The Clackity

A parent would reach for this book when their child is wrestling with high-functioning anxiety or feeling paralyzed by 'what-ifs' but needs to see that their love for others is more powerful than their fear. While it is a spooky middle grade horror novel, it serves as a profound metaphor for navigating a world that feels unpredictable and dangerous. It is particularly helpful for children who feel different or 'too sensitive' because of their worries. The story follows Evie Von Rathe, an anxious girl who must enter a forbidden, ghostly town to rescue her kidnapped aunt from a terrifying creature called The Clackity. To succeed, she must complete a series of impossible tasks. The book balances genuine scares with a warm, supportive relationship between Evie and her aunt. It is best for ages 10 to 12, especially those who enjoy dark fairy tales like Coraline and want to see a protagonist who succeeds not by losing her anxiety, but by acting in spite of it.