Strengths:
Spook factor
Relatable character
Science element

I was very excited to get a review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgally. Spooky middle grade is my jam, so I was hopeful for this book. And I can honestly say that it delivers on a the creepiness. I often read late at night after everyone else is asleep, and I often found myself checking over my shoulder I crept to bed after reading this book. I definitely don't think it was too scary or anything. But the images in conjured definitely made me think there'd be a ghost behind me in the bathroom mirror.

I also enjoyed Claire's character. I have a ten year old daughter who is always telling me how "cringey" I am. I can see how kids will relate to Claire's embarrassment of her dad's obsession with ghosts. The friendship tug-of-war is an evergreen topic that I think that the author does well in this book, although I feel like it resolves a bit abruptly. But I guess that's sometimes how it happens in real life too.

Claire is very scientifically minded. It was fun to see how she used the scientific process to figure out that she was being haunted as well as how to solve the mystery behind the ghost. I also liked the real Chicago history that is woven into the story. It made me want to visit Chicago and go on an actual ghost tour.

Final Verdict:
If you like ghost stories with a good mystery to solve, I would recommend Scritch Scratch!

What an excellent title for a horror story. Just reading those words, one can imagine the creepiness of hearing an unexplained scratching sound in the walls or the ceiling. It sets us up for a highly frightening atmosphere. And then rather lets us down. There are plenty of frightening events, of course, but there's no slow build, no constant underlying dread. The plot is pretty solid, teaching us about the history of Chicago tragedies. We have a cast of characters working together to identify and pacify the ghost and free them from the haunting. I like many of the elements, it's just missing that one vital piece.

The book took a while to get into, and that had quite a bit to do with the main character being boring and generally unlikable. She does get better, but the first part of the book drags. This is why I could only give it three out of five stars despite the - eventually - interesting plot and character twists. I would put the book on a spooky-not-scary recommendation list for Halloween for middle schoolers.

Claire has a passion for science and no room for ghosts and nonsense. At least, that is what she tells herself. But when she accompanies her dad on one of his ghost tours, she finds herself followed home by the ghost of a little boy who begins haunting her in terrifying ways.

I loved this imaginative middle grade spooky novel! I got hooked into the story right from the first few pages and could not put this down. Claire’s fears were extremely relatable (especially coming from the place of a child). This book also does a great job of touching on issues of friendship, insecurities, forgiveness, and family. I really loved her brother, Sam, and I could certainly relate to his love of candy.

One of the most interesting things about this story is that the haunting is based on a true historical tragedy that occurred in Chicago in 1915 (the sinking of the SS. Eastland). I really enjoyed this aspect a lot! At times, it made this story feel so real.

I found myself frightened more than once while reading so this one definitely has some scare factor! If you enjoy a good, spooky read, and love a great ghost story, this middle grade novel is absolutely perfect! This truly is a delight from start to finish!

I want to thank Netgalley and Sourcebooks Kids for the Advanced Reader’s Copy.

I wanted to read this for quite a while and was very excited for the next book by this dynamic author. I loved Peculiar Incident on Shady Street.
Currie uses Chicago lore once again to craft another story of family entangled with the tales of tragic local history. In Scritch Scratch, Claire Koster is a typical seventh grader whose love of science makes her skeptical, but scared of her dad’s business as a ghost tour conductor. When dad needs her help to complete the tour one fateful evening, someone or something follows Claire home.
In a series of scares and chilling encounters, Claire seeks to help this restless spirit.
I thought the ghostly occurrences were frightening, but accessible to younger age groups. The interwoven history of events of past Chicago will, I believe, light a spark in kids to do their own research. The author describes tragic fires and ill-fated ship voyages that would make readers question if such a horrific thing could have really occurred.
Lindsey Currie’s research and passion for the macabre is clear and she does a fantastic job of piecing it together with the fictional story of Claire. I think a book by this author just about the spooky legends of Chicago or different cities would be well sought after for non-fiction collections. One can only hope that eventually, Currie makes this a goal.
That being said, I love this author and her previous book, so I wanted to love this book as well, but the main character made this nearly impossible. Claire didn’t reach out for help as she should have. There were also the undercurrents of 7th grade drama, but the book is for children and this is to be expected. However, what I really didn’t love was the reasoning behind the spirit’s hauntings. I understand the use of water, without giving too much away, but I really wanted there to be this creepy underlying reasoning for the scritch-scratching that made its way into the title. If the spirit had more to communicate or unfinished business, it would have made the story come together a bit better.
However, it was a quick and compelling read that ultimately made me turn pages. I would recommend to students in class, because I could think of many that would enjoy this. Scary stories are always a big hit with my fifth graders, and I could still see this being a popular choice.

Claire is a budding young scientist. She is all about research and facts and definitely does NOT believe in ghosts. Unfortunately for her, her dad hosts a ghost tour in Chicago that she gets wrangled into helping with one night where she encounters a young boy no one else can see. Now Claire is being haunted at home and at school and the only way to get it to stop is to find out what the ghost wants.


