For children feeling like the new kid and longing to fit in, this chapter book charmingly explores finding your authentic self, complicated by a friendly Civil War ghost.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the anxieties of a new school or the sting of peer pressure. Fourth-grader Eleanor is so desperate to join the popular crowd that she's willing to hide her true self, but her plans are complicated by an unusual discovery: her backyard is haunted by the gentle, lonely ghost of a Civil War bugle boy. This charming story wraps important lessons about authenticity, friendship, and self-confidence in a fun and accessible historical mystery. It's a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who need a reminder that true belonging comes from being yourself, not from chasing popularity.
The book deals directly with the death of a child, as Pascal is a ghost. The approach is historical and secular, focusing on his loneliness and the tragedy of his early death rather than on religious or spiritual aspects. The resolution is hopeful and gentle, as Eleanor helps him find peace. The book also addresses peer pressure and mild bullying in a realistic school setting.
Ideal Reader
A sensitive 9- to 11-year-old who has recently moved or is struggling with social hierarchies at school. This child feels intense pressure to be liked, may be tempted to hide their true interests to fit in, and would benefit from a story that models authenticity and integrity.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. No specific preparation is needed, though a parent might want to be ready to discuss the social cruelty scene where the popular girls publicly humiliate Eleanor. This provides a good opening to talk about resilience and the nature of true friendship. A parent hears their child say, "Nobody at my new school likes the things I like," or observes them changing their behavior or appearance to impress a specific group of peers. The child might express anxiety about being seen as "weird" or different.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely connect most with the ghost mystery and the clear-cut social dynamics. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the nuances of Eleanor's internal struggle, the theme of personal integrity versus social acceptance, and the historical sadness of Pascal's story.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'new kid' stories that stay solely in the realm of realistic school fiction, this book's unique blend of a relatable social drama with a gentle, historical ghost story sets it apart. The ghost is not a scary element but a mirror for the protagonist's own loneliness, providing a creative and engaging vehicle for exploring themes of empathy, history, and finding your place.
Read plot summary
Eleanor, the new girl in town, fixates on befriending the school's popular clique. Her attempts to impress them conflict with her own interests and values. At the same time, she discovers her backyard is haunted by Pascal, the ghost of a young Confederate bugle boy who died during the Civil War. As Eleanor learns more about Pascal's lonely existence, she struggles to balance her secret friendship with him and her public quest for popularity. Ultimately, she must make a choice between her own integrity and the acceptance of the cool kids, leading her to find a truer sense of self and a more genuine friendship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Eleanor tries to change her personality to impress Stephanie and Bitsy. Why do you think it was so important for her to be their friend? Have you ever felt like you needed to hide part of yourself to fit in?
2
Pascal the ghost and Eleanor are both lonely for different reasons. In what ways are their feelings of being alone and unseen similar?
3
Near the end, Eleanor has to choose between keeping the popular girls happy and helping Pascal. What do you think would have happened if she had made a different choice? What makes a friend a true friend?
4
The story takes place in Georgia and involves a ghost from the Civil War. Did the book make you curious to learn more about that time in history? Why or why not?
