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50 pages 1 hour read

Scritch Scratch

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Lindsay Currie

Scritch Scratch

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

HL610L

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Super Short Summary

In Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie, 12-year-old Claire Koster, a science enthusiast, reluctantly helps her ghost-obsessed father on his Chicago ghost tour, only to find herself haunted by a mysterious boy from the past. To solve this ghostly mystery, Claire teams up with friends, unravels historical secrets, and faces personal challenges, ultimately seeking to bring peace to the restless spirit.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Challenging

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.3

5,122 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Lindsay Currie's Scritch Scratch receives acclaim for its engaging ghost story, relatable characters, and well-woven historical elements, making it a great read for middle-grade audiences. However, some readers feel the pacing can be slow at times. Overall, it effectively blends spookiness with emotional depth, offering both thrills and heartwarming moments.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Scritch Scratch?

A reader who enjoys Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie is typically a middle-grade student who loves spooky mysteries and historical themes. Fans of Goosebumps by R.L. Stine and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman will find this ghostly tale, set in Chicago, particularly engaging.

4.3

5,122 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Claire Koster

A 12-year-old girl who loves science and fears the supernatural, serving as the protagonist and narrator. She deals with her father's ghost tour business and the challenges of friendship and trust.

Claire's best friend, who shares her interest in science and is working to maintain friendships with both Claire and her new friend Emily. Casley is empathetic and emotionally mature.

Casley's new friend who initially seems to Claire like an antagonist due to her appearance and popularity. Despite facing personal challenges, she becomes a supportive friend to Claire and Casley.

Claire's older brother, who attends the same middle school and is initially presented as a source of conflict for Claire. He later supports her, proving to be a loyal and kind sibling.

Julia and David Koster, who both run their own businesses. David's ghost tours are a source of tension with Claire, while Julia provides support through her cooking and "teachable moments."

A classmate with whom Claire has a crush. He is characterized by his kind nature, and his connection to Emily is revealed later in the story, enhancing his role in the social dynamics.

A young ghost from a historical tragedy who appears to Claire. His haunting presence connects with Claire on a deeply personal level, and he is a key figure in the narrative's exploration of history and remembrance.

Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

HL610L

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