Families who loved The Backyard Ghost by Lynn Cullen 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 struggling to navigate the social hierarchy of a new school or is tempted to use 'tricks' to win over the popular crowd. It is a perfect choice for the student who feels invisible and is grappling with the pressure to fit in at any cost. The story follows Eleanor, a girl who discovers a Civil War ghost in her yard and realizes this spooky secret might be her ticket to social success. Beyond the supernatural mystery, the book dives deep into the emotional complexities of middle school: the sting of being left out, the slippery slope of social posturing, and the realization that true friends are those who like you for yourself, not for what you can offer them. Written at an accessible level for ages 8 to 12, it offers a safe space to discuss the ethics of popularity and the importance of integrity.