Ghoul Summer - by Tracy Badua (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Twelve-year-old Barnaby had grand plans for his summer. He should've been spending his days watching movies and gaming with his friends. Instead, his parents drag him to the boring beach town of Sunnyside to help his grandpa move. Just when he thinks this summer can't get any worse, a ghost boy named Maxwell shows up in their vacation rental home to kick Barnaby and his family out. Barnaby tries everything to get rid of Maxwell on his own. But when his attempts fail and Maxwell actually becomes stronger, Barnaby realizes that there's only one solution to his ghost troubles: helping Maxwell figure out his unfinished business"--

Book Synopsis

In this beachside ghost story that's perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Wednesday, twelve-year-old Barnaby is forced to spend his summer helping his grandpa move, only to be confronted by Maxwell--a moody ghost boy with some unfinished business.

Barnaby had grand plans for his summer. He should've been spending his days watching movies and gaming with his friends. Instead, his parents drag him to the boring beach town of Sunnyside to help his grandpa move.

Just when he thinks this summer can't get any worse, a ghost boy named Maxwell shows up in their vacation rental home to kick Barnaby and his family out.

Barnaby tries everything to get rid of Maxwell on his own. But when his attempts fail and Maxwell actually becomes stronger, Barnaby realizes that there's only one solution to his ghost troubles: helping Maxwell figure out his unfinished business. If he doesn't, the ghost might ditch the rental home for Barnaby's body instead.

With the clock counting down to the end of the trip, Barnaby is forced to enter an uneasy truce with Maxwell to find the truth--or be haunted forever.

Perfect for Halloween readingA charming cozy seasonal pick

Review Quotes

"A gently spooky ghost story that's equal parts funny and heartfelt." - Kirkus Reviews

"Badua contrasts a carefree summer at the beach with expressions of Maxwell's--and, across a lateral subplot, Grandpa's--frustration and loneliness as they each struggle to move on." - Publishers Weekly

"A creepy yet heartwarming mystery, this story blends the supernatural with themes of family, community, and healing." - Booklist

"This endearing novel tackles family and friendship dynamics, grief, and capitalism in a uniquely comedic ghost story." - School Library Journal