Lenny Among Ghosts by Frank Maria Reifenberg is a whimsical middle-grade supernatural adventure that blends humor and heart, perfect for readers aged 8–12. The story follows Lenny, a curious boy who accidentally enrolls in Shadowsnout Castle Academy—a school for ghosts—while his parents are away. Surrounded by floating maids, rhyming radio spirits, and invisible pirate students, Lenny navigates quirky ghostly challenges while uncovering a mysterious threat to the school. With the help of new friends like Moira, a mischievous poltergeist, Lenny learns to embrace his human uniqueness in a world where cobwebs double as décor and cafeteria meals glow in the dark. The narrative balances lighthearted antics with themes of bravery and belonging, offering a fresh twist on fitting in. Reifenberg’s accessible language and visual storytelling make this book ideal for classrooms with diverse learners. The text uses short, punchy sentences and everyday vocabulary, avoiding dense paragraphs—ideal for students building reading stamina. Whimsical illustrations of ghostly shenanigans (think see-through librarians and chalkboard doodles that come alive) provide visual context, helping readers decode plot points and infer character emotions. While idiomatic phrases like “kicking up a spectral storm” appear occasionally, they’re woven into humorous dialogue, allowing teachers to explore figurative language in relatable contexts. The playful tone and fast-paced chapters (many under 10 pages) keep reluctant readers engaged, while themes of teamwork and self-acceptance spark meaningful discussions. Nominated for the Leipzig Reading Compass and German-French Youth Literature Prize, the book’s blend of mischief and sincerity offers a gateway for students to practice critical thinking—Why might a ghost need homework? How do we solve problems with creativity?—without feeling didactic. For educators seeking stories that marry imaginative plots with inclusive accessibility, Lenny Among Ghosts is a spooktacular pick to haunt classroom shelves.
