Even though a cell phone is used (once? occasionally?) in this story, I wonder if it will have appeal to today’s youngsters. The cell phone could have been a much bigger part of the story, making it more contemporary. I find that students have a sense of stories set back 10-40 years ago (books that were contemporary when they were written - I’m not referring to historical fiction) and they steer clear of most of them. Also,so many students now come from split homes with behavior and attitude issues that they may discount the story of a solid family that helps each other in spite of their normal sibling rivalry. How many students will relate to being able to ride around town by themselves on a bike? Wish I’d had this book to offer to my students ten years ago, but middle elementary may enjoy it, especially if they like using their imagination, dogs, and history.The scariest part for me was Matt’s dreams - rather than the ‘ghost.’ It seemed obvious to me at the beginning that it would be a real person, and not much is left to the imagination at the end, except Rover. We can cheer for Rover for being the helper throughout the story. I thought it might be a homeless family, and with his father being the town manager, they would find a way to help the family.
Do You like book The Ghosts Of Rathburn Park (2004)?
