Reading Metrics
Description
Twelve-year-old Olivia Kidney and her father move into a Manhattan brownstone that hides a lagoon in the living room, opens its doors to odd night visitors, and sits unusually close to the spirit world. As Olivia explores the house, she discovers hidden passages and uncanny encounters that hint the building is a gateway to another realm. She must solve its mysteries while navigating the challenges of growing up, and discover what this strange connection means for her family.
Quick Summary
When Olivia Kidney's dad moves them into a Manhattan brownstone that seems to have a lagoon in the living room, nightly visitors who aren't quite human, and a mysterious connection to the spirit world, you know you're in for a delightfully weird ride. The story mixes spooky mysteries with laugh-out-loud humor, making it perfect for readers who like a little shiver with their giggles, and the emotional core about grief, friendship, and finding your place feels real without being heavy. Kids who enjoy quirky houses like the one in The House with a Clock in Its Walls will love the way the brownstone itself becomes almost a character, full of hidden passages and strange noises that beg to be explored. The plot follows Olivia as she uncovers the house's secrets, meets a handful of eccentric spirits, and learns to balance her own life with the needs of the ghosts around her, all while keeping the tone light enough for middle-grade readers. Parents will appreciate that the scary bits are more spooky than truly frightening, and there's a reassuring message about dealing with loss and embracing the unknown.