NIGHTMARE ISLAND

A 12-year-old discovers more than she bargained for as she determinedly faces her fears.

Serenity Noah is a Black girl from “a mysterious Caribbean island” who’s plagued by a recurring nightmare. Consequently, she’s decided to face her fears, developing an obsession with horror movies and even making her own with the help of her younger brother, Peace. Calm, well-behaved Peace is the opposite of Serenity, whose loud voice makes her soft-spoken parents anxious. That is, until the day when Peace has a screaming meltdown; later he says shadows called his name and were trying to take him away. Now he’s unable to sleep alone. Serenity’s parents take him away for a silent retreat on Duppy Island, alarming Serenity—after all, duppies are “malicious spirits that haunt people at night.” She stows away on a boat and, arriving on the island, uncovers secrets that both excite and scare her about Dr. Whisper, who is running the retreat; evil douens, faceless spirits of children; and her own ancestral lineage. Bourne’s sophomore novel for young readers delivers a thrilling storyline filled with twists and turns. Readers will be captivated by Serenity’s voice, original perspective, curiosity, and bravery as they eagerly follow her journey.

A horror story with strong appeal for fans of the genre featuring a bold, intriguing protagonist.