This Appearing House by Ally Malinenko
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on August 16, 2022
ISBN: 0063136570
Pages: 288
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

“This Appearing House” is a middle grade horror novel written by Ally Malinenko. Middle schooler Jac was diagnosed with childhood cancer five years ago and hopes to be told she has “No Evidence of Disease” soon. As if that isn’t enough, she also has to deal with her helicopter mom’s constant worries. One day a mysterious house appears out of nowhere. Jac and her friend Hazel are dared to go into the creepy house and find themselves trapped. Each door features its own scares including a really creepy part involving teeth. While trying to escape the house, Jac faces her own fears and owns her anger that things are not fair!

A good scary book that also has a heartfelt and welcome message that the world isn’t fair, but also that sick kids don’t always die at the end of the book (an annoyingly common trope that Jac mentions in the book). Written for ages 8 – 12, this book is a suggested purchase for middle grade collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.