Summer starts off the wrong way when baseball loving Izzy hits a high fly ball and breaks the neighbor’s window. Even worse, it’s where the mysterious Mr. Johnson lives. Rumors about how bad he is are the main topic of gossip in the town.
Izzy’s mom who doesn’t believe Mr. Johnson is an evil person makes Izzy offer to do work in the neighbor’s yard in exchange for paying for the broken window. That’s bad enough, but then she sees a ghost girl in the window with a HELP ME message. Izzy’s plan to play baseball all summer turns into a mystery of trying to solve the girls death.
Nothing too spooky here unless ghosts already creep you out. Eventually Izzy’s older sister, younger brother, and a best friend get involved. Izzy’s sleuthing skills will remind you of Nancy Drew.
Themes of friendship, family, and a first crush are carried out to perfection. Readers will enjoy each character’s distinct personality. The third person narration stays with Izzy the entire way and the ending couldn’t have been better. I’m not loving the cover, but THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW is a welcome addition to the middle grade shelves.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 2, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 168
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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW by Lindsey Hobson
- A Victorian mansion couldn’t be a better setting for the spooky proceedings. Secret staircases and hallways will have you guessing as to what will happen next.
- Changes in each character remind readers not to always judge others by first impression.
- An easy flowing read that lends itself to being an entertaining read aloud.
- Lizzie is a courageous, no-nonsense character that middle grade readers will enjoy and remember.
- A sequel is in the works and we’ll be anxiously awaiting the next Izzy Gordon Ghost Adventure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsey is an award-winning author from Southwest Missouri, where she lives with her husband and daughter in a beautiful area known as the Ozarks. She is the author of two picture books and several short stories. Although Lindsey enjoys writing for all ages, she believes children’s books contain a special kind of magic.
(Be sure to visit Lindsey’s author web page)
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Thanks for this review, Greg. I also think that middle school readers will enjoy it!
This reminds me a bit of vintage Betty Ren Wright. Thanks for the review, and for hosting MMGM!
The cover didn’t grab my attention, but your review has me intrigued.
Such an engaging story. Your review makes me want to read the story. Love the idea of a Victorian mansion.
I’d like any book that reminds me of Nancy Drew.
I feel like horror and mystery books are definitely catching MG readers’ eyes right now, so this is definitely a book I can see young readers picking up! Thanks so much for the thoughtful review, Greg, and for hosting us!
This sounds like a well-written book. I am adding it to my reading list. Thanks for sharing!
I’m definitely going to read this one, Greg.
When I was young, I cut my literary teeth on haunted house books. I’ve also long been suspicious that there could be a more sympathetic connection between teenagers and older people: both are marginalized groups in society and people can also get more mouthy as we get older. (I know this is happening to me! No filters! Whoo hoo!)
Thanks for the great suggestion!
Looks like a good read for many kids!