Okay, Scritch Scratch was terrifying! I went into this book thinking it would be a little less...spooky. But honestly, ghost children are scary 100% of the time.

I didn’t want to put this book down. I was so curious to see what the ghost would do next or to find out what else Claire would discover. I really enjoyed watching Claire solve the mystery with the help of her friends and her brother. Claire had great character development for a seventh grader. She learned that things aren’t always as they seem.

I also loved that this book focused on the SS Eastland. I remember first learning about that disaster when the show So Weird covered it on their very first episode. The story freaked me out when I was 7 and it freaked me out now at 28.

This is the perfect book for any reader who likes ghost stories and some history.

Actual rating 3.5

I really loved how this book started out. Our main character, Claire, a 12-year-old 'scientist' being forced to accompany her dad on his ghost tour bus. And at the end of it seeing what can only be a ghost of a young boy who then haunts her.
However, after the halfway point it turned more into a mystery than a horror and felt like the anticipation and excitement left the book a bit. Also, Claire liked to say she was a scientist and could only see things in a scientific way, but it didn't feel believable. I wish there was more to support her character than the fact that she likes science fairs and the scientific method.

Now, I really loved how her relationship with her brother was shown, as well as growing up, being a pre-teen, and discovering new friendships. I thought those parts of the books were really well done.
I also really enjoyed the writing style and would like to pick up more books by Lindsay Currie.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Claire has zero interest in ghosts. She keeps her mind firmly in the science of things and science says don't exist. Matter of fact, she's horrified by the fact that her dad is into all things paranormal, has even published a book of ghost stories, and runs a haunted bus tour. Mortified, in fact. Family responsibility means that one night when her dad is short-handed, Claire has to step in and help on the dumb tour. She'd rather be hanging out with her best friend, but her best friend seems to have a new BFF so off Claire goes. While on the tour, she sees a little boy who vanishes and weird stuff she can't explain starts happening.

Claire is no-nonsense when it comes to science, but still not sure of herself when it comes to relationships whether that's with family or her best friend. Rather than just asking when she feels left out by her friend, she ruminates on it internally and ends up making it more than it actually is. Her heartache and anguish are real and it's hard to put that into words at that age. Her feelings towards her father and his ghost business are legitimate as all kids start exerting their independence around that age and embarrassment of your parents comes with the territory.

The ghost part of Scritch Scratch is terrifying: scratching inside the walls, flooding that feels real but there's no evidence of later, voices, and the number 396 appearing in marker on the shower wall—amongst other places. Claire and her brother have to sleuth to find out just who the boy is and why he followed Claire home. It's bone-chilling and alarming and so good!

Scritch Scratch is just the type of book I would have loved as a kid. The characters are well written, the relationships feel genuine and the spooks are frightening. It might be a bit scary for younger readers at first but it all works out in the end. Claire learns a lot about herself and the world around her and shows great character growth and maturity. There's also a historical basis to the haunting which gave it real-world validity and just added an extra layer to it. This is definitely a story to read way past your bedtime under the covers with a flashlight. Eerie and hair-raising with heart!

Historical ghost bus tours of Chicago are a real thing. So is teen embarrassment at what their fathers do, particularly if it's leading those tours. Being haunted by someone who joined the bus tour (someone no one else sees so they must be an actual ghost?!)? And noises inside your walls? Well, that could definitely be a little creepy.

I can easily see my middle grade readers who love horror enjoying this book. Wait, did I say "enjoying"? I meant, being scared and a bit unsettled. In a good way.

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from Lindsay Currie and Sourcebooks through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this book! I love the art on the front cover, I love the characters, I love the ghost stories and the Chicago history. This book kept me engaged and entertained. I love all of the ways the characters matured throughout this book, learning more about their own strengths as they try to solve the mystery.

Highly recommend this book!

4.5 ⭐
I thought this was an excellent middle grade book. I definitely will be adding this to my classroom library when it comes out. This is a great spooky ghost story.

Claire's dad runs a ghost tour that goes through Chicago. One night she is forced to help him out. Everything seems to be fine and boring until she spots a ghost on the bus. Little does she know this fhost is going to follow her around until she figures out what they want. She is also dealing with the fact that she feels like her best friend is replacing her with the new girl at school. With the help of her brother and friends, she tries to solve this mystery. Claire learns about herself along the way.

I loved how actual events in Chicago history were included. I Googled some of the events to find out more information. This highly recommend this one.

