Faces from the Past: Forgotten People of North America 
2013 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12 and a School Library Journal Best Children's Books of 2012

How to Find a Ghost

 

 

School Library Journal (November 1988): "This is a how-to-be haunted manual for aspiring junior ghostbusters. Written with a mixture of seriousness and chuckles reminiscent of campfire ghost story sessions, the book describes several different kinds of ghosts that a ghost hunter might encounter, and suggests places where the ghosts might be found. Deem also provides tips on how to conduct a ghost investigation. He includes a sample form for recording other worldly experiences, and even an address to send in ghost hunting experiences. The book is filled with "true ghost accounts." told with the same blend of smiles and shivers...this will be welcomed by middle-grade ghost fanciers."

Booklist (November 1, 1988): "Offering his findings on ghost hunting in a serious-minded fashion, Deem explains what things a person can do to have a supernatural experience. He starts by bursting long-held beliefs about ghosts: they are not always spirits of dead people, usually do not appear white and misty, and only rarely try to care people. Using chillingly told "real" ghost stories and incidents of ghost sightings from the 1800s to the present as documentary evidence, the author points out ways that readers can locate these specters or at least make it more likely to see one. In conclusion, the author gives particulars on writing a ghost report, tells how to test an apparition for ghost qualities, and suggests other books to read on the subject. An unusual and entertaining title that will undoubtedly prove fascinating and popular with upper-grade students."

Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books (November 1988): "...young readers may want to grab a flashlight and head for the nearest likely haunt...."

Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 1988): "A handbook for novice ghost-hunters, pleasantly free of both stubborn skepticism and mystical mumbo-jumbo. 'To find a ghost you must be brave, determined and, most of all, patient,' the author warns, but meanwhile he offers plenty of encouragement--as well as a sense that ghosts aren't all that hard to find once you now how and where to look. He lists common varieties of ghosts and ghostly behavior, suggests investigative strategies that maximize credibility and minimize the chances of being hoaxed, then walks readers through a written "ghost report." Not all of Deem's techniques are practical (e.g., sprinkling flour on the floor to check for footprints; relying on thermometers to register the quick sudden chills that often signal a ghostly presence), but he writes with clarity and enthusiasm. His text is peppered with examples of classic and recent "sightings," and ends with a good, up-to-date bibliography. Must reading for armchair investigators, as well as for more active detectives."

VOYA (December 1988): "Ghost books are always popular with teens but what makes this book so unique is that it combines true ghost tales with tips on becoming a ghost hunter. The author describes six types of ghosts (Each type illustrated with at least one chilling true story) and ten places where the reader might encounter ghosts (also with accompanying ghostly tale), but best of all he includes a ghost reporting form that readers can use to record ghostly sightings...delightful addition to ghost collections."

 

 

How to Find a Ghost
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1988. Avon paperback edition, 1990.

 

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Unless otherwise noted, all contents ŠJames M. Deem, 1988-2012. 

For permission to quote from or reproduce this material, please contact James M. Deem.

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