I received an advanced copy from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

This was a good and little bit (but not too much) spooky young readers/middle grade novel. If your young reader likes Goosebumps or even historical fiction novels this is definitely one that I would recommend. I really love the author's note at the end that helps tie in the true story concerning the spooky stuff in her novel.

The one negative thing I would have to say about this novel is that our main character, Claire, is just a downright brat to everyone until the last couple of chapters. She is not kind to her parents or her brother or her friends, even when she's accusing them all of the behavior SHE is doing. Other than her not being likable, I quite enjoyed this fun little read and will absolutely be recommending it to younger readers in my life!

This was a great and interesting read about a true event! I had no idea about these historical events and it has certainly made me read more into some of the things discussed. Different to your average ghost story because of the fact mixed with thr fiction! Whizzed through this as I needed to know what was going to happen!

This review is based on an ARC of Scritch Scratch which I received courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

I loved this book! It is the perfect read-aloud for middle grade! As a teacher, I kept thinking of the many ways it could be tied into our study of the Great Chicago Fire and other tragedies of that time period. This book is spooky but also does a fantastic job of teaching kids about the rich history of Chicago. The characters are so relatable. The themes of friendship and the importance of family are so beautifully written into this book. I was rooting for Clare throughout the story and I'm sure you will to. Add this to your TBR pile and then share it with your MG readers as well!

This was the book that completed my 2020 goodreads challenge. It was so good y’all! It’s full of Chicago history, all real events that actually happened. My husband is from Chicago, & I moved 45 minutes from there when I left my home state, & met my husband while living there. This was such a page turner. If it wasn’t for my move I would’ve finished this in 1 day. There are so many important take aways from this book too. For 1, we should always remember nobody’s life is perfect, or what it may seem from the outside. Everyone has problems. We also shouldn’t judge someone off appearances. It’s ok to admit when we’re afraid or when something is bothering us. It doesn’t make you weak. We need our friends & family, & should also always go to them when we need them. Also, this book shows how important it is not to forget history. It highlights one of Chicago’s biggest tragedies, that took more lives than another world tragedy that is famous & well known. Yet, the Chicago 1 is hardly known by anyone. I had never heard of it, & that makes me sad. Those people should not be forgotten. So grateful there are authors like this combining their talent with doing something good, like reminding people of history that should be remembered. Highly recommend. This book comes out on September 1st!







Synopsis: Claire has absolutely no interest in the paranormal. She’s a scientist, which is why she can’t think of anything worse than having to help out her dad on one of his ghost-themed Chicago bus tours. She thinks she’s made it through when she sees a boy with a sad face and dark eyes at the back of the bus. There’s something off about his presence, especially because when she checks at the end of the tour…he’s gone.

Claire tries to brush it off, she must be imagining things, letting her dad’s ghost stories get the best of her. But then the scratching starts. Voices whisper to her in the dark. The number 396 appears everywhere she turns. And the boy with the dark eyes starts following her.

Claire is being haunted. The boy from the bus wants something...and Claire needs to find out what before it’s too late.

A great middle grade ghost story. I loved the cover, but stayed for the characters and a truly creepy story rooted in Chicago history.

This novel is one of the best I’ve read this year! The characters are so dynamic yet relatable. I loved the flow of the story. It held my attention the whole time.

One gloomy evening, seventh-grader Claire Koster is reluctantly recruited to be her dad's assistant on one of his creepy bus tours of Chicago, informing passengers of ghostly legends. What Claire didn't anticipate was the ghost of a young boy following her home. What does he want, and why did he choose Claire? This page-turner is the perfect blend of creepiness, history, and middle school angst. Those who are fans of the supernatural and appreciate tales related to true events are in for a treat. Perfect for middle-grade readers looking for a deliciously thrilling story, this book will keep readers engrossed until the satisfying conclusion.

Scritch Scratch is the ultimate middle grade spooky novel that will keep readers turning the pages and wanting to know more about the mysteries and ghosts of historic Chicago. Set in present time Chicago, Claire considers herself a scientists and everything in life is a science experiment. That is until Claire works on her dad's spirit tour bus one night and brings one of the spirits home with her. This fast paced story weaves together mystery, a determined ghost, and group of friends who all have a stake in Claire's ghost for different reasons.

Having been born and raised in a close suburb of Chicago, I love Lindsay Currie’s books. She has a way of shining a spotlight on spooky, forgotten pieces of our history that is second to none. Even though I live near Chicago, there’s so much to the history of this great city that I don’t know! I loved Googling newspaper articles and pictures of the actual events described in this book as I went along— so fascinating! If you love ghost stories based on actual events, this book is for you! It’s spooky, funny, and has relatable characters— a recipe for a middle-grade win!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I loved this book. Lindsay Currie will now be on my favorite author list for scary stories for kids. Scritch Scratch is the sound that the ghost makes scratching on the walls of Claire's bedroom to get her attention. He wants something from her. What a great scary story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. A fantastic ending and I hope the author makes this into a series. I would read each and every one.

