Pleasing the Ghost

Newbery Medal winner and master storyteller Sharon Creech spins a wonderfully funny and tender tale.

As nine-year-old Dennis confronts the ghost of his uncle Arvie, Arvie's eccentric antics and wonderful wordplay keep the reader laughing. But at its tender heart, the story reveals the holes left in our lives when we lose the ones we love.

Ever since nine-year-old Dennis's dad died, a veritable parade of ghosts has been passing through his bedroom. When the ghost of his uncle Arvie blows into his room on a warm breeze, Dennis isn't surprised, but Uncle Arvie is the first ghost who wants something from Dennis.

Dennis would love to help Uncle Arvie, but he can't quite understand what Uncle Arvie is asking for. What, for example, is "Fraggle pin Heartfoot a wig pasta"? Dennis has to find out, because this is one ghost who isn't going to leave until he gets what he came for.

Uncle Arvie's antics and Dennis's attempts to please his ghost form the heart of this touching story.

What happens when the only person who can help is a ghost who can’t quite explain what he needs?

Solving a Spooky Puzzle: Dennis must decipher his uncle’s wacky wordplay—like "Fraggle pin Heartfoot a wig pasta"—to figure out the three mysterious tasks he needs to complete. An Unlikely Friendship: When school bully Billy Baker reveals he can also see Uncle Arvie, Dennis discovers he might not be the only one who needs a connection to the other side. Heartfelt and Humorous: A tender tale that balances laugh-out-loud moments with a gentle exploration of loss, showing how love and laughter help heal the holes left in our hearts. Perfect for Young Readers: From a Newbery Medal winner, this engaging chapter book is ideal for readers ages 8-12 who love stories about family, friendship, and finding your way after a loss.