Middle grade series veteran Cheverton, as always, ensures that readers jumping into a new entry will be brought up to speed on pivotal moments from earlier books, and Cameron’s previous heroics are here recapped with wit and vigor. Returning readers will appreciate catching up with this quite-relatable hero, a camper distinguished by his wavering self-esteem and the crippling anxiety that he calls his “Beast.” Cheverton’s passion for accurate and encouraging depictions of mental health concerns in young people again sets this series apart, and amid the adventures Cheverton provides parents and readers with practical methods for addressing anxiety and stress. This is showcased through Cameron’s various therapeutic techniques as well as a list of valuable mental health resources.

But what matters most to readers, of course, is the brisk plotting and the dire dangers Cameron faces, in this case the “sharp teeth and pointed claws” of wraiths from a parallel world, a thinning boundary between realities, and the “buzzing insects” of anxiety inside his head. Readers of middle grade monster mashes won’t be surprised by the outcome, here, though the life lessons (like “the true version of yourself can give you the strength to overcome your greatest fear”) are healthy and important, demonstrated through storytelling approaches to facing self-confidence, friendship, and overcoming dread.

Takeaway: An encouraging middle-grade fantasy for children facing extreme anxiety.

Comparable Titles: Annalise Meriwether’s The Spinner of Dreams, Susan Tan’s Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-