(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Kathrin Honesta. When the Museum of Peculiar Arts closes, eleven-year-old boy Chance (a former volunteer) is given Penny, a lifelike, child-size marionette. In an accidental body switch, Chance becomes consciously trapped in the puppet, while Penny is free--and loving it. A creepy puppeteer, a traveling carnival, and Chance's come-to-the-rescue sister Constance feature in a complex and compelling plot with heart and a touch of horror.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) 4-6 Set in an unnamed city experiencing economic hardships, Olive escapes her controlling stage mother to star in a magical show at an old theater filled with ghosts. Although many readers may find the ending predictable, there's satisfaction in the well-paced suspense as the plot hurtles toward a potentially fatal opening night. Near-death escapes and evil ghosts keep this story in the just-a-tad-scary realm.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Kat's dad is the new host for a ghost-hunting TV show that has perhaps as much eerie activity going on behind the scenes as before the camera. Kat starts a blog to chronicle happenings with the show and ends up investigating a paranormal mystery. Blog posts, emails, Wiki entries, and more begin each chapter. A thrilling start to a light and modern series.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez