School of the Dead

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the heavy weight of grief after the loss of a grandparent or is struggling to find their footing after a major family move. It serves as a gentle but thrilling bridge for kids who feel isolated by their sadness, using the supernatural to explore how our loved ones stay with us even after they are gone. The story follows Tony, a young boy mourning his eccentric Great-uncle Tally. When Tony is uprooted to a new city and a cold, intimidating school, he begins to see the ghosts of other children. The book balances genuine spooky thrills with a deep, secular exploration of grief and the bravery required to speak your truth when the adults around you are not listening. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy a chill down their spine but need a story that validates their complex emotions.