Book Overview
New York Times bestselling adult author of The Bear and the Nightingale makes her middle grade debut with a creepy, spellbinding ghost story destined to become a classic. Now in paperback. After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie who only finds solace in books discovers a chilling ghost story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who loved her, and a peculiar deal made with "the smiling man"--a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.
Captivated by the tale, Ollie begins to wonder if the smiling man might be real when she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she's been reading about on a school trip to a nearby farm. Then, later, when her school bus breaks down on the ride home, the strange bus driver tells Ollie and her classmates: "Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Nightfall is, indeed, fast descending when Ollie's previously broken digital wristwatch begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.
Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed these warnings. As the trio head out into the woods--bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them--the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: "Avoid large places. Keep to small."
And with that, a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure begins.
Captivated by the tale, Ollie begins to wonder if the smiling man might be real when she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she's been reading about on a school trip to a nearby farm. Then, later, when her school bus breaks down on the ride home, the strange bus driver tells Ollie and her classmates: "Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Nightfall is, indeed, fast descending when Ollie's previously broken digital wristwatch begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.
Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed these warnings. As the trio head out into the woods--bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them--the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: "Avoid large places. Keep to small."
And with that, a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure begins.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0525515046
ISBN13:9780525515043
Release Date:July 2019
Publisher:G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Length:256 Pages
Weight:0.47 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.0" x 7.6"
Age Range:10 years and up
Grade Range:Grade 5 and higher
Customer Reviews
3 ratings
Wonderfully Creepy
Published by Ms. Rosie , 2 years ago
This book was great! It was creepy and clever, perfect for middle grade readers. The story centers on a 5th grade girl who's mother has recently passed away, a weird diary book she finds, a class field trip to a farm and terrifying scarecrows that move in the night. The 5th grade class represented in the story was very accurate, as a staff member of an elementary school I can testify that children can be cruel, but just as easily kind, which I felt this story perfectly portrayed. Not once did I feel like the characters weren't fully developed or fake. It was realistic and very creepy, with well rounded characters. If you haven't read this book or are on the fence in any way, please don't hesitate: purchase it for your school library or for any middle grade reader (8-14 years old) who wants a good spooky story to read.
Perfect for young horror fans!
Published by Angela S. , 3 years ago
This is an utterly charming and totally creepy book with a fast-paced and suspenseful plotline and relatable characters. Would be a fun October read-aloud with your kids or in the classroom!
Creepy and fun!
Published by lizz2018 , 4 years ago
Well, that was creepy. And fun! But also I had nightmares last night. It was fast paced and dark, but I could have easily read more of it if it were longer! Excited to see how the next book goes!
Small Spaces Mentions in Our Blog
Find Your Next Series
Published by Ashly Moore Sheldon • August 21, 2022
Time to discover a new series! Solve the question (albeit temporarily) of what to read next with one of these highly anticipated releases in a great series. Browse a variety of categories: middle-grade, YA, romance, fantasy, and mystery/thriller.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
