Strange Times: The Ghost in the Girl

Charlie Wilkins and his misfit friends run a paranormal investigation website in their small town while trying to uncover the truth about Charlie's missing Air Force father. When a ghost appears seeking their help, the eighth-grade crew finds themselves drawn into an otherworldly mystery. The story combines skateboarding culture, paranormal encounters, and coming-of-age elements as these young outcasts navigate both supernatural and everyday challenges. Each member of the group brings distinct talents and personalities to their investigation - from scientific knowledge to street smarts. The novel marks musician Tom DeLonge's entry into young adult fiction, drawing inspiration from his own rebellious suburban youth and interest in unexplained phenomena. This first installment in a planned trilogy builds upon the Strange Times universe established in an earlier graphic novel. The book explores themes of friendship, belief in the impossible, and the bonds that form between societal outsiders who find strength in their differences. Its mix of paranormal investigation and teen rebellion speaks to the universal experience of questioning reality and authority during adolescence.

Reader reviews indicate this middle-grade supernatural story appeals more to younger readers than adults. Parents note it works well for reluctant readers aged 10-14, with fast pacing and spooky elements that hold attention. Likes: - Quick, engaging plot - Ghost-hunting tech details - Relatable teenage characters - Clean content appropriate for target age - Illustrations complement the story Dislikes: - Writing style feels basic for adult readers - Plot becomes predictable - Some found the ghost elements too mild - Character development lacks depth One reader commented: "Perfect for kids graduating from Goosebumps but not ready for YA horror." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (182 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 parent rating, 4/5 kid rating The overall consensus suggests it succeeds as a middle-grade supernatural adventure but may not satisfy readers seeking more complex storytelling or scarier content.

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• Tom DeLonge, the co-author, is better known as the former lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Blink-182, bringing his creative storytelling from music into the literary world. • The skateboarding elements in the book draw from DeLonge's own background, as he was an avid skateboarder in his youth and often incorporated skateboarding culture into his music with Blink-182. • The book is part of a series called "Strange Times," which originated from DeLonge's multimedia franchise that includes comic books, websites, and planned film adaptations. • The Air Force connection in the story aligns with DeLonge's real-life interest in UFOs and government secrets; he later founded To The Stars Academy, an organization dedicated to investigating unexplained phenomena. • Co-author Geoff Herbach is an award-winning young adult novelist known for "Stupid Fast" and other acclaimed teen fiction, bringing his expertise in writing authentic teenage voices to the collaboration.