Ghost Girl

Middle schooler Zee Puckett navigates life in the small town of Knobb's Ferry while dealing with financial hardship and her father's absence. When she meets new student Nellie, who claims to see ghosts, Zee discovers she may have paranormal abilities of her own. Strange events begin occurring in their town as children start falling ill with mysterious symptoms. Zee and Nellie work together to investigate the connection between the sicknesses and ghostly activities, all while facing skepticism from adults and classmates. Local history, family secrets, and long-buried mysteries intersect as Zee races to uncover the truth about what's happening in Knobb's Ferry. She must confront both supernatural forces and real-world challenges to protect her community. The novel explores themes of friendship, grief, and finding one's voice in the face of disbelief. Through its blend of ghost story and coming-of-age narrative, Ghost Girl examines how young people process loss and gain the courage to stand up for what they know is true.

Readers describe Ghost Girl as a middle-grade horror story that balances creepy elements with themes of friendship and self-discovery. Readers appreciated: - The authentic portrayal of a cancer survivor protagonist - Balance of scary moments with lighter friendship dynamics - Fast pacing and building tension - Representation of anxiety in young characters - The small-town autumn atmosphere Common criticisms: - Some found the ghost elements predictable - A few readers wanted more backstory for side characters - The ending felt rushed to some Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (100+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 Reader quote: "Finally a spooky book that doesn't talk down to young readers or shy away from real emotions." - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect blend of friendship story and ghost story that kept my kids engaged throughout." - Amazon reviewer

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden A middle-grade ghost story follows a girl who must save her classmates from supernatural forces during a field trip to a farm.

The Ghost of Midnight Lake by Lucy Strange A young girl unravels family secrets and confronts a vengeful ghost in Victorian England while discovering her own strength.

The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie An artistic girl moves to Chicago and encounters unexplained events connected to a theatre ghost with unfinished business.

Dead Voices by Katherine Arden Three friends face malevolent spirits trapped in a ski resort during a snowstorm.

The House That Wasn't There by Elana K. Arnold Two neighbors discover their connected houses harbor magical secrets and must work together to understand the supernatural events unfolding around them.

🌟 Author Ally Malinenko is also a poet who has published several collections of poetry, bringing her lyrical sensibilities to her middle-grade fiction writing. 👻 The book draws from Slavic folklore and supernatural traditions, particularly those from Poland, where many of the characters' families originate. 🏥 The author wrote Ghost Girl while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, channeling her own experiences with fear and courage into the story's themes. 🎃 The story takes place in Brooklyn, New York, where Malinenko herself lives and works as a librarian. 🔮 The main character Zee's name is inspired by the author's Polish heritage, where "Z" names are common, creating a connection between the character's identity and the supernatural elements of her culture.