About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the social hierarchies of elementary school or dealing with a 'frenemy' situation. It is perfect for the child who enjoys being the class clown but might need a gentle mirror to see how their schemes and pranks affect those around them. Bernie Bridges, a charismatic and somewhat mischievous fourth grader, leads a group of misfits at a boarding school where humor and high-stakes social bets are the currency of the day. While the title suggests a ghost story, it is actually a fast-paced comedy about outsmarting rivals and the consequences of being a bit too clever for your own good. Through Bernie's attempts to earn money and maintain status, the book explores themes of friendship loyalty, jealousy, and the messy process of learning from social mistakes. It provides a low-stakes, entertaining way for 7-10 year olds to process peer competition and the importance of having friends who have your back even when things go wrong.
