Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Unfinished Business

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Unfinished Business (Fitzroy Books, 2026) by Stephanie Campisi is a beautifully written book about letting go.

Dari can see the ghosts who stick around. It creates awkward moments when her mother only hears Dari’s half of the conversation, but Dari is used to her odd life. A worried school counselor signs her up for orchestra, which might help Dari make friends. When Dari’s neighbor Maude dies, Maude’s ghost asks her for help in “finishing” unfinished business. While dealing with ghosts, Dari realizes she might have some unfinished business of her own.

This book was really fun–the ghosts are not at all creepy–and is the first book in a series, so hopefully we’ll get to meet Dari and her friends again. Note: the language is sophisticated and it may be difficult for younger middle grade readers. You can purchase the book in paperback or special edition hardcover here.

Read about the Author here and you can also see a list of all her published books on the same page. Many book covers are on the home page.

Posted in PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Little Ghost’s Summerween

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Friday, the Thirteenth – a perfect time for a ghost story

I just got a sneak peak at Little Ghost’s Summerween (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, 2026) by Maggie Edkins Willis, and it’s a delightful book that comes out in April–you can preorder now. (There’s also a companion book, Little Ghost Makes a Friend.)

Little Ghost is invited to a camp-out birthday party, but he’s only been to Halloween parties, so he thinks he’ll stay home. When his friend Anya convinces him to go, it’s fun, but it makes Little Ghost think about what kind of birthday party would be right for him. However, he doesn’t send out invitations or make party decorations, and only decides what to do at the last minute. Will his birthday be all he hopes?

I love the problem solving and the fun ideas for birthday party themes.

Read about the author/illustrator here and check out all of Maggie’s books here. I also recognized some book covers she’s done.