Books like 'The Girl with the Ghost Machine'
Readers who enjoyed The Girl with the Ghost Machine by Lauren DeStefano also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy mystery horror supernatural paranormal ghosts family children friendship grief
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Leave the Window Open by Victoria Schwab
14 ratingsA free story from Wesley’s POV, set a few hours after the end of The Unbound... -
Still Life by Jacqueline West, Lexy Fridell
12 ratingsThe fifth and final book in The Books of Elsewhere.Annabelle McMartin is gone for good, but something worse lurks just out of sight--watching, waiting, preparing to strike. Then a field trip to the local art museum reveals a shock...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure animal-death audiobook -
Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland
14 ratingsThe New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation makes her middle grade debut with a sweeping tale of the ghosts of our past that won't stay buried, starring an unforgettable girl named Ophie.Ophelia Harrison used to live in a small house in the Georgia countryside. But that was before the night in November 1922, and the cruel act that took her home and her father from her... -
Re-Vamped! by Sienna Mercer
18 ratingsThe secret is out--cheerleader Olivia and vampire Ivy are twins!ow that Ivy and Olivia have told their friends that they're twins, they have to come clean to their adoptive parents. But Ivy's dad doesn't even want to meet Olivia!When the vampire officials realize Olivia knows the truth about vampires, they demand that she pass three tests to prove she's worthy of sharing the secret... -
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Her Evil Twin by Mimi McCoy
14 ratingsIs Anna's new BFF really her evil twin? Nothing is as it seems in this thrilling, bone-chilling new Poison Apple book!Anna's new friend, Emma, is everything Anna wants to be -- fearless, effortlessly fashionable, and always up for doing something new and fun. The girls even look alike, and soon they're fixing their hair the same way and sharing clothes.But Emma is also kind of a troublemaker... -
This Totally Bites! by Ruth Ames
18 ratingsPoison Apple Books: Thrilling. Bone-chilling. These books have bite!Twelve-year-old Emma-Rose Paley has always felt different from her bubbly, outgoing parents. Unlike them, Emma-Rose has pale skin and jet-black hair, is quiet and moody, and prefers gray weather to sunshine. She also hates the taste of garlic, has very sharp incisors, and loves rare burgers... -
A Horribly Haunted Halloween by Heather Graham
8 ratingsHalloween is approachingAnd while it might be different this year, many homes are lavishly decorated. Jackson Crow thinks it’s fine that his adopted son, Corby, takes a walk down the street to see some of the ghoulish displays.Except Corby hurries back to him. One “creature” isn’t—or wasn’t—a creature at all. The bizarre costuming covers someone once real—a human corpse... -
Get Witch Quick by Louisa West
8 ratingsShe should have known better than to put all of her eggs in one basket.Rosemary Bell has begun a new life in Mosswood, Georgia. But when the town’s annual Easter Fair is ruined by a spell gone wrong, the townsfolk are hopping mad, and it could have grave consequences for her daughter Maggie... -
Greetings from the Graveyard by Kate Klise, M. Sarah Klise
8 ratingsRoses are red, Violets are blue. If a ghost can write books, Why not greeting cards, too?The bestselling trio from Spence Mansion is launching a greeting card company called Greetings from the Graveyard. But what kind of card do you send to an ex-girlfriend who threatens to publish the love letters of Ignatius B... -
Ready for a Scare? by P.J. Night, Heather Alexander
10 ratingsBirthday girl and queen of all things spooky, Kelly Garcia is all set to have the perfect night. First her parents are going out of town. And although they hired a babysitter, Kelly is excited to basically be on her own... -
The Thief Knot by Kate Milford
10 ratingsGhosts, a kidnapping, a crew of young detectives, and family secrets mix in this new standalone mystery set in the world of the best-selling Greenglass House, from a National Book Award nominee and Edgar Award–winning author.Marzana and her best friend are bored. Even though they live in a notorious city where normal rules do not apply, nothing interesting ever happens to them...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
Lost Lullaby by Jason Segel
12 ratings"Coraline meets Monsters, Inc. in this delightfully entertaining offering from actor [Jason] Segel and co-author [Kirsten] Miller." --Publishers Weekly, on book one in the series Stay up late with the hilariously frightening middle-grade novel Nightmares! The Lost Lullaby...Categorized as:
children family friendship paranormal action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
Curiosity Killed the Cat by Sierra Harimann
