About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complicated emotions of a blended family, especially if they are struggling with sibling rivalry or feeling unheard by parents. It is a masterclass in using the supernatural to explore very real psychological trauma, making it ideal for readers who processed big life changes through a lens of mystery and suspense. The story follows Molly and Michael as they deal with their difficult new stepsister, Heather, who claims to have befriended a dangerous ghost child named Helen. While the book is a classic ghost story, its heart lies in the themes of grief, jealousy, and the search for belonging. It realistically depicts how trauma can manifest as manipulative behavior in children, and how empathy is often the only way to bridge deep divides. Parents should be aware that the atmosphere is genuinely chilling and deals with the history of a tragic fire, making it best suited for mature middle-grade readers who enjoy a good scare with a redemptive ending.
