Middle-Grade Review: Girl from the Ashes by India Hill Brown

 

About This Book:

Gianna and Carter John are best friends, but they couldn’t be more different. Gianna is small for her age, gets straight A’s, and is the teacher’s favorite. Meanwhile, Carter John gets in trouble no matter what he does, just because he’s tall and his voice is loud. 

Then one day while working on a class project in the town library, Carter John gets in trouble yet again and reaches his breaking point. As his anger builds, a stack of books flies off the shelf, hitting the librarian. 

Now everywhere he goes, strange things are happening. The smell of smoke hangs in the air. Sparks fly when Carter John gets in trouble. And he hears the voice of a young girl singing a song . . . a song about burning . . . 

When fires start breaking out around town, Carter John and Gianna are determined to figure out who’s responsible. They are certain that these are no normal fires . . . Something terrible once happened where the town library now stands, and someone’s trying to send them a message about it. 

But who is she―and why is she determined to get revenge?

*Review Contributed By Rachel Moulden, Staff Reviewer*

A Thrilling Ghost Story

The Girl from the Ashes is a bone-chilling horror novel that reminds us that history can not be erased. When mysterious occurrences of the supernatural kind start popping up in Gianna and Carter John’s life they are shaken to the core. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, they find out more about their town while also learning how to grow into more confident versions of themselves.

Those who love stories about things that go bump in the night will relish this ghost story. Brown does an excellent job of crafting an ominous atmosphere that has the characters and readers constantly looking over their shoulders. I loved the slow-up build up of horror elements that makes this novel a thrilling read and the mystery aspect gets the reader immersed in the story.

Gianna and Carter John’s story is relatable to its audience as the novel has themes of dealing with self-confidence, bullying, and struggles of changing friendship dynamics. The conversations feel real and can open discussions that readers can discuss with parents and trusted loved ones.

Most of all, what stood out in this story was its deep ties to historical events/people such as The Greenville Eight who successfully protested the segregated library system in Greenville, South Carolina. It talks openly about racism’s long-lasting effects and educates the reader how access to libraries wasn’t always equal. It reminds us how important it is to have the freedom to read!

The Girl From The Ashes is the perfect spooky read for any time of the year and I highly recommend this novel for those that love a good ghost story.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book Here*

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