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The Golden Ghost

by Marion Dane Bauer

The Golden Ghost by Marion Dane Bauer

Review: In the late days of summer before the start of fourth grade, Delsie and her friend Todd ride their bikes past the old abandoned homes near the mill when she sees a flicker of light and the presence of … something … in The Golden Ghost, an early chapter book for young readers by Marion Dane Bauer.

Delsie isn't sure what she's seen — or felt. She and Todd had been talking about the houses being haunted, inhabited by ghosts, so it may have been her imagination. And besides, she doesn't believe in ghosts, even when they find one of the doors unlocked and evidence of someone having lived there. It isn't until later, when she senses the presence again, this time clearly in the shape of a dog, that she knows it is trying to tell her something … something important that needs her immediate attention.

The Golden Ghost is a sweet book, an imaginative and charming story that will delight kids … and most likely their parents as well. It's not a typical "ghost" story by any means, but rather one of loyalty and trust and, most of all, friendship. Possibly the only drawback to the book are the pencil-drawn illustrations, which, while detailed and telling, are dark and moody, almost grim, and not reflective of the wonder and joy expressed in the poignantly delivered narrative.

The publisher lists this book as recommended for readers aged 6 to 9. As of the date of this review, no Lexile measure has been assigned for The Golden Ghost, though similar books by this author are about 400L.

Acknowledgment: Random House provided a copy of The Golden Ghost for this review.

Review Copyright © 2011 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved

Location(s) referenced in The Golden Ghost:

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The Golden Ghost by Marion Dane Bauer

The Golden Ghost by

Publisher: Random House
Format: Hardcover
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-86649-4
Publication Date:
List Price: $12.99

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