Something Weird Is Going On

Elizabeth St Jacques is the author of Echoes All Strung Out and
Survivors: The Great Depression, 1929-1939.

Xandra has a ghost of a problem. It’s all because of a pendant she
found in the garden of her new home in Ontario when she was 4 years old.
Lonely at the time, she pretended it belonged to Flora Lee, her little
imaginary friend with a fiery temper—a friend her mother disapproved
of. But that was long ago. Now, Xandra, her little brother, and her
mother have just moved to Vancouver; the pendant is with her too, and
she carries it everywhere, looking for a suitable chain for it.

But strange things are happening. Windchimes sing when there’s no
wind, and her brother is mysteriously pushed into the lagoon, as is
Hilary, whom Xandra wants very much to befriend. As more spooky events
unfold, Xandra is haunted by the memory of Flora Lee. Could Flora Lee be
a genuine ghost who has followed her to Vancouver? Or is a poltergeist
causing these problems? Whoever or whatever is responsible is making
Xandra’s life miserable ... and dangerous.

Christie Harris knows how to spin a spine-tingling story that glues the
reader solidly to the page. Opening with a hair-raiser, the story builds
suspense at a steady pace and with smooth transitions, an interesting
plot, and humorous moments keeps the reader eagerly turning pages.
Planted along the way is fascinating information about Vancouver,
sailing safety, and even acting. And believable dialogue and likable
characters sparkle here (e.g., Xandra’s grandmother writes books for
kids, wears purple, and believes in psychic phenomena and past lives).

This well-written, eerie story—which also delivers messages about
human values—is highly recommended for young-adult readers.