Families who loved The Revenge of the Wizard's Ghost by John Bellairs 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 grappling with a sense of helplessness or experiencing anxiety about things beyond their control. This spooky, gothic mystery follows young Johnny Dixon as he falls into a life-threatening trance, leaving his eccentric adult friend, Professor Childermass, and his best friend Fergie to save him from a vengeful spirit. While the plot is centered on a supernatural possession, the core of the story is about the strength of loyalty and the way a community of unlikely friends rallies around a vulnerable child. It is ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy a darker, atmosphere-driven mystery. This 1980s classic offers a safe way to explore themes of illness and fear within a highly stylized, historical setting. Parents will appreciate the respectful, intellectual bond between the child and the adult mentors.
