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“Chan’s paranormal mystery, which is designed to be accessible to dyslexic and striving readers, is compulsively readable, begging to be finished in a single sitting, with its breakneck pacing ratcheted by the escalating tension and healthy dose of red herrings. Fans of dark academia may think they have the ending figured out, but it should sufficiently shock even the most seasoned veteran of the genre—along with the healthy splashes of gore. Fresh, pulse-pounding, and page-turning.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Perfect for reluctant readers who want action without dense exposition. Frequent cliff-hangers and continuous action keep the pages turning. A brisk page-turner for readers into the dark academia trend.”

—School Library Journal

The Curse of Heartwood Academy

Written by Marty Chan
Published by Orca Book Publishers

Fifteen—year—old Allie Lau is not excited to attend Heartwood Academy, a posh boarding school deep in a remote forest.

Subject to the whims of senior students, Allie faces an initiation ritual called the test, which requires her and other new students to spend the entire night in the forest. The senior students warn that a ghost lurks in the woods, preying on those who trespass. Allie braves the test, but when she accidentally kicks over a gravestone in an overgrown burial site, she finds herself pursued by some kind of zombie.

This short novel is a high—interest, low—reading—level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read.

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: February 2026
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified (Western Country)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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

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