Seventh grade Claire prefers science over the paranormal which is why she would much rather be working on her science project than assisting her dad on the Spirits of Chicago, his ghost bus tour. During the tour, Claire’s dad takes his passengers to various stops in the city telling them the eerie history. On the final stop, Claire notices a little boy sitting in the back row of the bus. And the spooky part is she is the only one that can see him. He disappears but leaves a note with the numbers 396 written on it. Scientists know better than to believe in ghosts but Claire can’t forget the boy’s white face, pale lips, and dark eyes. Then odd things start happening scratching in the walls and rattling door knobs. Claire deduces there is only one explanation-the little boy who followed her home is a ghost! And a ghost is not Claire’s only concern. She and her best friend Casley have been drifting apart since a new girl Emily moved to their town. While Claire initially tries to handle the situation on her own, she realizes she is in over her head and comes clean with her older brother Sam and then finally confides in Casley and Emily. With their support, Claire not only uncovers the identity of the little boy but also discovers how to help him find his way home.

Chosen as one of my #mglit #mustreadin2020, Scritch Scratch is a haunting story with a lot of heart. Written from Claire’s point of view, Currie did a magnificent job developing a dynamic character with whom middle grade readers can both identify with and root for. Once the little boy appeared and unexplainable things began happening to Claire, my heart raced as I read each page. My heart also hurt for her as she navigated her friendship with Casley and Emily. What I loved most about Claire is while she was terrified, she was genuinely concerned for the little boy and along with support from Sam, Casley and Emily, it gave her the strength to be brave. And I can’t end this review without mentioning another main character-the city of Chicago which was much more than a setting. I have never been to Chicago but reading Scritch Scratch makes me want to book a flight to take a Spirits ghost tour myself!

This terrific scary story is a mystery set in Chicago. Claire is in 8th grade and struggling with her best friend, who seems to have a new friend that's way more interested in makeup and clothes, her science fair project, AND her dad, who is really into ghosts. They all collide when Claire is asked to help out on her dad's ghost tour and one of the ghosts follows her home. This is a really scary book and it's going to be perfect for middle grade readers!

Scritch Scratch is a fun ghost story with loads of heart. It is the story of Claire who through no fault of her own finds herself being haunted. She tries to handle the situation herself but when things get to be too much for her she has to rely on the kindness of others to get her out of the mess.

On the surface Scritch Scratch is a ghost story but beneath it is the tale of friendship and how everyone has to make an effort in friendships otherwise they don’t work. Equally that honestly is the best policy when talking about your feelings.

Juxtaposed with these narrative threads is the real life story of a boating disaster that happened in Chicago in 1915. With Scritch Scratch you really are getting more bang for your buck!

Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie is available now.

For more information regarding Lindsay Currie (@lindsayncurrie) please visit www.lindsaycurrie.com.

For more information regarding Sourcebooks Kids (@SourcebookKids) please visit www.sourcebooks.com.

Scritch Scratch is the perfect spooky book for middle grade readers. I love how Claire is truly being haunted, and has to be willing to tell those close to her what’s going on and then actually be brave enough to ask for their help! I also liked how Lindsay Currie wove Chicago history into the story. There are some crazy horrific events in Chicago’s history that I didn’t know about-totally going to do some reading up on those as a result of this book. It gave the story a very real and authentic feel to it. Middle grade readers are always clamoring for more spooky books and this one will definitely be a hit!

Note: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This is a satisfyingly creepy mystery that comes with a healthy dose of Chicago flavor and history. Plus, as a successful middle grade book, it touches on friendship, confidence, and self-reliance as well. Looking forward to sharing this book with my students.

Scritch Scratch is a super spooky story about a haunting and a search for the truth. This is the kind of book that my readers are crying out for and I know that it will be super popular. I preordered it for my school library after only reading the first couple of chapters. I know that word will spread about this book between kids and they will all be talking about it. I’ll be spreading the word on my social media and my book blog.

What a great spooky story!

I really liked the tale of Claire trying to fit in despite her embarrassment at her dad’s business. Her terror at the appearance of a child ghost was extremely suspenseful and well written and it was interesting to see her change as she realised there was no reason to be afraid. The story was fun and the plot moved along at a good pace, with little clues and hints dropped in as to the mystery of the boy ghost.

The cast of main characters were reasonably likeable. Claire herself was engaging and interesting and I felt her plight at her best friend developing a friendship with someone else. Initially, Emily seems vapid but thankfully that changes. The rest of the characters were interesting and I liked the support they gave Claire.

An intriguing mystery and one that I think readers will enjoy.

This is the perfect spooky book for middle grade readers. I love how Claire is truly being haunted and has to work with her brother and her friends to figure out why. I also liked how Lindsay Currie wove Chicago history into the story. I didn't realize how many horrific events the city has faced. It gave the story a very real and authentic feel to it. Middle grade readers are always wanting more spooky books and this one hits the mark!

I love books that actually have history in them. This will be a fun book to tell the 5th graders about.
I know a couple 6th graders who would also appreciate the history here.

All in all it is a great ya book and I will definitely suggest it to the class.

Full review will be posted on my blog in a couple of days.