BOOKTALKING PREPARATION CARD

Author: Dawn Kurtagich

Title: The Dead House
Publisher, Year: Orion Children’s Books, 2015
Number of pages: 440

Date Read: 09/08/17 - 09/13/17

Type/Genre: Horror/ Paranormal
Suggested Audience: Grades 9-12
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audio, E-book

Website (author’s or booktrailer site): http://www.dawnkurtagich.com/

http://www.dawnkurtagich.com/the-dead-house-2-1/

Theme(s): Identity, family, trauma, deceit, loyalty, madness, experimentation, jealousy, love,

Setting: England. The majority of the story takes place at a boarding school, while a portion also
occurs at a mental hospital.

Characters: Carly and Kaitlyn Johnson, psychologist, Naida, Ari, Jaimie Johnson, John (The
Viking), Haji, Brett, Scott, Dee

Short Annotation/Summary:
Twenty five years ago, an accident occurred at Elmbridge High and the entire school was burned
to the ground. Three people were killed in the accident, with a student named Carly Johnson
never seen again. A journal was found, belonging to a Kaitlyn Johnson, the apparent twin of
Carly who never existed. Through interviews, diary entries, found footage, and police tables, we
are introduced to the Johnsons, two girls living in a single body. Carly is the personality during
the day, bright and pure, while Kaitlyn belongs to the night. The girls communicate through
notes they leave one another, a system that worked perfectly until their psychologist is
determined to convince Carly that Kaitlyn doesn’t exist. She is under the impression that Kaitlyn
is a defense mechanism Carly created when their parent’s mysteriously died. Struggling to deal
with this, events begin to spiral out of control. At a Halloween party, a sort of ouija board is
discovered by the students, latching on to Kaitlyn and causing her to go insane. As student’s
disappear, accidents occur, Carly’s presence vanishes entirely, and Kaitlyn moves further and
further inside herself. As her friend’s begin to delve into dark magic in an attempt to save her,
themes of loyalty, love, jealousy, and experimentation are explored. No one can be sure what
happened to Carly Johnson, though everyone has their theories. Told through a unique fashion of
pieced together diary entries, police interviews, and hidden footage, this novel successfully uses
elements of horror to keep a reader on edge and constantly guessing what will happen next. The
slow act of losing oneself, their mind, and desperation is conveyed throughout.

Booktalk Technique (include props): As this is a frightening book, I will talk using a hushed,
somewhat frantic voice. I will have the book with me as well. I will also have a few halloween
props, if these can fit in the camera’s view.

Script of Booktalk: In The Dead House, Carly has the day, and Kaitlyn has the night. The two
can never meet and they communicate only through notes. After the accident with their parents,
and losing their little sister, they only have each other. They complete each other. And then,
Mary Anne Nichols
LIS 60626 Library Materials and Services to Young Adults
Carly is gone. Kaitlyn can’t find her. She has to find her! Where is Carly? Kaitlyn is starting to
lose it. There are voices talking in her head. They are telling her to give in to darkness. Kaitlyn
has lost her light. Her Carly. Everyone insists she isn’t real. She is real! Who can she trust? Will
Nadia help her? Can Ari, the only boy who has ever understood her, save her? The monsters are
coming. Kaitlyn is running out of time.
Twenty-five years ago, Elmbridge High was burned down. Three people were killed, and a diary
has been found in the ashes. The diary belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson. But, there was no Kaitlyn
Johnson...

Provide 3-4 Read-alikes (titles should have complete bibliographic information with an original
annotation):

Cann, Kate. (2010). Possessed. New York, NY: Point Publishing. 336 pgs.

Rayne is excited to start her summer job in a remote country mansion, finally escaping her hectic
and loud life back in London. This English mansion, however, comes with legends of ghosts,
strange sights and sounds, and soon Rayne finds she cannot sleep. Told in first-person voice and
with a quick, frantic plot, Rayne attempts to escape the immediate horror she is faced at
Morton’s Keep. Themes of imprisonment and human desperation are explored as the setting is
seeped in a Gothic style, haunted house, but all the while located in a tranquil and beautiful
countryside. The quick pace and plot twists will keep the audience reading and guessing.

Joyce, G. (2008). The Exchange. New York, NY: Viking Books for Young Readers. 256 pgs

Caz and her best friend Lucy like to break into people’s homes in the middle of the night. They
like the rush, they never steal anything. One night, however, Caz is caught by a strange woman
who latches a bracelet onto her wrist. This bracelet can’t be removed and slowly melts into Caz
like a second skin. Caz wants the bracelet gone, she wants answers, and she wants to know why
she can suddenly see into other people’s thoughts. Exploring themes of humanity, magic, and the
supernatural, Caz is plagued by a terrifying spirit only she can see while also wanting to help
people with her newly required gift. This novel is told through first-person voice and highly
readable due to its flawed and human characters, as well as style of writing.

Monir, A. (2014). Suspicion. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. 368 pgs.

