The House That Whispers
by Lin Thompson (Author)
From the author of The Best Liars in Riverview comes a subtle exploration of gender identity, family, and the personal ghosts that haunt us all, perfect for fans of Kyle Lukoff and Ashley Herring Blake.
Eleven-year-old Simon and his siblings, Talia and Rose, are staying the week at Nanaleen's century-old house. This time, though, it's not their usual summer vacation trip. In fact, everything's different. It's fall, not summer. Mom and Dad are staying behind to have a "talk." And Nanaleen's house smells weird, plus she keeps forgetting things. And these aren't the only things getting under Simon's skin: He's the only one who knows that his name is Simon, and that he and him pronouns are starting to feel right. But he's not ready to add to the changes that are already in motion in his family.
To make matters worse, Simon keeps hearing a scratching in the walls, and shadows are beginning to build in the corners. He can't shake the feeling that something is deeply wrong...and he's determined to get to the bottom of it--which means launching a ghost hunt, with or without his sisters' help. When Simon discovers the hidden story of his great-aunt Brie, he realizes that Brie's life might hold answers to some of his worries. Is Brie's ghost haunting the old O'Hagan house? And will Simon's search for ghosts turn up more secrets than he ever expected?
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While their parents take "time to talk," trans sixth grader Simon Bradley and sisters Rose, eight, and Thalia, 13, stay with their maternal grandmother, Nanaleen, in Misty Valley, Ky. Simon is a "secret name" that feels new and tender, like "a baby bird that's not ready to fly out of the nest yet," but Simon's been mentally employing it when people address him otherwise. Nanaleen's house is different than Simon remembers: the town is quiet in the off-season, Simon keeps seeing a ghostly figure in the family home, and Nanaleen exhibits significant memory lapses during the siblings' stay. Unsettled by these occurrences and changing dynamics, and wondering if the ghost is to blame, Simon investigates the family's history, looking into a great-aunt who mysteriously left home as a teen. Though the novel's ending is hastily resolved, Thompson (The Best Liars in Riverview) punctuates a gentle story of bonding with genuinely scary moments and lovely descriptions of gender euphoria ("This warm feeling would start in my chest, like I was carrying around a little glowing light"). Reminiscent of Kyle Lukoff's Too Bright to See, it's an intriguing, warmhearted exploration of beauty and change. Simon's family reads as white. Ages 8-12. Agent: Beth Phelan, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Feb.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Praise for The Best Liars in Riverview:
* "Thompson's debut is a heartfelt coming-of-age journey that explores identity, friendship, and learning to accept who you are, even if you don't quite understand it yet." —Booklist, starred review "The Best Liars in Riverview is a beautiful and heartwarming exploration of self-discovery. Lin Thompson writes with love and respect for their readers, and I'm excited for the young people who will have the chance to read their story. A stunning and potentially life-changing, life-saving debut." —Kacen Callender, National Book Award-winning author of King and the Dragonflies "The Best Liars in Riverview is a lyrically told tale about friendship, found family, belonging and hope. Thompson has crafted a gorgeous debut that will fill an important place on LGBTQ+ shelves, and Aubrey is a character that will stay with me for a long time." —Nicole Melleby, author of Hurricane Season "A beautifully written, nuanced exploration of identity, The Best Liars in Riverview is heartbreaking at times in the truths it reveals about growing up and feeling different in a rural community. It also offers so much comfort and hope. Thompson's debut is a lyrical, wonderfully queer story that will forever hold a special place in my heart." —A. J. Sass, author of Ana on the Edge and Ellen Outside the Lines "Tender and bold all at once, Thompson's breathtaking debut about found family and identity will infuse readers hope and courage. A luminous read." —Ashley Herring Blake, Stonewall honor winner of Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World "Don't let the title fool you. Achingly honest and deeply moving, The Best Liars in Riverview empowers readers to seek their own truth—and live it." —Lisa Jenn Bigelow, author of the Lambda Literary Award book, Hazel's Theory of Evolution "A dazzlingly atmospheric debut about truth-telling made possible through found family and self-discovery. Lin Thompson writes with heartfelt incisiveness about the pain of alienation, the preciousness of friendship, and the empowerment that comes through being seen and believed. Aubrey left an indelible mark on my heart, and their riveting story will encourage young readers everywhere to "say something" when the time is right." —Kathryn Ormsbee, author of The House in Poplar Wood "A sensitively written first novel...this heartfelt story shows rather than tells how friendship can lead to understanding." —Publishers Weekly "A gentle and genuine coming-out story." —Kirkus Reviews "Thompson's tale will have readers guessing up until the very end. A gratifying middle grade read for students who enjoy tales of adventure and belonging." —School Library JournalJUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
JUV058000 - Juvenile Fiction | Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Family life
Ghosts
Ghost stories
Haunted houses
Gender identity
