50 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
277
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • Contemporary
2020
Middle grade
8-12 years
HL610L
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
5,122 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
5,122 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Casley
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.
Emily
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.
Sam Koster
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.
Claire’s Parents
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."
Warner Jameson
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.
Willie Novotny (Boy 396)
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.
277
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • Contemporary
2020
Middle grade
8-12 years
HL610L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.