Horror in Ohio

November 1, 2019

K-Gr 3-Eerie accounts for armchair travelers, residents, and would-be visitors. Events are based on what was seen, heard, or felt by participants/witnesses; explanations are offered where known. Sometimes there aren't explanations or resolutions, and snippets of legends are presented with meager details. However, even unresolved fragments are bizarre enough to pique interest. Spooky covers, photos, and illustrations enhance appeal. Fact boxes provide information about historical periods, places, and/or characters; occasionally, "what happened after" details are given. A back matter feature in each volume titled "Spooky Spots in..." displays a colored map of the state, highlighting its position relative to its neighbors, and shows where the incidents occurred; a smaller version of the state is depicted within a U.S. map. VERDICT Engaging and recommended for all libraries. Have students draw or discuss favorite oddities in their own and/or neighboring states: Which would they most enjoy visiting? Why?

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2019
Grades K-3 Four haunted places in Ohio take center stage in this entry in the Scary States (of Mind) series (10 titles). Four-page chapters delve into the history of each, sensationalizing only slightly for added effect. First up is Franklin Castle in Cleveland, said to be haunted by the mother and children who died there. A ghostly cat haunts the lighthouse at Fairport Harbor, while the spirit of Ceely Rose, who murdered her family, stalks the Rose House in Lucas. And in Chillicothe, a theater that was used as a morgue during the flu outbreak still sees some ghostly performances. Doctored photo illustrations are more campy than creepy, but textual asides and a thorough glossary make this a well-crafted resource. An ending map of the locations mentioned rounds out this off-the-beaten-path exploration of American geography.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)