Purchase to Support Our Program

“A creepy yet heartwarming mystery, this story blends the supernatural with themes of family, community, and healing.”

—Booklist

“A gently spooky ghost story that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Badua contrasts a carefree summer at the beach with expressions of Maxwell’s—and, across a lateral subplot, Grandpa’s—frustration and loneliness as they each struggle to move on.”

—Publishers Weekly

Ghoul Summer

Written by Tracy Badua
Published by Storytide

Barnaby had grand plans for his summer. He should’ve been spending his days watching movies and gaming with his friends. Instead, his parents drag him to the boring beach town of Sunnyside to help his grandpa move.

Just when he thinks this summer can’t get any worse, a ghost boy named Maxwell shows up in their vacation rental home to kick Barnaby and his family out.

Barnaby tries everything to get rid of Maxwell on his own. But when his attempts fail and Maxwell actually becomes stronger, Barnaby realizes that there’s only one solution to his ghost troubles: helping Maxwell figure out his unfinished business. If he doesn’t, the ghost might ditch the rental home for Barnaby’s body instead.

With the clock counting down to the end of the trip, Barnaby is forced to enter an uneasy truce with Maxwell to find the truth—or be haunted forever.

Primary ISBN: 9780063347052
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.