Imogen Rockford has been haunted by memories of her parent’s death for years, who burned to
death in a fire when she was young. She tries to escape by moving to New York with her new
guardians, only to be forced to return to England when a letter arrives at their new home. Once
there, she finds herself in the middle of dangerous family secrets that may cause her death.
Themes of deceit and commitment are analyzed while Imogen attempts to determine if the only
boy she’s ever loved is the cause of her troubles.

Mary Anne Nichols

LIS 60626 Library Materials and Services to Young Adults
 BOOKTALKING PREPARATION CARD
Author: Leo Hunt
Title: 13 Days to Midnight
Publisher, Year: Candlewick Press, (2015)
Number of pages: 336

Date Read: 10/07/17 - 10/09/17

Type/Genre: Horror, Paranormal
Suggested Audience: Grades 9-12
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audio, DVD, E-book

Website (author’s or booktrailer site): https://www.leohunt.com/

Theme(s): Revenge, loyalty, afterlife, relationships, identity

Setting: Residential community, graveyards.

Characters: Luke Manchett, Elza Moss, Ham, Kirk, Mark, Mr. Berkley, Dr. Horatio Manchett,
Holiday Simmon, Shepherd, Vassal, Heretic, Judge, Oracle, Prisoner, Innocent, and Fury.

Short Annotation/Summary: Luke and his father have had an estranged relationship for years, so
when the older man dies unexpectedly, Luke doesn’t know how to feel. He received a letter from
his father’s lawyer that morning, requesting to meet with Luke about urgent matters. He decides
not to tell his mother, she is sick with another one of her headaches and she will surely be
saddened by the news. Expecting to inherit a pocket watch or collection of ties, Luke is shocked
when he discovers he is to inherit the millions his father has earned through his ghost hunting TV
show. However, there are conditions. As Luke quickly signs the papers to receive his fortune, he
realizes he has made a grave mistake. Things are changing. The strange Elza is looking at him
too closely, and then ghosts show up in his kitchen and explain to him they are his Host. Told
through first-person voice with an action filled plot, Luke meets all eight members of his cast,
whom he now owns. While some in the Host may seem harmless, others are out to take revenge
on Luke for his father’s action and they plan to act on Halloween. Luke seeks Elza’s help and
together the two attempt to crack the code of The Book of Eight to stop Luke’s Host. Filled with
horror, wit, and humor, this book will have you laughing while constantly looking over your
shoulder. Themes of revenge, loyalty, the afterlife, human relationships, and identity are the
main concerns.

Booktalk Technique (include props): Scene driven. I will have the book with me as well. I will
also have a few halloween props, if these can fit in the camera’s view.

Script of Booktalk: Imagine your life is in grave danger. The ones you love may or may not live
the night. Your father is not who he seemed. You now know of the existence of ghosts, ghouls,
the devil, and the afterlife. Your very body has been possessed. Meet Luke Manchett, of 13 Days
of Midnight. Son of Dr. Horatio Manchett, the famous medium and ghost hunter. 13 days ago,
Luke was a normal teenage boy. Loved by fellow friends, sought after by girls, and excelling in
Mary Anne Nichols
LIS 60626 Library Materials and Services to Young Adults
school. Then, Luke’s dad dies and Luke is given his inheritance. Suddenly, he is told he will
inherit millions, but there is a catch. Luke is now in possession of his father’s Host. The Host is a
group of 8 ghosts and demons who Luke now owns. The problem is, they want revenge on Luke,
and they want to see him suffer. Suddenly, Luke has 13 days to stop the Host and send them
away where they can do no harm. He, along with the strange Elza, who has second-sight, and
Luke’s dog, Ham, are the town’s only hope. Filled with dread, terror, and also humor, 13 Days of
Midnight will make you think twice the next time you sign something without reading the fine
print.

Provide 3-4 Read-alikes (titles should have complete bibliographic information with an original
annotation):

Damico, G. (2015). Hellhole. New York, NY: HMH Books for Young Readers. 352 pgs.

Max Kilgore is just a normal kid who gets good grades and stays out of trouble. Then, he
accidentally unearths a devil and his entire existence changes. The devil takes up residence on
Max’s couch, and he only has a matter of time to banish the devil back to hell before it is too
late. With the help of his friend, Lore, they attempt to save themselves and the town before time
is up. Humor and a quick-paced plot bring this atmospheric novel to life and keep the reader
guessing.

Johnson, M. (2012). The Name of the Star. New York, NY: Speak. 372 pgs.

Rory Deveaux arrives in London at a new boarding school to start a new, clean slate. However,
the timing is parallel to when a string of brutal murders occurs in London, mimicking the crimes
of Jack the Ripper. Rory has tried to stay safe, but then she believes she spots the main suspect of
the crime. She is now the police’s only lead, and the problem is, only she can see this man. This
atmospheric and plot-driven novel uses elements of historical fiction as well as Gothic horror to
entice the reader. The characters are well developed and the plot keeps the reader guessing.

Wheeler, E.B. (2015). The Haunting of Springett Hall. New York, NY: Cedar Fort Publishing.
256 pgs.

