THE HAUNTED HOUSE PROJECT by Tricia Clasen
Sky Pony Press, October 2016
Since her mom died, Andie’s family has crumbled. Instead of working, her dad gambles away insurance money, while her sister, Paige, has put her future on hold in order to pick up extra waitressing shifts. Andie’s afraid of what will happen if people find out just how bad things are. She’s not sure how long she can hide the fact that there’s no food or money in the house...or adults, for that matter.
When her science partner suggests they study paranormal activity, Andie gets an idea. She wants a sign from her mom—anything to tell her it’s going to be okay. Maybe the rest of her family does too. So she starts a project of her own. Pretending to be her mother’s ghost, Andie sprays perfume, changes TV channels, and moves pictures. Haunting her house is Andie’s last hope to bring her family back into the land of the living.
Select praise for THE HAUNTED HOUSE PROJECT:
Kirkus review: "A touching story that explores grief and the bravery necessary to come out of it."
PW review: "A heartrending portrait of a family coping with sudden and enormous loss...with authentic characters and emotions."
"Real magic exists in how this story lingers long after the last page... As Andie realizes her own strength by accepting the unthinkable, readers’ awareness and compassion for others will flourish, too."
- Beth Vrabel, author of A Blind Guide to Stinkville