Reviews

Gr 7-10-Sparrow Delaney, 15, lives in Lily Dale, NY, a town populated with mediums who generate income by "serving Spirit," or hosting seances. Her mother, grandmother, and six sisters are all professional channelers of the other realm. Sparrow has had the ability to see, smell, hear, and communicate with ghosts since she was five, but, much to her family's chagrin, she denies these talents. Embarrassed by her town, dubbed "Spookyville" by outsiders, the girl attends school a few miles away. When her history-project partner, moody and handsome Jack, wants to research Lily Dale, Sparrow hides her knowledge of the place. Then she begins to be haunted by a teenage ghost named Luke, who happens to be Jack's missing brother. Luke refuses to be ignored and insists on using Sparrow to send messages to the living. On the first anniversary of his disappearance, his family decides to hold a televised seance in Lily Dale. Despite her refusal to embrace her "gift," Sparrow reveals Luke's messages, resulting in varied emotions from his parents and the townspeople. Readers will enjoy this combination of mystery, adventure, and romance, with enticing twists and turns. Harper seems to have studied Spiritualism and the real town of Lily Dale rather well, creating an accurate atmosphere. The ending, although somewhat sappy, is touching and effective.-Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.