It’s the season for ghost books and there have been plenty of them this year. Thankfully they are all different. THE GHOST RULES is a captivating story that will keep middle grade readers tuned in.

Twelve-year-old Elwood P. McGee knows ghosts so well that he has compiled a list of ghost rules. You can find them printed on the back cover of the book jacket. Elwwod created the list because he is one of the rare humans who has ghost-sight, the ability to communicate and see ghosts.

Elwood along with his mom and Dad have moved to a small Tennessee town. They previously lived in Nashville but are trying to recover from the the trauma of losing Elwood’s older brother in an accident. Elwood thinks it was his fault.

Soon after Elwood arrives in Long Hollow he discovers being able to see and communicate with ghosts, ones like his grandfather, Pops, who lived in the house they are trying to call home. There are many other spooks which gives Elwood the idea of using his new power to see and talk with his older brother one more time. His two new friends, Tabitha and Sydney (pictured on the front cover) just might help.

Even though grief is the backdrop there is also humor when Elwood is dealing with the bossy Sydney along with ghosts popping out of walls and ceilings (none of the ghosts are especially scary so no worries about nightmares). His voice carries the story superbly. Elwood often chooses the wrong way to deal with his loss, but by the final page readers will appreciate and understand the healing that can eventually happen when grieving for a loved one.

This is a debut novel and I hope the author has plans for more middle grade stories.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam Rosenbaum has operated a sawmill in Kentucky, stocked groceries in Los Angeles, and was a student draftsman at his local power company growing up in the suburbs of Nashville, where he currently lives with his wife and kids.

When he’s not writing things or reading things, you’ll probably find him running down a trail or trying to find the perfect blueberry donut. (AUTHOR WEBSITE)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.