The Screaming Staircase

This is a great book for kids about 8 or 9 and up who like their stories a little scary. Jonathan Stroud builds this great alternate England where ghosts are real and are a “Problem”. Only children can sense the ghosts(see, hear, etc), and get rid of these hauntings. Ghosts have big consequences in this world where they can kill you with a touch or some other waySpoiler the first ghost the Lockwood Co. is fighting in the book pushed a man down the stairs and he died from the fall. Lucy, who is the narrator in this book, is a great character. The independence and responsibility children have is somewhat empowering, but as it talks of other children dying while fighting ghosts also daunting. The only part I had a slight problem with was the author telegraphed who the villain was in this piece I thought. It was still an enjoyable getting to the climax, which was very exciting even if you know who the villain is.

I would definitely recommend this to middle grade children and up. I think even teens and adults could get enjoyment out of the story. I know I did.