Author & Illustrators
I was hooked from the start with this book. It’s succinct and the author gets straight into the story.
Lilian Jones is feeling nervous about starting at her new boarding school called Shadowhall Academy. I like how Lilian stands up for herself when she meets a mean girl she has to share her dormitory with. However, the girl Serena, isn’t as bad as she first seems. During their first night at the Academy Lillian is woken up by Angela, another new girl. She’s terrified because of knocking through the walls. Somebody or something is in the wall. This prompts Lilian to start her exciting investigation and she discovers that many years ago a girl died in the wall and rumours of the ghost haunting the school are well known around the academy.
‘Shadowhall Academy’ is a captivating novel suitable for fans of Jennifer Killick and Katherine Arden. Phil Hickes is a very talented writer at keeping the reader engaged. Children may well identify with having to move schools, and/or meeting new people. I liked how the girls formed a tight-knit group of friends and looked out for each other. Each girl was facing their own troubles and having friends to talk through their problems helped. Some parts were a bit scary but overall the level of scariness is perfect for KS2 pupils. And the best bit is that this book is the first in a series. I can’t wait to read the other books!
Phil Hickes is also the author of the Aveline Jones series, another spooky series popular with children.
This is a deliciously dark and spine-chilling tale of mystery and ghosts. Phil Hickes’s descriptively spooky tale is much darker than I was expecting from this middle-grade novel, and is not for the sensitive reader!
When Aveline is left to spend half-term with her Auntie in a quiet coastal town, she never expected the mystery she would uncover or the danger she would find herself in. Atmospherically written, this absorbing storyline feels so realistic. The unfolding folklore throughout the story kept me intrigued – from the Lady in the water to her connection to the Malmouth scarecrows. In addition to this, I was completely invested in Aveline’s plight and the terror she felt. I loved the charming and unique cast of characters we were introduced to in Malmouth, especially Mr Lieberman and his quirky second-hand bookshop (which I have to admit had me wishing I owned a second-hand bookshop).
The idea that second-hand books could connect you to their previous owner I found fascinating, as well as the developing relationship and understanding between Aveline and Primrose (counteracting the horrifying Lady character and suggesting that not all ghosts have evil intentions).
The use of Keith Robinson’s illustrations within the book only enhance the eeriness of the story, especially the rather sinister-looking child scarecrows. Equally, the addition of the Book Club Questions (at the back of this book), would certainly be a useful tool if you were using this for a book club or as a guided reading text.
This is a spectacular, haunting tale that will be devoured by readers who love scary stories and who are not too easily spooked!
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments