Mary E. Roach’s Better Left Buried offers middle-grade readers a quirky, thoughtful exploration of loss and resilience through the lens of the afterlife. Designed for ages 8–12, this darkly humorous story follows three preteens—Tildy, Leon, and Nell—as they grapple with personal grief while unraveling supernatural mysteries in a small town. Tildy fears losing her mother again after her return, Leon communicates with ghosts to console his grandmother, and Nell copes with her family’s displacement after a hurricane. Their paths intertwine as they confront literal and metaphorical “ghosts,” blending lighthearted mischief with emotional depth. Roach balances eerie adventure and heartfelt reflection, making themes like grief and friendship accessible without trivializing them. The novel’s accessibility shines through its illustrated chapter book format, which provides visual anchors for key scenes, helping reluctant readers track character emotions and plot twists. Roach uses short, direct sentences and everyday vocabulary, avoiding complex clauses that might overwhelm language learners. For example, Leon’s ghostly conversations are written in simple dialogue, allowing students to infer meaning through context rather than dense exposition. While the story includes some idiomatic phrases (“kicked the bucket”), these are woven into humorous scenarios, offering natural teaching moments for figurative language. The balance of humor and gravity—like using a ghostly prank to defuse tension about loss—creates engagement without overshadowing the emotional core, making it ideal for class discussions about coping mechanisms. Recognized as an ALA Notable Book, Better Left Buried stands out for its ability to tackle heavy topics with a light touch. Educators will appreciate how Nell’s science fair project (documenting “lost things”) can inspire classroom activities about resilience, while the brisk pacing and relatable friendships make it a compelling choice for independent reading lists or read-aloud sessions aiming to hook hesitant readers.
