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Gloam - by Jack MacKay (Hardcover)

Gloam - by  Jack MacKay (Hardcover) - 1 of 1
$17.99 when purchased online
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Highlights

  • For fans of Small Spaces and Goosebumps comes a delightfully creepy tale of a girl who must defend her family home from a babysitter with a monstrous secret!
  • 8-12 Years
  • 8.53" x 5.81" Hardcover
  • 208 Pages
  • Juvenile Fiction, Horror

Description



About the Book



After moving into her late grandmother's eerie house on a small island, thirteen-year-old Gwen must protect her family from their monstrous babysitter Esme, which forces her to confront her deepest fears as she fights back against terrifying creatures.



Book Synopsis



For fans of Small Spaces and Goosebumps comes a delightfully creepy tale of a girl who must defend her family home from a babysitter with a monstrous secret!

"The first time I read this book, I was so frightened I hid under the bed--and read it again."--Lemony Snicket

Gwen doesn't want to admit that everything has been different since her mom died. There's no time for all these feelings now that she has her younger brother and twin sisters to look after. Especially not after the move into their late grandmother's creaky old house on a tiny, damp island where someone--or something--is waiting for them.

Esme Laverne. Gwen isn't fooled by the beautiful babysitter with the hungry eyes and too-sharp teeth, even though everyone else is. How does no one notice the sinister threats beneath her sickly sweet words? It quickly becomes clear that if Gwen wants Esme gone, she'll have to handle it herself.

In order to protect her family, Gwen will have to fight off terrifying creatures and literal nightmares come to life. But as rot begins to eat away at the house's walls and Esme's power grows, Gwen must face everything she's been running from and embrace what she's truly scared of before she can defeat the monster in her home . . . for good.



Review Quotes




Praise for Gloam

"The first time I read this book, I was so frightened I hid under the bed--and read it again."--Lemony Snicket

"Mackay's debut is well constructed, gripping audiences from the very first pages as the author explores grief, terror, and familial bonds...Thrilling and chilling, with a standout protagonist." --Kirkus

"Debut author Mackay delivers a classic tale of children's horror that's as chilling as it is heartfelt." --Booklist

"The nightmare fuel that Mackay brings to bear against each of the children draws brilliantly on phobic triggers and the terror of the unknown... [The] atmospheric effects [...] will keep readers up at night." --The Horn Book

"I've read a lot of middle-grade horror, and this is one of the boldest debuts I've come across. Gloam definitely lingers, so don't sleep on it." --My Spooky Ways on Instagram

"I was hooked from page one and finished it in less than 24 hours. I devoured this book and so far it's one of my top 10 books of 2025." --Library Girl Reading



About the Author



Jack Mackay is a writer, theater-maker and horror enthusiast. Though he's currently floating around somewhere near York, his heart is in the Midlands, in his grandparents' creaky old house. He has written stories since he was four years old. He is also the co-founder of Griffonage Theatre, a York-based company with a taste for the madcap and macabre. He loves his family, his dog, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and K-pop.
Dimensions (Overall): 8.53 Inches (H) x 5.81 Inches (W) x .83 Inches (D)
Weight: .65 Pounds
Suggested Age: 8-12 Years
Number of Pages: 208
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub-Genre: Horror
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Format: Hardcover
Author: Jack MacKay
Language: English
Street Date: August 12, 2025
TCIN: 94388596
UPC: 9780593693834
Item Number (DPCI): 247-55-6709
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.83 inches length x 5.81 inches width x 8.53 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.65 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

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This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

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