When a fellow educator told me about the 43 Old Cemetery Road series, I wondered why I would ever consider giving such a book to a child. The story involves a young boy abandoned by his greedy parents, a 109 year old ghost who haunts the house where the boy lives, and a grumpy old man who doesn’t like children, telephones, or much of anything else. Needless to say,I had doubts about such writing.
But... just as I enjoy books where little bears walk on two feet and make friends with little girls, and meatballs rain from the sky, and spiders save pigs, I decided to dive into the pages and see where the story would take me. It turns out, that teacher who introduced me to the book “Dying to Meet You” was right. Kate and Sarah Klise have created a fabulous story, with fabulous writing, for fabulous readers.
Here’s why I recommend these books to boys and girls age 10+:
1) Strong characters in unusual circumstances.
Yes, the main character is a ghost. But, that ghost has some fabulous advice. Olive is a strong matriarch with a strong voice and comments on modern-day life in a way that is only possible if you’ve been dead for a century or more. The social commentary is ripe for the pickin’ and the play on words is endless. Part mystery, part comedy, and a tad bit of drama, both my oldest son and I devoured the whole series in one weekend once we were hooked.
2) Storytelling through documents
Each of the books in these series is not told in old fashioned narrative, but instead through a collection of written artifacts. Letters, newspaper articles, sticky notes, invoices, television scripts, radio transcripts, and even text-messages lead readers through all the action and even signal who is “talking” based on font style. This type of writing is creative, funny, and truly accessible for a wide range of reading abilities. I imagine this series being a hit with reluctant middle-school readers. (Attention teachers: Rich mentor texts in a wide range of formats!)
Here’s why I recommend these books to boys and girls age 10+:
1) Strong characters in unusual circumstances.
Yes, the main character is a ghost. But, that ghost has some fabulous advice. Olive is a strong matriarch with a strong voice and comments on modern-day life in a way that is only possible if you’ve been dead for a century or more. The social commentary is ripe for the pickin’ and the play on words is endless. Part mystery, part comedy, and a tad bit of drama, both my oldest son and I devoured the whole series in one weekend once we were hooked.
2) Storytelling through documents
Each of the books in these series is not told in old fashioned narrative, but instead through a collection of written artifacts. Letters, newspaper articles, sticky notes, invoices, television scripts, radio transcripts, and even text-messages lead readers through all the action and even signal who is “talking” based on font style. This type of writing is creative, funny, and truly accessible for a wide range of reading abilities. I imagine this series being a hit with reluctant middle-school readers. (Attention teachers: Rich mentor texts in a wide range of formats!)
But wait...
I found more Klise sister magic. The talented author and illustrator also used this style of storytelling in another young adult series beginning with 'Regarding the Fountain'. This series of books also includes storytelling through various documents, but focuses on life at Dry Creek Middle School. The written word of students, teachers, principal, and community members alike, weave together to offer a unique view (and subtle commentary) of schooling in modern day America. The five book series is a delight to both young and old readers with twist & turns and surprises offered by each end-of-the-story reveal of the fountain, sink, trees, bathroom, and bees.
I found more Klise sister magic. The talented author and illustrator also used this style of storytelling in another young adult series beginning with 'Regarding the Fountain'. This series of books also includes storytelling through various documents, but focuses on life at Dry Creek Middle School. The written word of students, teachers, principal, and community members alike, weave together to offer a unique view (and subtle commentary) of schooling in modern day America. The five book series is a delight to both young and old readers with twist & turns and surprises offered by each end-of-the-story reveal of the fountain, sink, trees, bathroom, and bees.