The House in Poplar Wood

Reach for this book when your child feels stifled by family expectations or is beginning to question the 'unbreakable' rules of their world. It is a masterful choice for middle-grade readers who are ready to explore complex themes of grief, justice, and the heavy burden of secrets without being overwhelmed by traditional horror. The story follows the Vickery twins, who are separated within their own home by a magical pact that forces their parents to serve the personifications of Memory and Death. It is a haunting but ultimately empowering tale about two brothers and a bold girl named Gretchen who team up to solve a murder and reclaim their right to a normal life. Parents will appreciate how it uses a gothic, atmospheric setting to discuss the importance of agency, the weight of the past, and the courage it takes to build a different future than the one your parents envisioned for you.