Bailey, Diane. Ghosts In America.

-->

Bailey, Diane.  Ghosts In America.  Rosen Publishing Group  48p  $29.25                   978-1-4488-5527-8  2012  elm/ms  VG-BNS  series: America's Supernatural Secrets

Several intriguing ghost stories, accompanied by factual and scientific information, make up the core of this appealing book about American ghosts.  Up-to-date information is also presented about current phenomena and ghost-hunting activities.            While this thin volume does not include everything a young reader will want to know about ghosts in America, it presents intriguing stories, as well as the “science” behind current phenomena and ghost-hunting activities.  All this is done in a manner that will attract even the most reluctant reader. 

The layout is attractive, and, for the most part, sufficiently spooky to lead the reader on.  The only detraction is that a number of brightly-colored insets, with totally unrelated shorter stories, appear in the middle of the text of a longer story, interrupting the flow of the story.  This may also create confusion for some readers. 

Supplemental materials include a glossary, sources of further information, both print and electronic, a list of agencies, a good bibliography and a comprehensive index.  All in all, this volume will whet the appetite for well-researched ghost stories and encourage young readers to explore further.  It would be a good addition for elementary and middle-school collections.

Ghosts, Folklore, Spooky stories                                                                                                                                                       --Pat Naismith