The Haunting of Gabriel Ashe

Gr 6–9—This unsettling tale starts out as a realistic friendship story but merges into fantasy/horror. With a dad who makes puppets for a living, Gabe is used to being teased by his classmates. After a devastating fire causes his family to move, however, he starts to experience a surge in reputation, though this popularity comes with a price. Gabe must choose between his new friends and Seth, a strange neighbor who introduces him to a fantasy role-playing game in the wooded area behind their houses. When the game turns out to be not entirely imaginary, and kids in the community start to get hurt, Gabe must figure out how to set things right. The short chapters create a fast pace that rushes to the ultimate confrontation in this supernatural thriller. The creepy mood Poblocki creates for this ghost story is its strongest asset. Although it's tame enough for middle schoolers, the ending may be intense for some readers.—Carrie Shaurette, Dwight-Englewood School, Englewood, NJ