The Guidance

November 1, 2009
Gr 7 Up-Kendall has recently learned that she is psychically sensitive, and she and her friends have formed an organization called "Ghost Huntresses." They help trapped spirits "see the light" and pass over to the other side. Adding to the problems of learning to deal with her psychic ability, Kendall is dating the former boyfriend of a hateful head cheerleader named Courtney, who is making her life miserable. When the frightening spirit of a Civil War Union soldier becomes involved with the teens, Courtney and Kendall are forced together to find peace for him. Family histories become part of this thrilling story, and the characters are a wonderful mix of an Episcopal priest, a New Age psychic, and descendants of some of the families in the area. The relationship between Kendall and her mother is a good and strong one. An epilogue discusses the science of the ghost-hunting equipment and includes a disclaimer warning teens to seek help if they feel they have psychic abilities. These features, coupled with the respect paid to standard religious belief systems, should comfort those bothered by the tarot readings and spirit "oppressions." Teens will love this one."Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2009
Grades 7-10 Ghost hunter Kendall is back (following The Awakening, 2009) for another tussle with the spectral set in Radisson, Georgia. But Courtney Langdon, queen of Kendalls high school, is tired of the new girl getting all the attention. Courtney claims to be telepathic (too) and ends up possessed by a disgruntled Civil War spirit bent on hurting those who wronged him so long ago. There is plenty of astral action for those who favor psychic connections both in print and on television, and theres no need to read the first book to relish the second.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)