Night Gardener

"Stay away from the Sourwoods." 

"Go back."

"That place is not for you."

These phrases follow Molly and Kip as they travel to their new employer and hopefully their new home in a land not their own. Molly knows this is her last and only chance to get her brother to a place where he can heal and where they can restart their lives. But arriving at Windsor Manor is just the beginning for the two orphans from Ireland. Although the day offers no more than hard work and slightly strange behavior from the Windsors, nighttime is a completely different story. Nightmares, strange footprints, and leaves in the hallway offer a mystery that Molly and Kip can't turn away, not to mention the small green door at the top of the house that stays locked. Who roams the house at night? What is behind that door? And why are the Windsors changing into pale ghostly versions of themselves? When Kip sees his sister slowly changing as well, he decides that something must be done. Can Molly and Kip unravel the sinister mystery of Windsor Manor and the Sourwoods before it is too late?

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier is perfect for those looking for a strange and spooky tale that brings delightful chills without causing nightmares.

Recommended for grades 4 and up