14 ratingsPoison Apple Books: Thrilling. Bone-chilling. These books have bite!Hannah isn't thrilled to be moving in with her dad and his new family, who live right next to a spooky cemetery. Luckily, Hannah doesn't believe all the "ghost cat" stories she's heard about the graveyard.Not so luckily, the cemetery is the least of Hannah's troubles. Her stepsister, Madison, is the meanest girl in Hannah's grade... -
Poltergeist by James Kahn
14 ratingsFrom a dimension beyond the living, a terror to scare you to deathFrom the imageless eye of the TV set, from the flickering snowy light, it calls to Carol Anne, six years old and innocent.From beyond the world of the living, reaches out in unholy anger, ripping her from the arms of her family, into the thrall of the POLTERGEIST... -
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Root Magic by Eden Royce
14 ratingsA historical ghost story set in South Carolina in the 1960s—a tale of courage, friendship, and Black Girl Magic.It’s 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won’t stop harassing her family... -
The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf
14 ratingsI am a dark spirit, the ghost announced grandly. I am your inheritance, your grandmother’s legacy. I am yours to command.Suraya is delighted when her witch grandmother gifts her a pelesit. She names her ghostly companion Pink, and the two quickly become inseparable... -
The Dead End by Mimi McCoy
16 ratingsPoison Apple Books: Thrilling. Bone-chilling. These books have bite! Casey Slater can't believe her bad luck. It's the summer before seventh grade, and instead of the perfect vacation she'd planned with her best friend, Casey is in a remote country town, where her parents are restoring an old, creaky, creepy house. Worst of all, everyone else in town thinks the old house is haunted... -
Miss Fortune by Brandi Dougherty
16 ratingsZoe's never been superstitious, so when she and her best friend Mia have their fortunes read at a carnival, she doesn't take it seriously. In fact, Zoe mocks the fortune-teller. But the woman gives Zoe a necklace to seal her fortune, and as soon as Zoe puts it on, unexplained things begin to happen to her... -
Dead Scary: The Ghost who refused to leave by Sally Gould
6 ratingsAdam is an ordinary boy, except for one thing. He can see and talk with ghosts.When his family moves into what seems like the home of his dreams, Adam finds out it isn't his dream home after all. Edward Lawrence, a bossy ghost who was Adam's age when he died, regards the home as his own and he doesn't want to share it with an annoying boy who can see him... -
Playing with Fire by Phoebe Rivers
6 ratingsSara nervously prepares for a paranormal confession—and staying in a haunted hotel isn’t helping!Sara has made a big decision: She’s finally going to tell her best friend about her powers. When Lily’s family invites Sara to come along with them on a trip to the Adirondacks, Sara thinks it will be the perfect opportunity to talk to Lily... -
Styx & Stoned by Boone Brux
6 ratingsLas Vegas! All expenses paid! Normally, a trip like that would be a dream come true for a widowed, mother of three, who just happens to be grim reaper. Here’s the thing though, situations rarely work out as I imagine they should. And usually not in my favor. This time isn’t any different... -
The Dog at the Door by Raven Snow
6 ratingsRowen Greensmith and her new husband have finally done it. They’ve moved out of the Greensmith home and into a house of their own. It’s the house of Rowen’s dreams, a place she fell in love with the moment she laid eyes on it. Things are going great. Lainswich is getting ready for their annual marathon. Her aunts are opening a New Age store... -
The Harder the Fall by Lauren Barnholdt
6 ratingsKendall has a crush - and the ghost of his mother has something to say about it. The second book in a hilariously haunting tween series.Kendall Williams talks to dead people all the time. Like it or not, it's kind of her thing - the ghosts need her help resolving issues from when they were alive, and she's good at figuring out their problems... -
The Visitors by Greg Howard
6 ratingsFrom the author of The Whispers comes a heartrending tale of friendship, hard-won truths, and the healing power of forgiveness. When a twelve-year-old boy dies mysteriously at the deserted Hollow Pines Plantation, he finds himself “stuck” with no idea how long he’s been there or how to move on. Things never change much for the lost souls at Hollow Pines and time is strange when you’re dead... -
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A Most Unusual Case by Heather Graham
8 ratingsIt’s a first Labor Day for Angela Hawkins and Jackson Crow with their infant daughter and adopted son. They’re going to take the day and have a picnic with the children while other Krewe members man the office.But the plan goes awry when the grandson of one of Adam’s dearest friends is arrested for committing murder... -
The Show Must Go On! by P.J. Night
