Ghostcloud

Gr 4-7--In an alternate London, children are being kidnapped and forced to shovel coal underground to power the city. The factory is run by the watchful and villainous Tabitha Margate, who has threatened to turn slackers and complainers into fuel. Twelve-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma and his best friend, Ravi, know how to survive---keep their heads down, perfect their shoveling technique, and hope that they can earn an elusive golden ticket that would earn their freedom. When Jess, a new girl with a cheery attitude who has dreams of becoming a plumber, makes a mistake that could threaten the whole line of shovelers, Luke goes against everything he thought he believed in to protect her. When the two of them are sent to their punishment, Luke meets Alma, a ghost that only he can see and hear. He learns a surprising truth and that the mysterious and powerful Ghost Council may be the key to exposing Tabitha and saving everyone. This is a magical and engaging debut with likable protagonists and thrilling adventure set against the backdrop of a fascinating smog-covered London. It has wide appeal and will be especially loved by readers of Neil Gaiman, Roald Dahl, and the Rick Riordan Presents imprint. VERDICT A first purchase for all middle grade collections. This series opener is not to be missed.--Marissa Lieberman

Scores of kidnapped children shovel coal into Battersea Power Station's underground furnaces, powering all of smog-ridden London, in debut author Mann's splendid escapist adventure. Two years after 12-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma, who's of Indian descent, arrives at the station, he tries to keep new girl Jess from slowing the shoveling line and jeopardizing his chance at a freedom-granting amber ticket. But an ensuing incident results in foul punishment for both: cleaning the sewers. It's during this task that Luke rescues a ghostcloud, or water-bonded spirit, called Alma, who recognizes Luke for the half-ghost he is, and reveals his ability to both perceive the uncanny and fly over an alternate London, which is overseen by evil magnate Tabatha Margate. This taste of the outside world sets aspiring detective Luke on the road to escape, accompanied by Alma, plumber hopeful Jess, and goods and information trader Ravi, who prove fully realized characters and co-conspirators. Smartly wrought worldbuilding aptly engages with themes of identity and equity while conjuring an atmospherically gritty London that's at once singularly inventive and reminiscent of works by Joan Aiken, Charles Dickens, and Philip Pullman. It's a thoughtful and well-built fantasy that's also rollicking good fun. Ages 8-12. Agent: Stephanie Thwaites, Curtis Brown. (Sept.)

"This fast-paced fantasy adventure will spark the imaginations of readers who enjoy superpowers, ghosts, and the paranormal."—School Library Connection