Award-winning, New York Times bestselling adult horror author Paul Tremblay has written a stunning, unsettling middle grade debut, in which a lonely boy watches while an unexpected and strange new friend slowly takes over his life and family.
When Casey Wilson’s parents tell him that his friend is coming for a sleepover, he has no idea who that might be. Ever since the Zoom Incident, everyone treats him like a pariah, and his tics are worse than ever.
When Morel appears, he’s not like any friend Casey has ever met. His skin is like clay, and he doesn’t speak. But Casey’s parents are charmed by the strange kid, and it’s nice to have someone to talk to besides his sister, Ally, who is away at college. As his normally loving parents grow distant from Casey, they gush and fawn over Morel. Casey knows something is wrong—but with no end in sight to the sleepover, he’s exhausted. And in the dark, out of the corner of his eye, Morel doesn’t look like a kid at all. . . .
Category Mystery, Thrills, and Chills Elementary Plus
Pages Count 256
Topics Sleepovers. Friendship. Family life. Anxiety. Self-esteem. Strangers. Monsters. Imposters.
Trim Size 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
JLG Span Fall
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2025-07-21
JLG Release Date Oct 2025
Minimum grade 3
Maximum grade 5
Reading level Elementary
Format Print
Mystery, Thrills, and Chills Elementary Plus (Grades 3-5)
Mystery, Thrills, and Chills Elementary Plus
Mystery, Thrills, and Chills Elementary Plus (Grades 3-5)
For Grades 3-5
A high-interest collection of mystery and adventure titles for older elementary readers. These action-packed stories feature intriguing puzzles, daring journeys, spooky situations, and suspenseful plotlines that keep readers turning pages. With clever clues, memorable characters, and fast-paced storytelling, this category encourages independent reading and strong comprehension skills.