A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013
A Scholastic Book Fairs selection
“. . . Packs an emotional wallop.”
—Publisher’s Weekly
“Complex characters, a moving story line centered on family and courage, and plenty of exciting moments . . . “
—Monica Edinger, The Horn Book
“As Conor learns what he is made of, readers will relish the quirky cast of supporting characters from the underworld.”
—Erin Downey Howerton, Booklist
★ “Booraem applies a light touch to her heavy subject . . ."
—Kirkus Reviews (starred)
“. . . A family story about moral dilemmas with a light touch.”
—Voya
“. . . A touching story full of suspense, action, and excitement.”
—Sharon McKellar, School Library Journal
What it’s about:
Conor O’Neill always thought spiders—and his little sister, Glennie—were the worst monsters life had in store. That was before a young novice banshee named Ashling showed up in his bedroom.
The arrival of a banshee, as Conor soon learns, means only one thing: Someone in his family is going to die. Not only will Ashling not tell him who it is, it turns out that she’s so fascinated by the world above that she insists on going to middle school with him.
The more Ashling gets involved in his life, the harder it becomes to keep her identity a secret from his friends and teachers—and the more Conor worries about his family. If he wants to keep them safe, he’s going to have to do the scariest thing he’s ever done: Pay a visit to the underworld.
If only there were an app for that.
TEXTING THE UNDERWORLD
Ages 10-14
2013/Dial Books for Young Readers
ISBN 978-0-8037-3704-4