About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels invisible or expresses a fear that they are being replaced by a sibling or a more popular peer. Terry Deary, the master of making the macabre accessible, uses a supernatural lens to explore the very real anxiety of losing one's identity. It is a perfect choice for children who prefer thrillers over soft dramas, allowing them to process feelings of displacement through the safety of a ghost story. The story follows Barney, who begins to notice a doppelganger taking over his life: sitting in his seat, talking to his friends, and even charming his parents. As Barney fades into the background, he must find the courage to reclaim his space in the world. While the premise is spooky, the underlying themes of self-worth and the importance of being heard are deeply grounding for middle-schoolers navigating the social hierarchies of pre-adolescence.
