The Golden Ghost

Delsie knew it wasn’t a good idea to dare her best friend Todd to explore the abandoned houses by the old mill. But she couldn’t back down after the words slipped out of her mouth. Together, the two friends bike to the mill and try the door of each abandoned house. They are all locked . . . except one. Delsie and Todd sneak inside and discover two strange things. Someone is living there. And something doesn’t want Delsie to leave. It’s a dog, a strange golden dog, that only Delsie can see!

Newbery Honor-winning author Marion Dane Bauer spins a fourth spooky tale to complement her previous stories, The Blue Ghost, The Red Ghost, and The Green Ghost. The Golden Ghost will grab readers’ attention right from the start and keep them reading until the very end. Many readers will relate to Delsie, who wishes she could have a dog. However, her dad says, “No dogs. No cats. No hamsters. No guinea pigs. No bunny rabbits. No little white mice. No groundhogs. I’m allergic.” Instead of having a pet, Delsie must be content spending time with her friend Todd and his dog, Bug.  

When Delsie begins to see a ghost dog, it looks like “a collection of fireflies, glimmering in the evening light.” Delsie confides in her best friend Todd, and at first, he thinks Delsie is “positively nuts.” The mystery of the dog and the friendship conflict combine into a compelling story. In the end, Todd proves he is a true friend by believing Delsie even though he cannot see the ghost dog himself. In addition, the heartwarming conclusion shows how a dog’s love can transform a person’s life.  

Readers who are ready for chapter books will enjoy The Golden Ghost’s format because of the short chapters, large font, and illustrations. The Golden Ghost is perfect for readers who want to explore the world of ghosts without being frightened. The suspenseful story explores the bond between a person and their pet. Unlike the companion books, The Golden Ghost doesn’t have a positive life lesson. However, the enjoyable story will appeal to readers who love animals, as well as those curious about ghosts. For more ghostly fun, read Ghost Ship by Erin Soderberg and Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon by Kate Dicamillo.  

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• When a dog named Bug begins jumping near an older man, the man “swung at Bug. First, he swung one of his bags of groceries. The bag missed. Then he swung a booted foot. The foot connected. Bug yelped, a single piercing cry. He turned and barreled back toward the house.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• When a dog named Bug begins jumping near an older man, the man yells, “Dad-blasted dog! Get away from me!” Later the man thinks to himself, “Blasted kids!” 
• When Delsie tells her best friend that she sees a ghost dog, her friend says, “Sometimes I think you’re nuts. Positively nuts.” 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None