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meganreads5's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lattelibrarian's review
5.0
This book was my everything when I was in fifth grade. Y'all, this book is SO GOOD. And now, years later, I realized my library had it--so I obviously checked it out. Reading this book after taking a Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Ecocrit course helped me add so many layers I didn't even realize back in the day. So much, in fact, that I basically thrust this book into my professor's hands.
Fossil Glen has history dating back to before humans even existed--trilobytes and fossilized amber proliferate the area. Not to mention, of course, the various species of flora and fauna that live there. But their existence is threatened by its new owner who wishes to convert the land into a housing complex. Which brings up some questions--whose land is it? And can anyone really own land that's existed for millions of years? Not only that, but is the glen deadly? How can it be perceived as both beautiful and threatening at the same time? Or does land even require our judgement imposed upon it at all? Please, professor, if you're reading this somehow, tell me all of the answers! In the mean time, I'll just be brushing up on my ecocrit...
But for real, this book is just so involved. Not only is Allie dealing with avenging a ghost, but she's also dealing with friend drama and making sure her parents understand that she's most certainly not a basket case.
Every time I've been hiking or rock climbing (...not that often, sadly) since I first read this book, I've thought about the climax every single time. A ghost, a girl, and a businessman. Down with capitalism, am I right, ladies?
Ultimately, this book was just so nostalgic for me, and I was so glad to still enjoy it as much now that I'm much older. This is perfect for bridging the children's literature/middle grade gap for tweens who love nature, fossils, and ghosts!
Review cross-listed here!
Fossil Glen has history dating back to before humans even existed--trilobytes and fossilized amber proliferate the area. Not to mention, of course, the various species of flora and fauna that live there. But their existence is threatened by its new owner who wishes to convert the land into a housing complex. Which brings up some questions--whose land is it? And can anyone really own land that's existed for millions of years? Not only that, but is the glen deadly? How can it be perceived as both beautiful and threatening at the same time? Or does land even require our judgement imposed upon it at all? Please, professor, if you're reading this somehow, tell me all of the answers! In the mean time, I'll just be brushing up on my ecocrit...
But for real, this book is just so involved. Not only is Allie dealing with avenging a ghost, but she's also dealing with friend drama and making sure her parents understand that she's most certainly not a basket case.
Every time I've been hiking or rock climbing (...not that often, sadly) since I first read this book, I've thought about the climax every single time. A ghost, a girl, and a businessman. Down with capitalism, am I right, ladies?
Ultimately, this book was just so nostalgic for me, and I was so glad to still enjoy it as much now that I'm much older. This is perfect for bridging the children's literature/middle grade gap for tweens who love nature, fossils, and ghosts!
Review cross-listed here!
shiloniz's review against another edition
4.0
I fun middle grade ghost story. As an adult it wasn't scary, but I know my younger self would have read this way past dark and then slept with the light on.
mugsandpugs's review
4.0
I bought my niece some books I'd enjoyed as a child for her birthday, which sent me back down memory lane rereading The Ghost of Fossil Glen and its sequel by Cynthia C. DeFelice. I may have made a mistake in that they're a little young for my niece (who is now 12) — though she's pretty advanced for her age. I guess your mileage may vary, depending on whether your kid can handle concepts like child murder and animal abuse. Kid-me liked them, and I still like 'em now. They center around Allie, a pre-teen who is a bit of a ghost magnet; ghosts frequently come to her for help. Sometimes the ghosts are good and sympathetic. Sometimes they're evil liars. Sometimes they're dogs. Again: the books are quite simple and don't much beat around the bush, but as a kid I really enjoyed figuring things out with Allie, and feeling mildly spooked all the while. And you gotta love that late 90s cheese. I only re-read the first two before I felt satisfied; I didn't need to read all 4 books.
haley_j_casey's review
3.0
I don't remember a ton about this book, but I know I really loved it when I was younger.
thatchickengirl23's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
mallorykjorgensen's review
3.0
The principal message around this story is about having a good imagination versus being a liar.
thereadingsparrow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
shiss's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
toystory242's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book because a very good friend of mine recommended it (it was one of her favorites when she was younger), and I have to admit, I was in the mood for something exactly like this! It was short, cute, and simple. I don't know; I just found it very endearing and while it was nothing groundbreaking, I still found it clever and sweet.
I may or may not read the other ones. Who knows? :) I read this one very quickly after all, and enjoyed it!
I may or may not read the other ones. Who knows? :) I read this one very quickly after all, and enjoyed it!