Deep fears are an issue in the book and pyromania is a big
problem for Mo. Mo’s family lost their home so they’re now living with her
Uncle Ray. Mo can’t sleep unless she’s checked the house for fire hazards and made
sure all appliances have been unplugged. She also has a fear of ghosts but it’s
not clear where it originated. Her phobias are exaggerated when she hears a
story about the ghost of an elephant haunting the town after it was killed in a
circus tent fire many years ago.
This strange tale of Maudie the elephant becomes the focus
for the rest of the plot. Residents keep the myth of her ghost alive as a
tourist attraction although there’s usually a hint of truth behind these kinds
of stories. Mo reluctantly makes friends with a classmate named Nathaniel out
of necessity. She has dreams about the elephant and fire but discovers some
unexpected evidence that there’s more going on than she thought. Nathaniel has
a strong interest in ghosts so he’s a perfect partner to help her uncover the
mystery. The junkyard next to Uncle Ray’s house is the epicenter of the problem
and makes an especially creepy setting, even more so at night.
The plot involves many serious issues and feelings that
might be encountered by young readers. Mo’s stepdad left and remarried so she
has mixed emotions about remembering him. He’s the only father she remembers
but he abandoned the family and doesn’t treat her like his birth-daughter CeCe.
In addition, Mo’s mother is still struggling after the divorce so she hasn’t
been behaving very motherly. Being the new kid at school, Mo has trouble with
classmates and doesn’t see the value in making new friends. Nathaniel’s father
died a year ago so those emotions are still fresh in his mind, especially with
the memory of his last words to his father.
What didn’t work as well:
Uncle Ray helps Mo deal with her stress throughout the book
by listening to remixes of old music and discussing the song lyrics. I’m a huge
fan of classic rock but young readers probably won’t appreciate song references
without having some idea of their words. Readers will still get the gist of
some songs after Uncle Ray shares his thoughts and the overall plot can still
be enjoyed.
The Final Verdict:
The early part of the book may not grab readers right away due to Mo’s phobias and negativity. However, the author tenderly addresses Mo’s deep emotions and blends that with her quest to bring a peaceful resolution for Maudie’s spirit.
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