About This Book
Reach for this book when your teen is developing a fascination with local history or starting to notice that the adults in their community have complicated, sometimes shadowed pasts. It is a sophisticated choice for a reader who is ready to move beyond simple ghost stories and into psychological mysteries that explore how the past can physically and emotionally haunt the present. The story follows a boy named Bobby who, while indulging his passion for model boats, uncovers artifacts in a local pond that reveal a dark legacy of guilt and suppressed memories from World War II. It deals with themes of justice and the weight of secrets with a realistic, gritty edge. While there are supernatural elements, the book is grounded in historical reality and the complex social dynamics of a small town. It is ideal for ages 11 to 15, offering a bridge between middle-grade fiction and more mature young adult literature.
