BOOK REVIEW: School of the Dead by Avi

BLURB:

From Newbery Medalist Avi comes the spine-tingling story of Tony Gilbert, who must solve a mystery surrounding the ghost of his uncle Charlie.

For most of Tony Gilbert’s life, he always thought of his uncle as “Weird Uncle Charlie.” That is, until Uncle Charlie moves in with Tony and his family. He’s still odd, of course—talking about spirits and other supernatural stuff—but Uncle Charlie and Tony become fast friends. Between eating ice cream and going to the movies, Tony is having more fun with Uncle Charlie than he ever could have imagined.

So when Uncle Charlie dies suddenly, Tony is devastated. So sad, in fact, he starts seeing Uncle Charlie everywhere! Tony recently transferred to the Penda School, where Uncle Charlie went as a kid. The school is eerie enough on its own without his uncle’s ghost making it worse. On top of which, rumors have been circulating about a student who went missing shortly before Tony arrived. Could that and Uncle Charlie’s ghost be related?

Full of twists and turns that get spookier by the chapter, School of the Dead is a fast-paced mystery that Avi’s fans will devour!

REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 12 

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book is a thrilling adventure! I never thought that someone could make going to school an adventure for me. School is something that I don't want to do, but this author makes going to school sound like something you want to get out of bed at 6:30 am for! At this school, you don't know if you are going to survive the day without seeing a ghost! 

The Penda School has some not so normal children, crazy staff and is downright terrifying! This book is a mix of adventure and mystery all rolled into one. My favorite character is Tony because he'll do anything to help out his true friends. My favorite part is the school dance because I love dressing up! 

Go buy yourself a copy of this book and be prepared to have a great adventure. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 11.