Ravencave

Gr 8 Up--James and his mom both see dead people and this book features a Sixth Sense-style twist. After James's dad loses his job and his grandmother dies, the struggling family goes on a trip to scatter Granny's ashes. On the trip, James sees the ghost of a young girl and must work with her to bring closure to his family. A crumbling manor with the silly name of "Crackpot Hall" is a focal point, although it relates to the book's title as we're told it comes from the Norse words meaning "raven" and "cave." Sedgwick deftly navigates time shifts as James accompanies his family in the present but also learns about his ancestors. Other themes include the plight of coal miners and the generational struggles of impoverished families. VERDICT Sharp writing and deep themes make this a worthy addition to any YA collection.

An atmospheric, supernatural story of family ties and familial trials set in the north of England. Though his family's visit to the Yorkshire Dales revolves around spreading his recently deceased grandmother's ashes, James finds himself caught up in the mysteries of Crackpot, his father's ancestral village, whose name in Norse means "cave of the ravens." Tired of lagging behind his parents and engaging in unending conflict with his older brother, Robbie, James sets off on his own, chasing a ghostly wild child along the paths. Although his mother has seen ghosts, the experience is new for James. Later, James is haunted by the strange girl; he dreams of her and obsesses over the question she asked him: "Do you know who you are?" He feels ever more curious to discover who she is and what she knows about the place that's crucial to his father's ancestry. As James' father deals with angry outbursts, his mother strains to find the inspiration to write again, a calling that once defined her. Centered on a family that reads white, this exploration of family history and financial challenges connects past and present socio-economic matters in an intriguing tale of class struggle that's interwoven with what lies beyond the grave. A strong sense of place anchors the imagery, unraveling a timeless ghost story that will appeal to budding fans of otherworldly tales. Gently spooky suspense grounded in social themes that will engage reluctant readers.(Paranormal. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.