Expected publication: September 14th 2021 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
Life as Essie knows it, in the cramped tenements of NYC is drastically changed when her mother announces that she has married a man that Essie has never even heard her mention before. As if that isn't enough to induce a panic attack she is also told she will have to pack her things, leaving her friends and her school behind to go live on an island where people with dangerously contagious illnesses are sent to quarantine. In fact she may even meet the dreaded Typhoid Mary.
Essie is still grieving for her father and suffering the trauma of his death when she meets her new step father, an imposing figure with strange mannerisms who she begins to suspect of nefarious deeds. Strange goings on in the night may also mean that she is now living in a haunted house.

Essie was a girl after my own heart, who suffers frequent nightmares and anxiety.
In an odd coincidence I read this book on the anniversary of the tragedy in Little Germany, an incident that I had never even heard of until I read this book. When it was first mentioned I looked it up, and what I found tells me that what was later explained in the book was factually correct, always an important part of historical fiction for me is accuracy of the time period. This was a well researched work of historical fiction with a bit of spooky suspense and a lesson that without fear there is no such thing as bravery, Essie learns that being afraid is ok but that things almost never turn out as badly as we feared they would. Although this is listed as being for readers in grades 3-7 there is really no reason it can not be enjoyed by older readers.
5 out of 5 stars

I received an advance copy for review. ( )

History comes to life in a world of fear, harsh circumstances, and little hope...until that tiny glimmer shines.

Essie comes home from school to find her mother already packed to leave to a new home with a step-father she's never met. Worse yet, the he's a doctor, who lives on the island, where patients with extremely contagious diseases are sent and quarantined. Essie doesn't get why her mother is doing this, although since the death of her father, they've been teetering on the brink of starvation. The island poses many dark secrets, all things to add to Essie's ever growing list of unspeakable fears. But when she sees the red door from her dreams, she's sure the true nightmare is about to begin.

It's always a treat to pick up a well-done, historical novel, and this one definitely fits that bill. The world is so vivid, making it easy to slip right into the time period...and that without the information or description dumps, which can bore. The island and circumstances are little known facts (something I always love discovering) and all of this molds seamlessly into the tale of Essie as she discovers shadows, creepy moments, and haunting secrets. There's never a boring moment, and there are plenty of surprises.

The scenes and characters sit so well and add tons of life to the story, whether it be bad or good. It's hard to tell, who harbors evil intentions and who can truly be trusted. Add in the social issues of the time, and it's interesting for school groups and homeschoolers, too.

While the writing flows nicely for the age group and makes for an enjoyable read, I simply wish I could have connected a bit better with Essie because it would have made this an amazing read. Her character is not only afraid of everything and acts as if even a crack is out to get her...and this was strange to me considering she grew up and lived in very harsh conditions...but especially in the beginning, she simply isn't nice to barely anyone about anything. A little kindness or shine of a good heart would have gone a long way.

But this is still an amazing read, and I can recommend it. I received an ARC and enjoyed being caught up in the time and mystery. ( )