The Northern Frights

Gr 3–6—Youngsters familiar with the earlier books in this series would be the best audience for this lackluster addition, as frequent references are made to characters and plot developments without adequate explanation. Eleven-year-old Derek the Ghost introduces the story by telling readers about the latest challenge for the Scary School students: They must participate as exchange students at their evil counterpart-Scream Academy. Characters are silly and one-dimensional, such as Penny Possum (who hides like a possum in the back of the classroom) and Jason (who wears a white hockey mask like the horror-movie character). Conflicts are resolved without much fight. The students encounter some creepy characters, including witches, trolls, and an ice dragon, but they offer little suspense in a fairly predictable plot. Marsha Jones's "Ghostville Elementary" (Scholastic), Dan Gutman's "My Weird School" (HarperCollins), and Debbie Dadey's "Bailey School Kids" (Scholastic) series are better selections for kids who enjoy the funny scary genre.—Julie Shatterly, W.A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC