Ravencave

by Marcus Sedgwick

Overview

While mucking about in the ruins of an old farm while on holiday in Yorkshire, James hears strange laughter echoing around the walls. The ghost of a young girl appears to him and urges James to follow her but at first he’s too afraid.

When she appears again, this time James follows. But will he be able to face the terrible truth she reveals . . . ?

Union Square & Co.’s EVERYONE CAN BE A READER books are expertly written, thoughtfully designed with dyslexia-friendly fonts and paper tones, and carefully formatted to meet readers where they are with engaging stories that encourage reading success across a wide range of age and interest levels.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781454958574
Publisher:	Union Square & Co.
Publication date:	01/14/2025
Series:	Everyone Can Be a Reader Series
Edition description:	High readability
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	720L (what's this?)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Marcus Sedgwick was one of this generation’s most lauded and highly regarded writers for children and young people, having published over forty books including acclaimed Midwinterblood and The Monsters We Deserve. He won multiple prestigious awards, most notably the Michael L. Printz Award, the Branford Boase Award, the BookTrust Teenage Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award, and was shortlisted for numerous others, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and the Carnegie Medal five times. Marcus sadly passed away in November 2022 at the age of 54.

Editorial Reviews

"A strong sense of place anchors the imagery, unraveling a timeless ghost story that will appeal to budding fans of otherworldly tales."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Sharp writing and deep themes make this a ­worthy addition to any YA collection."
—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2024-10-11
An atmospheric, supernatural story of family ties and familial trials set in the north of England.

Though his family’s visit to the Yorkshire Dales revolves around spreading his recently deceased grandmother’s ashes, James finds himself caught up in the mysteries of Crackpot, his father’s ancestral village, whose name in Norse means “cave of the ravens.” Tired of lagging behind his parents and engaging in unending conflict with his older brother, Robbie, James sets off on his own, chasing a ghostly wild child along the paths. Although his mother has seen ghosts, the experience is new for James. Later, James is haunted by the strange girl; he dreams of her and obsesses over the question she asked him: “Do you know who you are?” He feels ever more curious to discover who she is and what she knows about the place that’s crucial to his father’s ancestry. As James’ father deals with angry outbursts, his mother strains to find the inspiration to write again, a calling that once defined her. Centered on a family that reads white, this exploration of family history and financial challenges connects past and present socio-economic matters in an intriguing tale of class struggle that’s interwoven with what lies beyond the grave. A strong sense of place anchors the imagery, unraveling a timeless ghost story that will appeal to budding fans of otherworldly tales.

Gently spooky suspense grounded in social themes that will engage reluctant readers.(Paranormal. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews