Grave Secrets

Sylvia Pantaleo is an assistant professor of education specializing in
children’s literature at Queen’s University and the co-author of
Learning with Literature in the Canadian Elementary Classroom.

Nicholas discovers that his new house is a former residence for
deliquent boys. At one time, there was a pool in the backyard in which a
young boy drowned; however, people are reluctant to answer Nicholas’s
questions about the tragedy. The mystery is further exacerbated when
Nicholas meets a ghost in the backyard instructing him to “Stop
him,” but Nicholas is unsure of whom he is to stop. In addition to
enduring stomach pains as well as an overpowering acrid smell of
chlorine whenever he meets the ghost, Nicholas experiences disturbing
dreams related to the drowning and to the mysterious death of a juvenile
who was a former resident of the home. An eccentric elderly neighbor, a
developmentally delayed friend, three bullies, and a grave digger
engaging in illegal activities are all involved in the unfolding
mystery.

The novel is plot driven, and there is little development of the
somewhat stereotypical secondary characters. The author includes an
appropriate mix of mystery and suspense, gradually revealing the
connections of the characters and events. Overall, readers will be
engaged by the “grave secrets” of the novel. Recommended.