The Ghost Tower

Freckled, white-cued Ryan and his best friend Dot, who reads as Black, are curious about the Ghost Tower, a purportedly haunted building located near the edge of their quaint village. Determined to explore the structure, fearless Dot persuades cautious Ryan to accompany her on a moonlit excursion to the property. Their plan is foiled, however, by a white barn owl, which warns them off by swooping down at them upon their approach. Then Dot learns from her older brother Ted, who works for the village council, that “some big company” bought the land, intending to demolish Ghost Tower. Spurred by the tower’s imminent destruction, Dot hatches one final visiting scheme. On Halloween night, disguised as “FAT ghosts” (“because we EAT people”) and using Ted’s pilfered drone, the duo successfully infiltrate the spire—and find something remarkable. Previous collaborators Cross and Horne (Five Ways to Make a Friend) imbue this breezy tale with enough suspense to intrigue but never frighten, making it ideal for developing readers with an affinity for outlandish adventures. Across simple plotting, wise-cracking characters relay messages about bravery and championing others. Ink line and grayscale watercolor drawings appear throughout. Ages 8–12. (July)