Scary School

Scary School is not for the weak or those of you who think just because you die or already dead you are excused from attending school or handing in your homework because you are not. As a ghost or zombie or another member of the undead you can still continue receiving your education along with the rest of your classmates, in fact now that you are dead you have a slightly better chance of surviving the school year than those other students who still carry a pulse...but only slight. However, don't think Scary School is all student eating teachers and evil school nurses, there is actually fun to be had and excellent cafeteria food to be eaten.

For the first time ever Scary School has been accepted to participate in the Ghoul Games, in fact not only will it be able to participate but it has been chosen as the host school. Unfortunately, what Principal Headcrusher first believes to be a long awaited acknowledgement of the school being a prominent source of education in the monster community is a plot to shut Scary School down permanently.

Scary School was a humourous, entertaining and cute read comprised of standout characters, enjoyable storylines, and wonderful illustrations. The pace of the novel was quick and constant, the narrator - Derek the Ghost a fresh choice who was both self-aware and matter-of-fact. And the school itself, though told in a light manner really is quite frightening; you could literally die at any moment and none of them are really pleasant. I am not the novel's target audience but I really think my little brother and those this book is meant for would enjoy it as much as I did if not more.

Now you might be thinking that a book for Middle Grade isn't for you. That you're too old to enjoy a book entitled Scary School. That, my friends, is where you'd be wrong. I have no qualms at all with telling you straight out that I adored this book! Yes, I'm in my late twenties. You know what though? Derek the Ghost is one heck of a narrator, and the stories in this book are pure awesome. Fan girl ramblings shall now ensue. You've been warned.

From page one Scary School is pure madness in the best way possible! If you've ever been to Wayside School, you'll know that sometimes the sheer ridiculousness of the stories is what really the draw. I found myself giggling through chapter after chapter of hilarious happenings. The teachers here won't just discipline you, they might actually eat you! Never fear though, you'll probably come back as a zombie, or a vampire, or you know, something else. Your best friend might be named Frank (pronounced Rachel) and you might even get in trouble for reading something you shouldn't have. In a word, being a student at Scary School is, well, scary!

The characters here are all vivid and so much fun. Scott M. Fischer's illustrations really bring them to life, and I found myself laughing out loud over the pictures more than once. After all, who doesn't love a T-rex in a dress? Lest you think that this is all just silliness though, I can assure you that there are actually very important lessons hidden in all the fun. Charles and his friends teach readers to be kind, to listen carefully, to be good friends, and even not to judge people for what they look like. Lessons and laughs? How can you go wrong?

If you have a reluctant reader at home, this is a book to put into their hands. The stories will make them laugh, the illustrations will delight them, and I'll guarantee that you won't be able to get them to stop talking about how funny it all is. I will happily admit that I'm a fan. Derek, you have me on board. I'm ready for more!