Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe by Alyson Noel, 337 pages. McElderry (Simon), 2022. $18
Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (moderate danger and scares)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
12yo Max Smith’s ability to see ghosts has gotten him into all sorts of trouble. Now his dad has no choice but to drop him off at his grandfather’s for a few days this summer. Max has only heard bad things from his dad about Ramhart Woodbead – who abandoned his wife and Max’s Dad for ten years – though Ramhart claims he has caught in an alternative dimension. From the first day, Ramhart and the town of Glimmerville are almost too much for Max – haunted graveyards, dangerous hidden passageways. He wants answers and he wants his ability to see ghosts go away – no matter the cost.
Normally I love a book that starts fast and keeps the tension going. And don’t get me wrong – I love the first scene. But I don’t like Max’s grandfather – who doesn’t even take a minute to get to know his grandson – he just rushes Max into life-endangering situations with a brusque, off-putting manner – then he gets angry at Max when Max sets out to find his own answers. I didn't feel this book brought anything new to the genre.
Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS
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