The House Next Door

Twelve-year old Rory Parker can’t believe a family dared to move into the creepy house next door—did they not know about its tragic history of mysterious deaths and injuries? The house has been sitting vacant for five years, ever since his former neighbor fell down the stairs and broke his leg. Rory is concerned yet pleased to meet his new neighbors and he makes an immediate connection with the son who is his age, Jack. He has to let Jack know about the dangers of his new home, and the malevolent spirits that seem set on attacking children. Very quickly, the two boys become great friends and they realize they must watch out for Jack’s younger sister, Mira. She’s only five years old, and the angry spirits in Jack’s house seem to have a hunger for young children. Thanks to Jack and Rory’s friendship and quick thinking, they are able to outsmart the evil in Jack’s house and protect Mira. We Need Diverse Books cofounder Oh has created an unsettling haunted-house story for tweens with an element of mystery that will be perfect for fans of R. L. Stine. Rory and his family are Japanese American; Jack and his family are Korean American.