Here’s an exciting mystery - adventure for your young reader at Halloween, “Ghosts in the Old Attic” is written from a Christian perspective when the rest of the world focuses on the dark side of witches, ghosts, and evil.
Ghosts in the Old Attic
Author: Max Elliot Anderson
Audience: 8 – 12; especially boys
Words: 31,000
Sam Cooper is about to get the surprise of his life. His parents plan to leave Harper’s Inlet, Florida, and move to Louisiana, where they will open a bed and breakfast.
When the family arrives, Sam’s cousins have some pretty wild-eyed stories to tell about a “haunted” mansion nearby. He and his cousins begin exploring the creepy place. Where were those noises coming from and the strange lights at night? There is also a rumor that the reason this place is “haunted” is because there is buried pirate treasure hidden someplace.
As the cousins are investigating, Sam’s parents have been looking for an available property they can afford.
Sam was in for another surprise when he found out about the rundown mansion his parents finally chose to buy. Who is trying to discourage them from moving in and why?
Will the family be able to open the bed and breakfast before it’s too late, or will they lose all their money?
This book is written for readers 8 - 13, especially boys.
Reviews
Excellent read explaining "ghosts" in a realistic setting!
"It's okay to be a little scared. But if you wake up every morning and tell God you need Him to help you in your day...He will." What a great theme that runs through Ghosts In The Old Attic (A Sam Cooper Adventure Book 6) by Max Elliot Anderson. This is such a great book for all ages, although I would think middle school kids would related to the adventures of Sam and his cousins.
I particularly liked that the "ghosts" kept the adventure moving, while Dad helped explain that there is a dark side to life which people battle with and accept, but if you dig deep enough you'll always find that God has the real answer you are looking for.
I did jump into this series, but it is a stand alone story, fast paced with easy to like characters with a realistic setting. An excellent read!
GHOSTS IN THE OLD ATTIC is the sixth book in Mr. Anderson's tween boys series, but it stands alone. I read all the books in it except two. Mr. Anderson was the author that helped my youngest son to enjoy reading and even though he writes mainly for reluctant boy readers, girls enjoy his books and my reluctant reader youngest daughter is engaged by his books.
GHOSTS IN THE OLD ATTIC I figured there was a mystery in there somewhere and there was. I liked the ending, and didn't find the book particularly scary (though a tween might). There are a lot of ghost stories included (which definitely appeal to tween boys) and of course a possible buried treasure ... sure things that will appeal to the reluctant male tween reader on your list.
Another of Max Elliot Anderson's spooky stories, again starring Sam Cooper. I'm thinking kids in their teens will love this. Shoot, I'm in my backwards teens, and I loved it!
Poor Sam! His folks have decided to uproot him from all his friends in Harper's Inlet and drag him all the way to Louisiana. They want to open a bed and breakfast.
As if that wasn't bad enough, they'll probably choose one of those old (aka, historic) mansions with a dozen pirate stories attached to it, along with stories of ghosts and treasure. Sam likes ghost stories in movies and books, but definitely NOT in real life!
His cousins live where they're moving, and Scooter and Shelley introduce him to ... yep, you guessed it ... a haunted house. Which of course they have to explore. After one hair-raising experience, you'd think they'd stay away, but no. Scooter is just all the more fascinated, and Sam doesn't want to be labeled as a scaredy-cat.
Sam Cooper’s parents are moving the family to Louisiana. They want to open and bed and breakfast. Until they can find the perfect house, they are staying with his cousins Scooter and Shelley. Louisiana is known for its ghosts and pirates. Sam’s cousin loves telling Sam many stories. He even takes him to what he deems a haunted house. When Sam hears strange noises and sees strange sights he can’t explain he’s ready to leave. Scooter wants to go back. As luck would have it, Sam’s parents find a house they can afford with the charm they want. Yep, you guessed it. It is the old historic mansion that Sam’s cousin believes is haunted. If it isn’t haunted, then why would someone be trying to keep them out of the house? Loved all the twists and turns in this book. The twist at the end was wonderful. I have read several of the Sam Cooper series and have several on my school shelves. I highly recommend not only these books, but all of this author’s books. It is always a pleasure to read and review them.
This could be the most exciting one yet. Sam has to say goodbye to his friends in Harper’s Inlet, Florida to move to Louisiana. He gets to meet his Aunt, Uncle and cousins for the first time. His cousin Scooter is fascinated by ghost stories and Baton Rouge, Louisiana has plenty. But there are also tale of pirates—the most famous being Jean Lafitte.
When Sam’s parents decide to buy an old mansion nearby and renovate it into a Bed and Breakfast, the building inspectors tell them they are better off bull dozing the place and starting over.
I think this could be the best Sam Cooper Adventure so far. If you know a middle school boy or girl with questions about ghosts—this is the book to read.
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2017
Not just for kids
I really enjoyed reading the book. The writing was age appropriate, filled with humor, and had a good message. I highly recommend this book for middle school age boys. Kids who like pirate stories and ghost stories will especially enjoy the book. Also, some interesting historical elements.
