Harvest House

In this gripping YA mystery, Hughie Wolfe, a Native American teen, volunteers at a rural Halloween attraction called Harvest House. He's initially excited but grows concerned when he learns the main attraction features a problematic "Indian maiden" ghost legend. As strange occurrences and a stalker targeting Indigenous women plague the community, Hughie and his friends must investigate if the crossroads are truly haunted or if something more sinister is at play. This cross-genre novel blends contemporary realism with supernatural mystery, offering a thought-provoking exploration of cultural appropriation, community protection, and bravery.

NSK Neustadt Laureate and New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith delivers a thrilling cross-genre follow-up to the acclaimed Hearts Unbroken. Deftly leading readers to the literary crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith revisits the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is near, and Hughie Wolfe is volunteering at a new rural attraction: Harvest House. He’s excited to take part in the fun, spooky show—until he learns that an actor playing the vengeful spirit of an “Indian maiden,” a ghost inspired by local legend, will headline. Folklore aside, unusual things have been happening at night at the crossroads near Harvest House. A creepy man is stalking teenage girls and young women, particularly Indigenous women; dogs are fretful and on edge; and wild animals are behaving strangely. While Hughie weighs how and when to speak up about the bigoted legend, he and his friends begin to investigate the crossroads and whether it might be haunted after all. As Moon rises on All Hallow’s Eve, will they be able to protect themselves and their community? Gripping and evocative, Harvest House showcases a versatile storyteller at her spooky, unsettling best.