  | Girl in the walls Author: Kuyatt, Meg Eden | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
When a neurodivergent girl finds a ghost in the walls, she must decide if the ghost is an ally or an enemy--and the wrong decision could destroy her and her family.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.90 Points: 4.0 Quiz: 555439 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (04/01/25)
School Library Journal (04/01/25)
Booklist (05/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 Gr 4–6—In outwardly perfect families, neurodivergents are often unfairly treated as needing to be fixed, as young V experiences in Kuyatt's latest. After a miserable and isolating school year, she must spend the summer with her hypercritical grandmother Jojo in her spotless house. An afternoon of chasing strange sounds leads her to a mysterious, impish ghost girl deep within the hidden corners of the house who may be able to shed light on how Jojo became who she is. Soon, V understands that while she is unique, she is not dissimilar from other members of her family. Readers who enjoyed the author's Good Different will be pleased to see Kuyatt is still offering nuanced portrayals of neurodivergence. A novel in verse about generational trauma is no easy feat, but here the weight of the topic is balanced with a sense of hope and deep familial love. A tilt toward the surreal in the latter part of the story muddies some of the pacing and intent, but a satisfying ending ties it all together. VERDICT For fans of Anne Ursu's Not Quite a Ghost, an eerie, emotional exploration of the way family haunts us and—with luck and care—heals us.—Alexandra Quay - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/01/2025 Valeria (who goes by V) is an aspiring artist who is neurodivergent but prefers to consider herself “neurospicy.” After a strenuous falling out with her best friend and art teacher who heckled her, V’s parents give her a change of scenery via a summer with the prim Grandma Jojo, who disapproves of anything bizarre. At Jojo’s house, supernatural things begin to occur, which Jojo pretends she knows nothing about. Upon meeting the girl who has haunted the house for years, the charismatic ghost convinces V to help prank Jojo to get revenge. Feeling that the antics have escalated, V must navigate what her relationship is with the ghost and understand how pain and trauma have trickled down her family line to her and her beloved older cousin. From the author of Good Different (2023), Kuyatt’s newest novel, written in verse, segues into the history and stigma of people being institutionalized for their differences. Young readers will approve of the need for families to seek therapy and other calming techniques to help loved ones. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
