The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling is a middle-grade fantasy that blends mystery and adventure, perfect for readers aged 8–12. The story follows twelve-year-old Kess Pedrock, whose life revolves around her family’s Unnatural History Museum, a quirky place filled with oddities like pickled mermaids and werewolf bones. When Kess meets the enigmatic Lilou Starling, she’s drawn into a quest to break an ancient curse haunting the eerie Eelgrass Bog. Together, they navigate a world of lurking monsters, cryptic riddles, and buried secrets that force Kess to confront truths about her family’s past. The novel balances whimsical world-building with darker, suspenseful twists, creating a page-turning journey that explores themes of bravery, belonging, and the weight of legacy—all while keeping readers guessing until the final chapters. Averling’s storytelling shines for reluctant readers and English language learners. The prose uses short, vivid sentences and conversational dialogue, avoiding dense description without sacrificing atmosphere. Strategic illustrations scattered throughout provide visual anchors for key scenes, helping readers track plot developments and visualize the bog’s haunting creatures. Kess’s wry humor and relatable insecurities—feeling overshadowed by her adventurous parents—create an immediate emotional hook, while the gradual unraveling of the curse’s mystery maintains momentum. Idiomatic phrases are minimal and contextualized through character interactions, such as Kess’s exasperated “This is so not how Tuesdays usually go” during a chaotic discovery. Recognized as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and BookPage Top 10 pick, the book’s pacing and accessible language make it ideal for small-group discussions or independent reading. Educators will appreciate how Kess’s sketches of museum artifacts (hinted at in the art) can inspire visual learners to draw their own interpretations of the story’s magical elements, bridging comprehension and creativity. For classrooms seeking fantasy that’s both gripping and approachable, The Curse of Eelgrass Bog delivers a flavorful mix of heart and hauntings—no advanced vocabulary required.