This is a great ghost story full of action and scary elements. (Even beyond your typical surviving middle school terror) one thing holding me back from a 5 star review and keeping me from fully recommending this edition to students is the language. Though it is mild (freaking, pissed off, what the hell, holy hell, etc.) it is very frequent (I didn’t read more than a few pages between each instance and it began to be distracting to me.) I’ve read Mr. Anderson’s books before and loved them and I do not recall them being so full of questionable language. As a 5th and 6th grade librarian I would be leery of recommending to my more conservative students. I know some students use this language, but I also know it’s highly discouraged in most families.. I hope this is addressed and edited in the final edition,

Riley's Ghost is a slow-moving tale that follows Riley through the trials of growing up. A lot of realistic things happen (which can be a good thing) in this ghost tale but, in the end, it didn't do much for me. I know a lot of people will see themselves in the characters (which is a great thing) and find their voice.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

Riley’s Ghost by John David Anderson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
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Like a lot of middle schoolers, Riley has that difficult combination of feeling so totally alone and having a very shot fuse. Her optimistic mom says it’ll get better but- so far- it’s only gotten worse and worse. At the result of back and forth cruelty, Riley is locked in, after hours, at her school….she soon discovers that she is not as alone as she once thought.
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This is quite the middle grade novel! It hits on bullying, loneliness, family strain, and death. Riley explains in the book- ghost stories are often more sad than scary. This ghost story is definitely a complete, emotional story BUT it does not lack in the creep department. I recommend this haunting novel for upper middle school and older.
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If you love a great ghost story and a scary haunting- this one is for you!

This book was a very good YA book. It ad a bit of mystery and a lot of real life stuff that can happen in middle school. Bullying is very real, even in books. Great work!

I loved that a life lesson was wrapped in a horror story. There were definitely some things I would have loved explained better but it was all in all a quick read and really good! I liked Riley as a character and could empathize with her in many situations described in the book. I wish the ghosts’ history was delved into more it may have helped with the backstory. I was happy to see that ultimately everything works out in the end!! I think this would be a great read for a middle schooler and could lead to productive conversations between parents and children!

4.5 stars

A thoughtful ghost story that clearly understands the middle-school mind, daring to explore the real questions and uncertainties of any period of transition (of which middle-school is one of the greats) rather than relying on cheap scares.

I loved ghost stories when I was in the age group this book is targeting, and this one would, I think, have stuck with me had I read it then. It isn't afraid to confront the sadness of a ghost story, nor the tricky questions the existence of ghosts raises about our own world.

For some, the book may feel too slow. Almost every chapter written in the "present" timeline is followed by a chapter of reminiscence on some episode in Riley's (the main character's) past. However, while this might have annoyed me in another book, for this story I felt it was appropriate and well executed. Riley's memories and history inform the decisions she makes in the present, and the insights she is able to obtain, and they are spliced in at thematically appropriate intervals without feeling like info-dumps.

I would highly recommend this story to any middle-grade reader, even those who are not typically fans of the "horror" genre. Because it's not really a "horror" story, but a ghost story, about people rather than monsters.

This book is somewhat genre-defying. It is a ghost story, to be sure, but it is also about family, friendship, bullying, and the general horror story that is middle school. Riley grapples with a lot on these pages and takes the reader with her on her adventure. It is fast-paced and kept me reading to unravel the mystery.

Invigorating. Mystifying. Powerful. This novel is a train, hurtling forward and hitting you with full impact. Nothing is sugar coated or glossed over, showcasing the devastating effect of bullying in a dazzling tour de force. Riley is a kid with her fair share of emotional issues. She's quick to anger and has made her fair share of mistakes. Nothing is excused, just explained. At the end of the day, Riley is just a kid seeking connection, but that connection is severed wherever she goes. While this novel is most definitely a ghost story, it is also the universal story of middle school. While things do get better... eventually... it can be a long, tough road to get there. And not everyone gets there. The part that stands out to me most is when Max exclaims that it isn't fair for him to be punished, to be haunted. Why couldn't the teachers help? The parents? The other students? Why did it have to be him? The answer isn't clean and it isn't simple. It's messy and complicated. But I hope this novel teaches everyone who reads it to be more kind to their fellow human. To be more understanding. The bystander effect doesn't have to be all powerful. Allow yourself to be the flashlight, illuminating the dark. #netgalley

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this book!!!

I am a HUGE John David Anderson fan. He has visited my school (where I am the librarian), I have read all his books and we keep in touch. Riley's Ghost is among my favorites. I GET this book and the characters. They are relatable. This book is needed. It makes me want to seek out those lonely, quiet kids (or even the one who act out) and let them know they are seen and heard. I want them to know they are loved. This book has the potential to help a lot of kids. Absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the hardcopy.

Riley has always had a hard time fitting in and has been told she needs to control herself. Mom says ignore the people when they drag you down,but Riley knows it’s hard. One day she is locked in a science supply closet after she angers some girls. She manages to get out and one of the dissected frog begins talking to her. He tells her if you help me, I will help you.Riley tries everything to get out of school but finds she’s alone. Then she hears noises. As she walks around school, she finds “ghosts can take many forms, and the memories they carry give them power,” What does the ghost want? What keeps it there? Will Riley ever be able to escape from the school?