A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019
âA stirring Southern middle grade book that burns brighter than fireworks on the Fourth.â âKirkus Reviews (starred review)
âA must for readers who appreciate a heartfelt mystery.â âBooklist (starred review)
âAn intricate mix of Southern mystery, history, and a ghost story that creeps but doesnât scare.â âSchool Library Journal (starred review)
Cousins Sarah and Janie unearth a tragic event in their small Southern townâs history in this witty middle grade novel thatâs perfect for fans of Stella by Starlight, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, and As Brave as You.
Twelve-year-old Sarah is finally in charge. At last, she can spend her summer months reading her favorite science books and bossing around her younger brother, Ellis, instead of being worked to the bone by their overly strict grandmother, Mrs. Greene. But when their cousin, Janie arrives for a visit, Sarahâs plans are completely squashed.
Janie has a knack for getting into trouble and asks Sarah to take her to Creek Church: a landmark of their small town that she heard was haunted. Itâs also off-limits. Janieâs sticky fingers lead Sarah, Ellis, and his best friend, Jasper, to uncover a deep-seated part of the townâs past. With a bit of luck, this foursome will heal the place they call home and the people within it they call family.