Something Upstairs: A Tale of Ghosts

Reach for this book when your child starts asking difficult questions about the fairness of the past or when they are struggling to adjust to a new environment. This gripping ghost story follows Kenny, who discovers the spirit of a young enslaved boy named Caleb in his new attic. To help Caleb, Kenny must travel back to 1800s Rhode Island, where he faces a high-stakes moral dilemma about justice and personal sacrifice. While the thriller elements keep the pages turning, the heart of the story deals with the weight of historical injustice and the bravery required to stand up for another person. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy a darker, more atmospheric mystery but are ready to engage with serious themes like slavery and systemic racism. It offers a profound way to discuss how history is never truly buried.