I was really fascinated by the author's use of a real disaster in her story. Chicago's history of a deadly capsized ship that killed 844 passengers and crew. There is a book called Capsized about this disaster.

I don't know quite where to begin with this review, as I honestly loved nearly everything about this book. Like a lot of children of the 80's, I grew up reading a lot of YA paranormal fiction, and even as an adult I thoroughly love a lighter ghostly storyline. This novel very much falls comfortably in a "middle school" reading level, but it is still one that I also would recommend to anyone who enjoyed Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, or Small Spaces by Katherine Arden.

This story focuses around Claire, a twelve year old no nonsense girl. As a scientist at heart, she finds herself constantly exasperated by her father's obsession with the paranormal, an obsession that has landed him a book deal and his very own haunted bus tour. When his only other employee calls in sick, Claire is forced to accompany him and help on his tour, where she comes face to face with the unexplainable.

The creepy bits were very well done, the storyline flowed easily, and Claire was a character that I truly loved and probably would have related to when I was much younger. Solid 4.698 out of 5.

Scritch Scratch is a really fun read for kids who love scary books with a mixture of suspense and mystery. It was easy to connect with Clare and go on this spooky adventure with her. I found myself lured into this world, and wondering what was going to happen next. There was something new and exciting happening with every turn of the page. This is a must read!

"Scritch Scratch" combines the life of a middle school girl and the ghost of the young boy. The "spooky" scenes are fantastically written and will keep you reading. There is a nice element of character development for the main character and those around her. She even bonds with her brother. Gasp! This is a great scary story edition for lower middle grades and upper elementary. It also explores the haunted history of Chicago.

Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie is a wonderfully crafted ghost story that keeps the reader turning pages with eagerness to the very last page!

Claire finds her scientific self on the bus ghost tour with her Dad and someone or something finds her and follows her home. You will fall in love with her character and become intrigued by her story. Will she be able to end the haunting while keeping the secret? You will love following her on this journey!

I cannot wait to share this book with all my students in the library!

Loved this blend of spooky happenings with a bit of Chicago history. I was rooting for Claire and her friends the whole way though! And side note: I totally think there should be a SCRITCH SCRATCH tour - I'd be first in line for tickets!

Claire's dad runs a ghost tour company and is looking for ideas for his next book. One night, Claire is asked to help out on the tour, and that's when she first sees the ghost boy. After that, the boy haunts Claire at home and at school. Claire decides to investigate and find out why the boy chose her and how to put him to rest.

I liked the ghost story aspect of the book, but the friendship issues really made me lose focus at times. I think the friendship story line would be a nice addition for younger readers to help them not be as scared as they might be without it. I definitely know some readers I will be recommending this book to!

I love this book! The protagonist, Claire is one of those characters that you feel an instant connection with and want to join her in unraveling the mystery surrounding the "ghost boy". This page turning mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you saying, "Just one more chapter." This chilling tale is so much more than just trying to solve a mystery. The friendship issues that Claire faces are what every middle school students goes through, and Claire's journey navigating middle school is relevant to all middle school readers. My favorite line is when Claire realizes that, “Everyone needs help sometimes, even the girls who look like they don't. Even the girls who seem perfect.” In addition, the way Lindsay Currie infuses Chicago's history into her writing is incredible, and I enjoy as a reader learning more about Chicago throughout the novel. Overall, I love Scritch Scratch for being a spooky mystery that also deals with trust, empathy, friendship; as well as, facing your fears and having the courage to make a difference. "Look for the story history doesn't tell, because that might be the one that matters." I can't wait to share this gem with my students in September!

I quite enjoyed this title! I was attracted to the horror vibe it gave off in the description, and thuroughly enjoyed the mystery side if the plot. It definitely targets a middle school reader with the interpersonal dynamics in the story. I also very much appreciated that it was based on a true historical incident.

SCREEEEECH - that is the sound that comes into mind immediately when I think about this book!

I loved the way Lindsay Currie weaved friendship, mystery, history and SPOOKY! My students were obsessed with The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street (as was I), so I knew that this was going to be a must buy for my library. I was so excited to read this eARC, and it did not disappoint.

This book was intriguing, and the perfect length for younger readers who want to be at the edge of their seat from start to finish. I also love how true to heart Lindsay is when it comes to Chicago. It is so fun to read about a place that the author is clearly passionate about. Thank you for this book!

Lindsay Currie’s Scritch Scratch has left me undone! I am a grown adult woman and still I had to snuggle deeper into my covers during parts of this fantastic paranormal mystery. This unputdownable book is by far one of my favorite books EVER! Lindsay’s protagonist, Claire, is just your normal middle school girl with a pesky older brother and trouble with her BFF. And as if that is not enough – now she must deal with being haunted. Lindsay takes us through her beloved city of Chicago and leaves the reader with an almost uncontrollable desire to take a trip to the Windy City to encounter firsthand all of the Spirits that linger there. You MUST read this book – middle grade students and adults alike. The bonds of family and friendship that are shown are a valuable lesson that we all need to learn. Read this book – I promise you will not regret it!