The Girl in the Locked Room

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the isolation of a major life transition, such as moving to a new town or starting a new school. This atmospheric ghost story follows Jules, a girl who feels like an outsider while her father works on a remote restoration project, and Lily, a ghost trapped in the past. It is an ideal pick for children who are ready to explore deeper themes of grief and historical tragedy through a safe, supernatural lens. While it contains spooky elements, the heart of the story is about empathy and the courage required to help someone let go of their pain. It serves as a gentle bridge for discussing how we carry the past and the importance of reaching out when others are in need.