About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-grade reader is seeking a thrill and enjoys stories where children must be more observant than the adults around them. It is an ideal pick for a reluctant reader who prefers fast-paced, episodic horror with a science-fiction twist. The story follows siblings Curtis and Shelley as they investigate a substitute teacher who is definitely not human. While the book focuses on suspense and mild peril, it emphasizes the importance of sibling cooperation and trusting one's instincts. It is age-appropriate for children who have graduated from Goosebumps but aren't quite ready for young adult horror. Parents will appreciate how the mystery encourages critical thinking and bravery in the face of the unknown, providing a safe way to explore the feeling of being 'scared-but-safe.'
