REVIEW

Growing up is a difficult part of life. The passing of each year places more pressure on children to act responsibly. All around them children find that different groups expect them to conform to the norm.

First there is one's parents to contend with. They expect their offspring to be model citizens that obey all of the family's rules. It does not occur to them that their behavioral standards may be too high.

Then there are the teachers, policemen and uncles. These people put all sorts of restrictions on what children can and cannot do. It seems their only object is to make life a misery for those young lives they are responsible for.

The group that places the greatest degree of stress on children is children themselves. It is a group that often challenges the rights of authority. Children act as their peers wish or risk being isolated.

Pete Turner is a young boy growing up in the small American town of Taylorville. He finds himself to be in a constant losing battle with authority. No matter how hard he tries; he just cannot resist the crazy schemes of Todd and Rod Miller.

They are twin boys with a nose for trouble. It follows them around like a mosquito hungry for blood. Nothing seems to deter their passion for pushing the frontiers of mischief.

One fateful day Jenny Swenson informs Pete and the Miller twins that she has seen a ghost. First it appeared in the Overstreet house; then it found its way to the cemetery. A decision was made that would have grave consequences for them all. The decision was that they should all go to the cemetery at midnight and confront the ghost.

Not wanting to look like a coward, Pete Turner agrees to accompany his friends on their midnight quest. All goes well until someone grabs Pete by the throat and tries to choke him. But an unusual ally comes to his rescue.

Jeanine berry has created a likeable tale of how a group of children tackle the unknown. Young readers will delight at the conflict that occurs. It shows how relationships with parents can wax and wane, but can still have good outcomes no matter how hard the pain.

This is a book that is well presented and entertains. I would recommend it to all young readers who seek adventure.