Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl looks for ghosts, copes with grief, in thrilling novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When GHOST IN THE NIGHT begins, 12-year-old Harmony has recently lost her grandmother, who was her primary caregiver. Now, she's on the road with her widowed, musician father. They've left their home at Harmony's Aunt Peggy's house, and her friends back in Harlem for the summer. They have arrived in Savannah, Georgia, where her father has a gig and a potential romantic interest. Since her grandmother's death, Harmony has come to believe in ghosts and developed a fascination with ghost tours. After capturing what she thinks might be a ghost with her camera, she enlists two new friends to investigate. The problem is that their search turns up clues related to a terrifying crime, not just evidence of ghosts.
Is It Any Good?
This book is a thrilling ride that will delight the author's fans and win her some new ones. In Ghost in the Night, the main character demonstrates vulnerability, resilience, persistence, and kindness. She grieves her beloved grandmother, plays big sister to her dad's girlfriend's son, nurtures old friendships while making new ones, and follows her passion for photography—all while solving a murder mystery. This novel delivers a fast-moving mystery full of paranormal chills, history, and current events, led by a smart, appealing lead character facing family upheaval. It may sound over-stuffed, but master storyteller Tiffany D. Jackson seamlessly weaves it all together into a uniquely satisfying read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different expressions of grief in Ghost in the Night. Why is it important to cultivate empathy when supporting another person who's reacting to a loss in a way you don't expect?
How does curiosity help the characters in Ghost in the Night set aside their fears? Have you ever been so excited to learn, see, or do something that you overcame being afraid?
The characters in Ghost in the Night have different beliefs about ghosts and different ways of understanding life. Some favor their gut; others rely on science. They reconcile their conflicting views to arrive at better strategies. How have you handled disagreements when working as a team member?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic
- Publication date : August 4, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : August 11, 2026
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