A review by stefaniemasters
A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osborne

adventurous emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Oh the nostalgia! The best thing about these books are the lessons on how to be a good human. The Magic Treehouse novels have to be one the biggest reason’s my kiddo has turned out so well. These were my son’s favorite books. I miss when he was little, even if I know I’m internally romanticizing it. 

This particular story was teaching empathy for others, what it looks like, how to help, and recognizing/admitting your own privilege. It also gets you familiar with historic figures, so that you’ll want to keep learning as you get older. More adults should read children’s books for themselves. I love Jack and Annie! 

“Oh man,” said Jack. “Everyone was nice to us when we looked rich. Now it feels like the whole world’s against us.” (Ch. 5)

It wasn’t really about Christmas, it was introducing us to Charles Dickens and teaching us how to critically think about his works. While A Christmas Carol isn’t my favorite, I’m glad Jack and Annie saved it.