A Ghost in the Attic

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

This sequel to Aliens in the Basement features the same protagonists and
the same school setting but can be read independently.

After viewing a mysterious face at the window of the school attic, Matt
and Jaime investigate the history of the school to determine who the
“ghost” could be. They have several adventures and brushes with
teachers, their parents, and other adults before the mystery is solved.

This high-interest, low-vocabulary beginning novel has all the
ingredients of a good mystery for children: ghosts, buried treasure,
clues, unexplainable happenings, suspense, and cliffhangers. The
denouement is something of a disappointment—the mystery
evaporates—but the reader has had an interesting time following the
red herrings before getting there.

The repetitive language in this beginning chapter book reinforces
memorization of basic vocabulary. The fast-paced plot will hold
children’s attention. They will also identify with the “Dennis the

Menace” personalities of Jaime and Matt. Recommended.