About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is a sensitive soul who enjoys a good scare but also needs to see that being anxious doesn't prevent one from being a hero. It is an ideal choice for the middle grade reader who feels a bit like an outsider and finds security in the company of adults who take their fears seriously. The story follows young Johnny Dixon and his quirky neighbor, Professor Childermass, as they race to stop a malevolent wizard from using a cursed, severed hand to unleash ancient evil. While the Gothic atmosphere is thick and the stakes are high, the core of the book is about the profound bond between a boy and a mentor. It addresses themes of bravery, the weight of history, and the reality of childhood anxiety in a way that feels validating rather than dismissive. It is a classic spooky mystery that provides the 'safe' thrills of a ghost story while grounding the reader in a warm, protective friendship.