8 ratingsBecca Hart has secretly wanted to act on stage for as long as she could remember—it's all she ever thinks about. Determined to make her dream come true Becca tries out for this year's school play, The Last Sleepover, and gets the starring role! After a few creepy incidents on set and persistent nightmares at home, Becca quickly learns that this is no ordinary school play... -
The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly by Rebecca Ansari
10 ratingsCharlie O’Reilly is an only child. Which is why it makes everyone uncomfortable when he talks about his brother. Liam, his eight-year-old kid brother, who, up until a year ago, slept in the bunk above Charlie, took pride in being as annoying as possible, and was the only person who could make Charlie laugh until it hurt.Then came the morning when the bunk, and Liam, disappeared forever...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts grief low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure -
Hollywood, Dead Ahead by Kate Klise
10 ratingsIn this fifth volume from 43 Old Cemetery Road, the trio at Spence Mansion leaves Ghastly for Hollywood, California . . . and for a shot at stardom! The film producer Moe Block Busters wants to make the 43 Old Cemetery Road story into a movie—and he promises it will be a sure-fire hit! Lured by the lights of Tinseltown, Ignatius B. Grumply, Olive C. Spence, and Seymour Hope pack their suitcases... -
The Ghost of Midnight Lake by Lucy Strange
10 ratingsFrom award winning author Lucy Strange comes a thrilling ghost story about a strong willed heroine who will follow even the most restless spirit in order to untangles the dark mystery of her own past.It's 1899. The Earl of Gosswater has died, and twelve-year-old Agatha has been cast out of her ancestral home - the only home she has ever known - by her cruel cousin, Clarence... -
Recess Is a Jungle! by Jack Chabert
10 ratingsSam, Antonio, and Lucy get trapped in a monstrous hedge maze! Will they ever find their way out?This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
Charleston Green by Stephanie Alexander
10 ratingsIf Tipsy Collins learned one thing from her divorce, it's that everyone in Charleston is a little crazy--even if they're already dead.Tipsy, a gifted artist, cannot ignore her nutty friends or her vindictive ex-husband, but as a lifelong reluctant clairvoyant, she's always avoided dead people... -
Truth or Dare . . . by P.J. Night
12 ratingsDuring a round of Truth or Dare, Abby Miller confesses her crush on Jake Chilson. The only people who know her secret are her friends at the sleepover--and whoever sent her a text message in the middle of the night warning her to stay away from Jake...or else! But Abby isn't going to stay away from Jake, especially not after he asks her to the school dance... -
The Time of the Fireflies by Kimberley Griffiths Little
12 ratingsCritically acclaimed author Kimberley Griffiths Little spins a thrilling story of one girl's race to unravel the curse that has haunted her family for generations. When Larissa Renaud starts receiving eerie phone calls on a disconnected old phone in her family's antique shop, she knows she's in for a strange summer...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal action-adventure book -
The Girl Who Could Not Dream by Sarah Beth Durst
14 ratingsSophie loves the hidden shop below her parents' bookstore, where dreams are secretly bought and sold. When the dream shop is robbed and her parents go missing, Sophie must unravel the truth to save them. Together with her best friend—a wisecracking and fanatically loyal monster named Monster—she must decide whom to trust with her family’s carefully guarded secrets...Categorized as:
children friendship low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal action-adventure animals audiobook -
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Now You See Me ... by Jane B. Mason
14 ratingsThis book has bite . . . When Lena and her best friend Abby find an old Polaroid camera, they never suspect that a creepy ghost story is about to develop!Best friends Lena and Abby love searching through thrift stores for lost treasures. When they find an old Polaroid camera, they can't wait to try it out... -
Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
14 ratingsA haunting ghost story about navigating grief, growing up, and growing into a new gender identityIt's the summer before middle school and eleven-year-old Bug's best friend Moira has decided the two of them need to use the next few months to prepare... -
Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford, Jaime Zollars
16 ratingsWelcome back to the irresistible world of Greenglass House where thirteen-year-old Milo is, once again, spending the winter holidays stuck in a house full of strange guests who are not what they seem. There are fresh clues to uncover as friends old and new join in his search for a mysterious map and a famous smuggler’s lost haul...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage, Lauren Fortgang
