Grin by D.W. Gillespie
Published by Delacorte Press on August 26, 2025
ISBN: 0593814886
Genres: Horror, Psychological thriller
Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Goodreads

Middle schooler Danny can’t believe his mom is actually going to let him stay with his uncle Bill for a week. Bill owns a retro-style arcade, full of every 80s and 90s game imaginable, and Danny has high hopes of beating them all. When Bill shows Danny the new game he managed to track down, Grin, Danny realizes it’s the same one his favorite YouTuber has just described as being rumored to be haunted. As Bill falls deeper and deeper under Grin‘s trance, Danny has to figure out how to save him and destroy the game, once and for all.

Gamers will love this thriller and its numerous references to old school games. The suspension of disbelief is easy enough to roll with thanks to Grin‘s pace and setting, and Gillespie does a good job making Bill menacing while possessed but ultimately redeemable. Suitable for both middle and high school readers.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath