Money Madness

Fittingly, an inauguration launches the inaugural volume of White House Ghosthunters, a series set in the renowned residence on Pennsylvania Avenue. On the platform are 12-year-old Molly and her seven-year-old brother, Jam, who fidget as their mother is sworn in as President. But the siblings are amply entertained on the first evening at their new digs: while they're hiding behind a bureau in the Lincoln Bedroom, a trapdoor gives way behind them. After a harmless fall, they discover a passageway that leads to a wooden chest filled with money printed during the Civil War--and to their first encounter with the ghost of Honest Abe, who playfully haunts this light tale. With the help of a friend, Molly (a Nancy Drew wannabe) devises a scheme to get rid of the century-old bills as well as another stash of currency that falls into the hands of her cash-obsessed brother. Though the plot's pervasive money theme wears thin well before the easily anticipated wrap-up, Davis's (the Never Sink Nine series) young characters remain likable--and the haunted White House premise holds promise. Ages 8-12. (Nov.)