Lucy is only eighteen years old, and she does not remember how she became a ghost. As she
roams the hall of Springett Hall, she does not understand why she is here. When she begins to
remember bits of her life before, however, all she wants to do is forget. Then, she meets Philip, a
servant boy who can actually see her. She knows he is her only hope to understand what she is
now, why she is here, and where she will go. While elements of dread and hopelessness are
explored, the love between Lucy and Philip is endearing and brings their character’s to life.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction or period detail will enjoy the vivid descriptions.

Mary Anne Nichols

LIS 60626 Library Materials and Services to Young Adults
 BOOKTALKING PREPARATION CARD
Author: Kali Wallace
Title: Shallow Graves
Publisher, Year: Katherine Tegen Books, 2016
Number of pages: 360

Date Read: 10/03/17 - 10/05/17

Type/Genre: Horror, paranormal
Suggested Audience: Grades 9-12
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audio, DVD, E-book

Website (author’s or booktrailer site): http://www.kaliwallace.com/

Theme(s): Identity, motive, trust, fate, religion, and deceit

Setting: Chicago, the West, rural desert and lush woods. Either present day or near future.

Characters: Breezy Lin, Melanie, Sunny Lin, Meadow Lin, Violet, Mr. Willow, Esme, Lyle,
Rain, Zeke, Brian Kerr, Ingrid, Jake, Mother.

Short Annotation/Summary: Breezy wakes up with a start, coughing up and choking on dirt. A
man is talking to her, pulling her from a grave, and without thinking Breezy grabs him. Then he
is dead and memories of a murder he committed now belong to her. She discovers she has been
dead for a year, and that she is still dead now, but that her heart beats and she has gifts. She
knows when someone has committed a murder, she can kill them with only a touch, and killing a
person forces her to live through their memories of the crime. Without a plan, she starts to travel
around the country, when she is tricked by a sinister cult and trapped. With vivid detail, a
complex and divergent world is explored and Breezy attempts to survive. All Breezy knows for
sure is that she wants to stop the dangerous cult and escape her predicted future of becoming just
like them. However, the more Breezy pursues the cult, the more questions arise that cannot be
answered, and it becomes more and more important for Breezy to hold onto her identity. This
atmospheric novel creates an entire new world with vivid details and fleshed out, realistic
characters. This world is dangerous, and the mood of the story is both filled with dread and
inevitability, as well as hope.

Booktalk Technique (include props): Since it is in the horror genre, I will talk in a hushed and
deliberate tone. I will also speak as the character, Breezy. I will have the book with me as well. I
will also have a few halloween props, if these can fit in the camera’s view.

Script of Booktalk: I’m Breezy Lin. I don’t remember the night I died, I just remember leaving
the party. Next thing I know, I’m coughing up dirt, I’m choking on it, and there’s a man above
me. He’s talking to me. He won’t let go of me. And I kill him. It’s easy. I’m a murderer and all I
had to do was touch him. But, he was too. I have his memories now, memories of his crime. I see
the little boy he killed, the bat he crushed his skull with. I don’t want them and I don’t know
what to do. I just have to move. I don’t want to be dead. But, I’m starting to discover there are
more like me. Ghosts, ghouls, banshees. There’s a cult after us. They think we are monsters.
They will torture, abuse, and kill me. I will feel unthinkable pain. But, not if I get to them first.
Mary Anne Nichols
LIS 60626 Library Materials and Services to Young Adults
Provide 3-4 Read-alikes (titles should have complete bibliographic information with an original
annotation):

Suma, N. (2011). Imaginary Girls. Boston, MA: Dutton Juvenile Publishing. 348 pgs.

Ruby is beautiful, smart, charismatic, and people listen to her. One night, she convinces her
sister, Chloe to swim across a reservoir at night, directly over the lost town of Olive. While
swimming, Chloe finds a dead body and is traumatized, having to leave town to live with her
father for a time. When she comes back, everyone still seems to listen to Ruby. However, things
are off. Told in magical realism, this lyrical novel plays with the commitment makes to their
family and the trust this harbors. With twists and turns, the fascinating novel will make you
wonder who you can trust when nothing is as it seems.

Hainsworth, E. (2016). Take the Fall. New York, NY: Balzer and Bray. 368 pgs.

One night, Sonia Feldman and her best friend, Gretchen Meyer, are attacked in the woods. Sonia
survives, but the popular and beautiful Gretchen loses her life. The town wants answers, and they
suspect Sonia or Gretchen’s ex-boyfriend, Marcus. Marcus comes to Sonia to help him clear his
name, but as Sonia understands more and more about him, she begins to fear for her life. A
complex plot is paired with growing tension and deeply flawed characters. Grief is powerful, but
so is the will to survive.

Pryor, M. (2017). Gap Year in Ghost Town. New York, NY: Allen and Unwin Publishing. 325
pgs.

Rani Cross and Anton Melbourne can see ghosts, and they know they are dangerous. Anton and
his father run a ghost-operating business in town, while Rani has been trained in combat. While
the two do not get along as they see things differently, they must work together when their town
is under attack by particularly malicious ghosts. This endearing novel creates a complex and
dangerous world and throws its readers into it. The plot is heavy with action, Rani and Anton are
well fleshed out, and humor is used to help deflect the danger present in the story.

Mary Anne Nichols

LIS 60626 Library Materials and Services to Young Adults