Spellbinder

by Helen Stringer Narrated by Helen Stringer

Overview

Belladonna Johnson can see ghosts. It's a trait she's inherited from her mother's side of the family, like blue eyes or straight hair. And it's a trait she could do without, because what twelve-year-old wants to be caught talking to someone invisible? It is convenient, though, after Belladonna's parents are killed in a car accident. They can live with her the same as always, watching the same old TV shows in their same old house. Nothing has changed . . . until everything changes.

One night, with no warning, they vanish into thin air-along with every other ghost in the world. It's what some people think ghosts are supposed to do, but Belladonna knows it's all wrong. They may not be living, but they're not supposed to be gone.

With the help of her classmate Steve, a master of sneaking and spying, Belladonna is left to uncover what's become of the spirits and to navigate a whole world her parents have kept well-hidden. If she can't find her way, she'll lose them again-this time for good.

Editorial Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

Poor Belladonna. It's so embarrassing when she talks to the ghosts that no one else can see-everyone thinks she's nuts. Since her parents died in a car accident, they've been hanging out at home, which is both comforting and disconcerting at the same time. Worse, however, is when they disappear in a flash one day. Belladonna knows she has to do something-but what? The pursuit of the dark side takes off when Belladonna accidentally touches disruptive and smart Steve Evans at school while confronted by the ghostly Elsie. Suddenly Steve can see what she sees, and the intriguing clues that have been steadily arriving at unexplained moments send the duo into the Land of the Dead in search of the Spellbinder. When they're dismissed by the adults who seem to know something, it is, of course, up to Steve and Belladonna to find the answers and solve everything. The disarmingly matter-of-fact tone contrasts with the genuinely scary apparitions and dangers they confront. Wry wit and derring-do add up to a great read. (Fantasy. 9-12)

From the Publisher

Wry wit and derring-do add up to a great read.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Stringer debuts with an adventurous, darkly humorous ghost story. …Stringer's ability to build a strong sense of mystery, entwined with Western mythology, will pull readers through to the end. Those who like unusual ghost stories without the usual horror will enjoy this book.” —Publishers Weekly

“Stringer maintains the humor and logic of preteens who are awkwardly coming into their magical destinies, which makes for an amusing first novel.” —School Library Journal

“Readers will fear for and cheer for Belladonna Johnson, the hero of this brilliant has-it-all novel, as she tries to solve the mystery behind the disappearance of the world's ghosts. One of the year's best.” —Cookie magazine

“Stringer's charming ghost story defies classification. …A fast-paced plot and intricate world pull the reader along, but it's Bella's love for her parents and her need to keep them with her that linger.” —Booklist

“This charming debut novel blends classic British fantasy with figures usually reserved for horror stories to create a compelling fantasy adventure romp which will appeal to middle grades readers. …this book is sure to hook readers and leave them waiting for what must certainly be a sequel, if not a whole series.” —VOYA

“Stringer's narrative voice is engagingly witty… This debut novel establishes Stringer as a fresh and promising voice in middle-grade fantasy.” —Claudia Mills, Ph.D., Children's Literature

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172220319
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	08/24/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

Read an Excerpt

"She's home!"

Belladonna's father poked his head out of the sitting room. And that was the problem right there, really. Where most fathers would have poked their heads out of the sitting room door, Mr. Johnson poked his right through the middle of the wall.

"Did you bring the paper?"

Belladonna looked at him reprovingly. He immediately vanished back into the sitting room and reappeared in the doorway.

"Sorry," he said. "I forgot. Did you bring the paper?"

"Honestly, Dad, anyone passing by could've seen you through the window!" He took the paper and turned back into the sitting room with a shrug.

"No one can see me. Only you."

Belladonna followed him in, exasperated. "Gran can see you. Lots of people can see ghosts, you see them talking about it on TV all the time."

"Charlatans," muttered her father, settling down an inch above his favorite chair.

Videos