A parent might reach for this book for a child who enjoys spooky mysteries but needs a story that balances fear with courage and the power of teamwork. Squadron of Shadows follows young Lewis Barnavelt, who discovers an old model airplane that is haunted by the ghost of its World War I pilot. Soon, Lewis finds himself haunted by an entire squadron of spectral flyers. He must rely on his warlock uncle, his witchy neighbor, and his best friend to solve the mystery and put the angry spirits to rest. This book is a great fit for middle-grade readers who are ready for atmospheric suspense that isn't overly terrifying. It expertly blends history, fantasy, and mystery while modeling bravery and the importance of asking for help.
The book deals with death and war through the lens of ghosts. The approach is entirely fantastical and metaphorical, not a direct exploration of grief. The ghosts are antagonists trapped by past trauma, representing a problem to be solved rather than souls to be mourned. The resolution is hopeful, as the heroes successfully bring peace to the restless spirits and restore safety. The supernatural elements are presented in a secular context.
Ideal Reader
A child aged 9 to 11 who loves a good mystery and is ready for something spookier than series like Magic Tree House but not as intense as young adult horror. This reader enjoys puzzles, history (especially vintage planes), and stories where kids and supportive adults team up to solve a supernatural problem. They appreciate a story with a strong, slightly gothic atmosphere.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold, even as an entry point to the series. Parents may want to preview the scenes where the ghost directly appears to and threatens Lewis (around the midpoint) to gauge the scare level for their specific child. A brief, non-graphic explanation of WWI might enrich the experience but is not essential for understanding the plot. A parent notices their child is developing an interest in ghost stories or historical mysteries but is concerned about content being too frightening. The child might be feeling anxious about an unknown situation and could benefit from a story about facing a scary challenge with help from a strong support system.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will primarily focus on the spooky adventure: a haunted toy and scary ghost pilots. They will connect with Lewis's fear and the excitement of the magical solution. An older reader (10-12) will likely be more engaged by the historical context, the details of the WWI aircraft, and the more complex, tragic nature of the ghost baron. They will also better appreciate the book's specific, old-fashioned gothic tone.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary, fast-paced kids' adventures, this book and its series are defined by their unique, atmospheric, and slightly cozy gothic feel. It masterfully blends the mundane reality of a small town with high-stakes supernatural conflict. A key differentiator is the central, deeply positive, and respectful relationships between the child protagonist and his adult guardians, who work together as peers in a magical world.
Read plot summary
Lewis Barnavelt, a boy living with his warlock uncle Jonathan, acquires an enchanted model of a WWI Fokker airplane. The model is haunted by its former pilot, a German baron whose ghost begins to menace Lewis. The pilot and his spectral squadron are attempting to draw Lewis into a reenactment of their final, fatal battle. Alongside his uncle, their powerful witch neighbor Mrs. Zimmermann, and his steadfast friend Rose Rita, Lewis must uncover the history of the ghost pilot and find a magical solution to stop the squadron before their ghostly war causes real-world harm.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Baron von Staler's ghost is trapped repeating the past. Why do you think it was so hard for him to move on from his final battle? Have you ever felt stuck on something that happened a long time ago?
2
Lewis is very scared by the ghosts, but he decides to tell his uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann. Why was it important for him to ask for help instead of keeping it a secret?
3
Rose Rita is a very loyal friend to Lewis, even when things get dangerous. What are some specific things she does in the story that prove she is a good friend?
4
At the end, Lewis and his friends don't destroy the ghosts, they help them find peace. Why do you think the author chose this kind of ending for the story?
5
The story uses an ordinary object, a model airplane, to start a very spooky mystery. How does this make the story feel more believable or even scarier?
