A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano

Pram is living with her aunts, but they're concerned that she talks to herself out by the pond. Actually, Pram is able to communicate with ghosts and enjoys talking to Felix. She's forced to attend school for the first time and becomes fast friends with Clarence, a boy who lost hugs mother too. He wants to say a final goodbye to his mother, so Pram goes with him to visit a spiritualist. Pram doesn't realize the woman has a special interest in her until her dreams are invaded. Pram is kidnapped, Clarence is dropped to the bottom of a pond, and an adventure between the real and spirit worlds ensues. Pram's soul is being stolen!

The story reminds me of Mary Downing Hahn novels. Ghosts are a big part of it, although they're all good characters in this book. Pram is able to interact with them, but their limits aren't quite clear. No one else can see Felix the ghost even though Pram can see him, hear him, and touch him. No one else can see him splash water unless he wants them to. Felix has kept the emotion of jealousy, so it's not always easy to predict what his character will do. The plot includes some danger, some humor, and a bunch of emotions. In addition to the evil spiritualist, Pram has a strong desire to learn about her father, and curiosity about her mother's death. This book is a wonderful tale of the spirit world that won't leave readers with nightmares.