18 ratingsThe eagerly anticipated followup to the Newbery honor winner and New York Times bestseller, Three Times LuckySmall towns have rules. One is, you got to stay who you are -- no matter how many murders you solve.When Miss Lana makes an Accidental Bid at the Tupelo auction and winds up the mortified owner of an old inn, she doesn't realize there's a ghost in the fine print...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn
20 ratingsDiana and her little brother Georgie have been living in the woods behind the old Willis place, a decaying Victorian mansion, for what already seems like forever. They aren’t allowed to leave the property or show themselves to anyone... -
Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab
26 ratingsTrouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass's parents are filming their TV show about the world's most haunted cities. Sure, it's fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there's true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
The Spirit of Cattail County by Victoria Piontek
6 ratings‘Wrapped in prose as mysterious and lovely as a southern breeze lies a story about loss that haunts, and the ghosts that help us heal. This story is a treasure.’?Natalie Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of A Snicker of MagicSparrow doesn't have many friends. Some kids believe her house near the swamp is haunted. Others think there's something "unusual" about her... -
Ghosts Don't Ride Bikes, Do They? by Andrés Miedoso
6 ratingsDesmond and Andres are in for a bike-riding adventure in the second book of the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol chapter book series!Welcome to Kersville, a town with a spooky history and a collection of ghosts and spirits who are major mischief-makers. Most kids spend their days without ever seeing or dealing with a ghost, but some kids get stuck with a haunt... -
Just South of Home by Karen Strong
6 ratingsCousins Sarah and Janie unearth a tragic event in their small Southern town’s history in this witty middle grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Stella by Starlight, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, and As Brave as You.Twelve-year-old Sarah is finally in charge...Categorized as:
children family friendship ghosts low-fantasy magical-realism paranormal action-adventure -
Ghost Huntress: The Journey by Marley Gibson
6 ratingsTeen psychic Kendall Moorehead is about to embark on the most dangerous and shocking ghost hunt of her life. After all, it isn't every day that the ghost of Princess Diana steps in as a personal spirit guide. But Shy Di isn't the only surprise awaiting Kendall and her team of teen paranormal superstars as they begin a whirlwind tour of Europe with renowned TV medium Oliver Bates... -
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The Ghost Backstage by Dori Hillestad Butler
6 ratingsKaz and Claire’s new detective agency is a success! Their latest case, though, is proving to be the hardest yet. When Claire’s classmate says he saw a ghost backstage while rehearsing the school play, Kaz goes to school with Claire to investigate... -
Together Forever by P.J. Night
6 ratingsA summer camp dream romance turns into a nightmare in this frighteningly fun addition to Spotlight's popular horror series.All the girls in Bunk 9 at Camp Minnehaha wake up one morning having had the same terrible nightmare about a sinister boy in an abandoned cabin in the woods. All the girls, that is, except goody-goody Samantha Harmon... -
Almost There and Almost Not by Linda Urban
6 ratingsThe story of a girl and her ghosts—and the welcoming home they find where they least expect it.California Poppy has been dropped off, yet again, with an unsuspecting relative. This time it’s her eccentric Great-Aunt Monica, a woman she’s never even met... -
Ghost in the Attic by Dori Hillestad Butler
6 ratingsA brand-new young chapter book series from Edgar Award winner Dori Hillestad Butler! After successfully solving the mystery of the ghost in the library, Kaz and Claire land the first case for their detective agency--a haunted attic in a neighbor's home! With a little help from Grannie, Kaz and Claire discover that what appeared to be something spooky has a much simpler explanation...Categorized as:
children friendship ghosts paranormal action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
The Ghost at the Fire Station by Dori Hillestad Butler, Aurore Damant
6 ratingsWith a lot of searching and a lot of luck, Kaz has found his dog Cosmo, his little brother Little John, his grandmom, and his grandpops... -
Fantastic Tales: Visionary and Everyday by Italo Calvino
8 ratingsCompiled by Italo Calvino, one of the essential writers of the twentieth century (and editor of the best-selling Italian Folktales), Fantastic Tales is a rich and wide-ranging collection of twenty-six classic, uncanny tales from the nineteenth century written by an intriguing panoply of European and American authors...
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