Families who loved Karen's Ghost by Ann M. Martin often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is starting to explore the boundaries between their vivid imagination and the real world, or when they express a flickering interest in things that go bump in the night. Part of the beloved Baby-sitters Little Sister series, this story follows Karen Brewer as she becomes convinced that a ghost is haunting her school. It provides a safe, age-appropriate space to process the 'scary' while maintaining a grounding in realistic fiction. This book is an excellent choice for a child who needs to see their curiosity validated but also needs to learn how to investigate their fears with a level head. It addresses the thrill of the supernatural through the lens of early elementary school life, making it a perfect bridge for readers moving from picture books to early chapter books. Parents will appreciate how it handles Karen's big personality and her blended family dynamics with warmth and normalcy.