Dawn and the Surfer Ghost

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to navigate the complexities of blended family dynamics or when they need a low-stakes way to practice courage in the face of the unknown. While the surface story is a spooky beach mystery, the heart of the narrative explores Dawn's experience visiting her father in California and reconciling her life there with her life in Connecticut. It is an excellent choice for kids who enjoy 'cozy' mysteries where the spookiness is balanced by strong support systems. Parents will appreciate how the story models healthy sibling relationships and the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when investigating scary legends. It is a gentle, age-appropriate thriller for the middle-grade reader who isn't quite ready for intense horror but wants a dash of excitement.