"Hart & Souls" by Lisa Schmid captivated both my daughter and me from start to finish! Following Stix as he navigates the daunting halls of a new school, haunted by memories of bullying, we found ourselves wholeheartedly cheering him on every step of the way. However, when he unexpectedly encounters spectral companions, the story takes on a thrilling twist.

From the outset, we were drawn in by the book's adorable cover, and we were pleased to discover the perfect blend of familiar struggles like bullying and anxiety with the exciting addition of ghostly encounters. This paranormal aspect added a captivating layer to the tale, making it easy for us to connect with Stix's journey and empathize with his challenges.

My daughter, especially, was completely engrossed in Stix's journey, finding it relatable and compelling. This aspect of the story, combined with its charming storytelling, ensured that "Hart and Souls" became an unforgettable read for both of us. With its relatable themes and engaging narrative, this book is sure to earn a cherished spot on the bookshelves of young readers everywhere!

I liked this one a lot. It’s got a bit of a paranormal twist but tackles some common experiences and feelings of middle schoolers, topics like bullying, anxiety, and navigating social situations. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

I love this book! Hart & Souls dives in to bullying and anxiety and navigating middle school, all with the help of a few ghosts. Schmid's funny anecdotes and introspective voice will keep young readers engaged, and the creative, relatable characters will have them giggling and feeling everything right along with them. Vazquez' bright illustrations show emotional depth and provide a delightful addition to the story. Keep this one on your list for kids looking for a fun ghost story with characters they can connect to!

Hart and Souls is a new middle grade book about a kid who goes to a new school. He was bullied at his old school so he is very anxious about going to this new school. At this new school, he discovers ghosts! Can he help them move on from Middle School?

This was a cute story! I liked the premise and the setting. It explores issues that a lot of kids face like bullying and anxiety. I loved the ghosts in it also. It added a bit of paranormal aspect. It also has some cute illustrations and a cute cover.

I wish the characters were a little more developed so that I could connect with them better. However, I still had a good time reading it and I think a lot of kids will like this one!

Thanks so much to netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!