Spellbinder

October 26, 2009
Stringer debuts with an adventurous, darkly humorous ghost story. Twelve-year-old Belladonna Johnson lives an ordinary life, except for the fact that she can see ghosts, including those of her parents, who were killed in a car accident. Other than that, they're still her same old parents (“Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were great believers in the family dinner and just because they were no longer corporeal, they saw no reason to let things slide”). That is, until they disappear, along with all the other ghosts Belladonna has gotten to know. After enlisting her classmate Steve as a sidekick, Belladonna journeys to the Land of the Dead in order to bring back the ghosts; she eventually comes to realize that the fate of the universe is at stake and it's up to her to restore the natural equilibrium of the world. Though Belladonna at times seems like just another generic heroine, Stringer's ability to build a strong sense of mystery, entwined with Western mythology, will pull readers through to the end. Those who like unusual ghost stories without the usual horror will enjoy this book. Ages 8–12.

October 1, 2009
Gr 5-7-Belladonna Johnson, 12, who has the family trait of seeing ghosts, appreciates the gift after her parents' car accident. They happily haunt the house, her mother still prepares meals, Belladonna still spends evenings watching "Staunchly Springs" with them, and her daily chore is to pick up a newspaper for her father. But suddenly ghosts start to disappear, including her parents. Elsie Blaine, the young Victorian ghost that haunts Belladonna's school, is the only one around, and even Steve, her mischievous chemistry lab partner, can see her. He becomes Belladonna's amusing sidekick on a quest to discover the truth. In the Land of the Dead, they meet strange Dr. Ashe and discover that he has something to do with the disappearances. Magical creatures, amulets, and verses are all a part of this delightful tale that leads Belladonna and Steve on a deadly adventure. Stringer maintains the humor and logic of preteens who are awkwardly coming into their magical destinies, which makes for an amusing first novel."Nancy D. Tolson, Mitchell College, New London, CT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2009
Grades 5-8 Stringers charming ghost story defies classification. Theres a little Lemony Snicket, plenty of mythology, and homage to English school stories, creating an original and sensitive first novel. Twelve-year-old Belladonna Johnson sees ghosts, which is fortunate because her parents were killed in a car crash a year ago. They continue to live in the house with Bella, cooking her meals, watching television, and being the loving parents they were, but only Bella and her grandmother can see them. Then suddenly, all the ghosts disappear, and Bellas father charges her with figuring out why. Bella journeys to the Land of the Dead to save her parentsand our world (for it turns out ghosts play a vital role in the world of the living). Stringer offers delightful touches, such as a sibyl who lives underneath the school library and a cranky headmistress who knows more than she lets on. A fast-paced plot and intricate world pull the reader along, but its Bellas love for her parents and her need to keep them with her that linger.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)