• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

When they're hauled into the office in the wake of a stupid prank, schoolmates Elliot and Shannon have no idea that hiding the principal's Smart Car in the woods was the least of their problems. As part of their punishment, the pair is tasked to clean up the school boathouse. Should be an easy enough task, they figure: chuck all the broken stuff, organize whatever still works and get the weekend underway. But when Shannon talks Elliot into making a Ouija board, things take a turn for the horrifying. When the pair accidentally unleashes a dark force, they find themselves caught up in a mystery that must be solved if they have any hope of escape.

Alex Van Tol taught middle school for eight years, then made the switch to writing for a living. A writer of fiction and nonfiction for kids and teens, she has published over 10 books including Great Bear Rainforest: A Giant-Screen Adventure in the Land of the Spirit Bear with Ian McAllister and several titles in the Orca Currents, Soundings and Sports lines. Alex lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her family.

Alex Van Tol's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books
• Commended, YALSA Quick Picks

"A fast-paced, entertaining ghost story that targets reluctant readers with its high interest, low readability format."

Library Media Connection

"A thrilling short novel...This fast paced mystery is sure to delight young adult and reluctant readers."

TriState YA Book Review Committee

"Brief hints of school and family drama flesh out the two main characters, and Elliot's snappy first-person narrative will be relatable to teens...A good introduction to scary stories while still being suspenseful enough to hold the interest of older readers, too."

Booklist

"Enough creepiness to keep readers on the edge of their seat."

NJ Youth Services

"The dialogue...is excellent, up-to-date, and witty, moving the story along well, reflective of the way real students talk to each other."

Resource Links