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Paul Tremblay’s name is not new if you’re a horror fan. You’ve likely heard of his adult horror novels, including Horror Movie, Head Full of Ghosts, or The Cabin at the End of the World, which was adapted into a film by M. Night Shyamalan. But his latest novel is something new for this author: a middle grade novel.
For horror lovers who read middle grade novels, you already know that middle grade books can be just as scary (if not more terrifying!) than those written for adults. But if you were somehow thinking that Tremblay’s latest novel would take it easy on you, think again. This one is going to give you the creeps.
Another by Paul Tremblay
Casey Wilson is a 12-year-old boy with loving parents; a supportive older sister who’s off at college; and a love of art, anime, and video games. Many parts of his life seem great, but Casey struggles to make friends at school. Ever since a cyber-bullying incident put Casey’s insecurities on full display for the whole world to see, all the kids at school do their best to avoid him. This is why Casey is so confused when his parents say one of his friends is coming to his house for a sleepover.
Things only get weirder from there. A strange man shows up at the Wilson’s front door with a burlap sack, and out of the bag comes the strangest-looking boy Casey has ever seen. The boy has clay-like skin, undefined facial features, and does not speak. Casey’s parents don’t seem disturbed by the boy’s presence. In fact, they seem absolutely charmed by him. The boy’s father tells the Wilsons that the boy’s name is Morel, and Morel will be staying with the Wilsons for… a while.
As Morel settles into their home and lives, Casey is the only one who seems to have an issue with the arrangement. Something about Morel is off. As the days pass, Morel keeps changing and becoming more and more disturbing to Casey. Meanwhile, Casey’s parents shower Morel with attention and praise while Casey starts to fade into the shadows. The longer Morel stays, the more exhausted Casey feels. In the night, Casey has strange dreams that feel eerily real.
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This book is so unsettling. When Morel is introduced, his uncanny presence in the Wilsons’ home will give you chills. You might have guesses as to why Morel is there and what his intentions are, but what happens on the page will still surprise you. If you have a kid who loves spooky stuff, this would be a great way to introduce them to the twisted works of Paul Tremblay.
But this one is not just for kids. As an adult reading this book, I was creeped out and could not put it down. Sam Wolfe Connelly’s interior illustrations are as gorgeous as they are disturbing.
Another was released on July 22 from Quill Tree Books, so grab your copy now! Even if you usually don’t go for middle grade stories, this one might change your mind about how scary middle grade can be.