School of Phantoms

Starred review from October 1, 2021

Gr 4-6-When creepy haunted snowmen show up overnight in Cowslip Grove, Levi and Kat are determined to get to the bottom of the monstrous visitors. In the first installment of the series, they defeated the Boojum King, an evil spirit from another world, and they worry that he is back to torment more children in their town. A horrendous blizzard blankets Cowslip Grove, leaving the students and teachers snowed in at school, where most end up hypnotized by the Boojum King. It's up to Levi and Kat, who are white, to free everyone from the trance before it's too late. This is a beautifully creepy tale that even those who haven't read the first title will appreciate. This interactive text encourages readers to engage in the critically important skill of "reading with a discerning eye" and learning "to separate fact from hoax," as readers are invited to play detective with the evidence provided. Merritt presents the story in a mix of black-and-white comics and prose. Varying in style from cartoonish to more realistic, images depict footage from cell phones and school security cameras, as well as a science journal of strange creatures. Illustrations enhance the tone as it shifts from spooky to comedic. VERDICT This must-read science- and nature-infused horror story is a rare text that truly captivates and stimulates readers' minds and imaginations.-Angie Jameson, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schs., OH

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 15, 2021
Kat and Levi return to battle another evil foe. It's been a few months since Levi and Kat rescued Cowslip Grove's lost children from the wicked being known as the Boojum. Unfortunately, peculiar goings-on have resumed: Dozens of creepy snowmen have been popping up all over town, seemingly overnight. To make matters worse, a freak blizzard hits during the school day, forcing the students and teachers to shelter in place and wait out the storm. Power outages, howling wind, annoying classmates, and creepy snowmen soon become the least of Kat and Levi's worries: Something is stalking the dark halls, something hungry for children. Levi and Kat band together with new allies to fight off this malevolent force in a sequel that smartly maintains every winning element of its predecessor. The spooky, inked illustrations set the perfect mood for intrigue, suspense, and flashes of true terror. Levi and Kat's friendship remains charming, and the new characters add just enough to the dynamics to feel earned rather than like obligatory add-ons. This is a smart sequel, one that organically evolves the characters and their peculiar world, dropping breadcrumbs and hints that set up for a third entry while maintaining focus on the monsters at hand. Levi and Kat are White; sixth grade science teacher Ms. Padilla and new friend Dante read as Black. A spine-tingling sequel that is well worth readers' time. (Horror. 9-12)

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