The Ghost Rules- A Heartwarming New Ghost Story for Fall

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase something I have shared, I will earn a small commission...at no extra cost to you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

September is here…which means it is officially GAME ON for all things witchy, ghosty, and spooky. Today I am excited to share a brand new Middle-Grade book that was a fabulous five-star read for me. If you love Middle-Grade reads that are full of heart (and a little heartache), humor, and a little touch of ghosty goodness…then definitely keep reading. The Ghost Rules by Adam Rosenbaum was fantastic! Thank you to Nicole Banholzer, PR for sending a copy for review! Let’s chat!

The Ghost Rules by Adam Rosenbaum

The Ghost Rules by Adam Rosenbaum is not your typical “jump-scare” ghost story. While it is absolutely a fantastic ghost story, it is also, at it’s heart, a story about grief. While it will tug at your heartstrings, it will also absolutely crack you up and keep you interested and entertained the entire time.

This is the story of Elwood McGee. Elwood and his family have just moved to a small town in Tennessee following the death of Elwood’s older brother Noah…a death that Elwood believes he caused. Elwood and his parents have left their old life…and difficult memories behind, and have started a new life in his mothers old home from childhood. It isn’t long after they arrive that Elwood discovers that he has a rare “gift”. He can see ghosts. Oh, and they are EVERYWHERE. Human ghosts…dog ghosts…old ghosts…new ghosts…so many ghosts. If he is able to see and communicate with ghosts…then there might be a chance that Elwood can see his brother again. Along with his two new friends, Elwood finds himself fully entwined in the world of ghosts, and has to face the difficult task of learning to let go.

Five Star Read for Fall

I absolutely devoured this book. Not only is it an incredible ghost story, but it is also a story that goes so much deeper and tackles some really hard topics. Grief is such a difficult topic, but author Adam Rosenbaum tackled it beautifully with both humor and heart. I also really appreciated that we were able to see grief being dealt with differently by Elwood, his mom, and his Dad. It really drove home the fact that everyone deals with grief in their own way…and in their own time…and that is OK.

While the book does deal with the topic of grief, I don’t want it to come across as the only theme at play in the book. There were a lot of uplifting moments happening as well. Friendships are made, mysteries are solved, and so many laughs are had.

I also adored the intergenerational relationship between Elwood and his grandfather…yes, his grandfather happened to be a ghost…but the relationship was there and I loved seeing it develop.

This was also a laugh-out-loud funny book. I think having lots of humor woven in really helps when dealing with difficult topics. The book never felt too heavy or overwhelming and I think much of that is due to Adam Rosenbaum’s humor. Its’s hard to be too overwhelmed when you are cracking up about drooling ghosts. Yep, they drool.

Five Stars from this booknerd!

Happy Reading

If you are working on putting a TBR together for your kids or yourself for this fall, definitely consider adding The Ghost Rules. I absolutely loved it and I think you will too!

What else do you have on your Fall TBR for spooky reads?

I am always on the lookout for new books to add to my TBR!

Happy Reading!