Ghostlight

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is seeking a thrill but also needs to process the idea that even the scariest shadows can be confronted with the right team. It is an ideal pick for children who feel like outsiders or those who have recently experienced a loss and are curious about the legacy of those who came before them. The story follows Gabe, a teen who conducts ghost tours and discovers that the spirits he talks about are terrifyingly real. Along with his friends and the ghost of a girl from the 1800s, he must stop an ancient evil from consuming the living. Kenneth Oppel weaves a fast-paced historical mystery that explores bravery, the weight of the past, and the power of friendship. While it contains genuine chills and moments of peril, the core message is one of resilience and finding light in the darkest of places. It is perfectly suited for mature ten-year-olds to fourteen-year-olds who enjoy suspenseful, atmospheric storytelling.