African American Sarah is less than thrilled when her grumpy cousin Janie arrives from Chicago to stay with her and her brother, Ellis, in Warrenville, Georgia. Sarah and Janie do not get along. Janie distracts Sarah from her astrobiology project, complains constantly about the small town, and worst of all, she shoplifts. When Janie takes a necklace from the ruins of a Black church destroyed by the Klan—against Sarah’s warnings—she awakens a haint, the spirit of a boy named Abner. With help from local historian and conjurer Mrs. Whitney, Sarah, Janie, Ellis, and their friend Jasper, all of who are Black, must find a way to put Abner’s spirit to rest. But they’ll have to keep it a secret from their strict grandmother, Mrs. Greene, who would prefer not to dwell on the town’s painful history of racial turmoil. A spooky ghost story and believable cousin drama ramp up the tension in this adventure. (Ages 8–12)

A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019

“A stirring Southern middle grade book that burns brighter than fireworks on the Fourth.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A must for readers who appreciate a heartfelt mystery.” —Booklist (starred review)
“An intricate mix of Southern mystery, history, and a ghost story that creeps but doesn’t scare.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

Cousins Sarah and Janie unearth a tragic event in their small Southern town’s history in this witty middle grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Stella by Starlight, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, and As Brave as You.

Twelve-year-old Sarah is finally in charge. At last, she can spend her summer months reading her favorite science books and bossing around her younger brother, Ellis, instead of being worked to the bone by their overly strict grandmother, Mrs. Greene. But when their cousin, Janie arrives for a visit, Sarah’s plans are completely squashed.

Janie has a knack for getting into trouble and asks Sarah to take her to Creek Church: a landmark of their small town that she heard was haunted. It’s also off-limits. Janie’s sticky fingers lead Sarah, Ellis, and his best friend, Jasper, to uncover a deep-seated part of the town’s past. With a bit of luck, this foursome will heal the place they call home and the people within it they call family.