghost's story, they uncover connections between past and present that affect their own lives and relationships. The ghost's presence forces them to confront fears and truths about themselves. The novel explores themes of friendship, courage, and how the past remains alive in the present. Through its ghost story framework, it examines the ways children process loss and forge meaningful connections with others.

Readers praise the balance of spooky elements and friendship themes, noting the book remains age-appropriate for middle grade audiences while still delivering ghostly intrigue. Multiple reviewers highlight the realistic portrayal of middle school social dynamics and anxiety. Readers liked: - Natural, believable dialogue between characters - Educational elements about local history woven into plot - Alternating perspectives between Barbara Anne and Henry - Humor mixed with supernatural elements Readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in first few chapters - A few noted ghost story elements were too mild - Limited character development for supporting roles Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (246 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (32 ratings) Kirkus Reviews: Starred Review One reader noted: "Perfect blend of friendship story and ghost story - just scary enough to be exciting but not too intense for sensitive kids."

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🎭 Author Kathryn Siebel worked as a playwright and dramaturg before becoming a children's book author, bringing her theatrical background into her ghost stories. 👻 The book addresses themes of friendship and grief through a supernatural lens, making difficult topics more accessible to young readers. 🏫 The story takes place in a middle school in contemporary times, but incorporates historical elements through the ghost character's backstory from the 1950s. 🤝 The main character Barbara Anne learns to overcome her need to control everything when helping Henry deal with his ghost, showing personal growth alongside the supernatural plot. 📚 While many ghost stories focus on fear, this book uses humor and heart to create a more nuanced approach to the genre, making it appropriate for sensitive young readers.