Common Sense Media Review
By Karen Wirsing
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen ghost hunter blends into high school in fun spin-off.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
SCHOOL SPIRITS is about a 15-year-old ghost hunter named Isolde \"Izzy\" Brannick. Izzy and her mother are the only two Prodigium hunters left in the world. So, when it comes to hunting vampires, ghosts, and zombies, they have their work cut out for them. Since they're always on the move, Izzy has never had a normal childhood or attended any traditional schools. But, when an evil spirit starts haunting Mary Evans High School, she not only has to lay the evil spirit to rest as her first solo assignment, but also faces the even greater challenge of blending in with her high school peers.
Is It Any Good?
School Spirit unfortunately saves most of the action until the very end; however, the thoughtful small details and subplots are engaging and entertaining. Izzy and her mother live alone, except for the 400-year-old warlock boy, Torin, who trapped himself in a mirror with a spell gone terribly wrong. He's been Izzy's only friend growing up, but there are some things a boys locked in a mirror can't teach a teen girl, like how to paint your toenails and play dodge ball, the purpose of pep rallies, or, more important, anything about pop culture.
Along with awesome details such as flamboyant glitter-wearing vampires and a grimacing centuries-old boy learning modern-day slang, author Rachel Hawkins gives her audience quirky and intriguing characters that readers will enjoy learning more about in the planned sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of magic. Why are books about magic, such as the Harry Potter and Twilight series, so popular?
Families can also talk about the importance of folklore. What are some legends that you've learned about in different cultures? What's the significance of these legends?
If you read the Hex Hall series starring Sophie, how do you think School Spirits compares? How do you think Izzy compares with Sophie as a main character?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : May 14, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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