City of Ghosts

A parent would reach for this book when their child is navigating a major life transition, such as moving to a new city, or when they feel like an outsider looking in on a world they do not quite understand. It is an ideal choice for the middle-grade reader who craves a bit of edge and atmosphere without venturing into truly graphic horror. The story follows Cassidy Blake, a girl who can see ghosts, as she travels to Edinburgh, Scotland, with her paranormal-investigator parents and her ghostly best friend, Jacob. At its heart, this is a story about the weight of secrets and the fierce loyalty required to maintain a friendship across different worlds. It balances spooky encounters with the comforting presence of a loving, albeit eccentric, family. The book explores themes of bravery, the ethics of interference, and the loneliness of being unique. It is perfectly suited for ages 8 to 12, offering a sophisticated but accessible mystery that values historical setting and atmospheric tension over cheap jumpscares.