GHOUL SUMMER

A tween boy begrudgingly agrees to help the ghost who’s haunting his family’s vacation rental.

Twelve-year-old Barnaby Vargas was looking forward to a fun summer of gaming with his friends, but instead, his parents are dragging him and his younger brother, Leo, to the beachfront town of Sunnyside for three weeks to help their grandfather, who will be moving in with them. When they arrive at Warner Place, the home they’re renting for their visit, Barnaby discovers that his room is already occupied by someone—the ghost of a boy named Maxwell Warner, who died in 1984 and wants Barnaby out of his room. After several unsuccessful attempts to banish Maxwell’s spirit that only seem to increase the ghost’s power, Barnaby agrees to help him resolve his unfinished business in exchange for leaving him alone. As Barnaby digs through Maxwell’s past, he forms a tentative friendship with the ghost and learns more about Sunnyside. The mystery surrounding Maxwell’s death is compelling, with well-balanced moments of humor. Badua deftly weaves in complex themes of family, friendship, and community organizing. Barnaby’s character growth is touching, as is the new bond he develops with Leo as they work together to help Maxwell. Though the story wraps up rather quickly, with some threads left unresolved, the ending is heartwarming. Barnaby and his family are Filipino American.

A gently spooky ghost story that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt.