Extra Normal

June 12, 2023
A tween who believes she is “nothing special” investigates strange occurrences on her street in this creepy supernatural thriller by Marshall (Glassheart). Though her adoptive siblings are a ghost, a boy with telekinesis, and a Deaf werewolf, 12-year-old Charlie Greer—the biological daughter of renowned paranormal investigators—exhibits no unique abilities of her own. As such, Charlie maintains household safety measures, an important job in a family comprising beings with volatile powers. Charlie is uneasy around the Weaver family, a smiley couple and their son who move to the neighborhood the same day her exhausted parents leave for vacation. Determined to uncover the Weavers’ secrets, she enlists her siblings and the family’s pseudo-pet, a possessed doll that resembles a housecat. But when no one shares her distrust of the newcomers, Charlie begins to suspect that mind-control may be at play and engages in increasingly risky espionage. Touching sibling dynamics add warmth to this keenly plotted nail-biter, which boasts appropriately atmospheric prose and thrills and chills that draw on classic horror movie elements. Charlie cues as white; supporting characters are described as having varied skin tones. Ages 8–12. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Folio Literary Management.

Starred review from July 1, 2023
While saving her family from monsters, a very normal girl discovers what makes her special. Twelve-year-old Charlie Greer is part of a unique family--her parents are paranormal investigators, and only she and her father are "normal." As the ordinary one, Charlie has taken on the responsibility of caring for her adoptive younger siblings: Matty, a Deaf werewolf; Gideon, a genetically engineered telekinetic; and Opal, a nervous young ghost. She even cares for her parents, refusing to call them back from their desperately needed vacation even when a family of mind-controlling monsters moves in across the street. Marshall successfully combines an exciting, gently spooky adventure with some important messages. Charlie must learn two seemingly contradictory lessons: that she is, in fact, special, even if not magically, and that she does not need to carry the weight of the whole world on her young shoulders. Charlie reads white and is hearing; Matty's mom was from Brazil, Gideon has black hair and brown skin, and Opal is white. The racially diverse background characters include a married gay couple. Despite being a creepy supernatural tale, the overall tone of the book is incredibly positive: There is never a moment of doubt about the love within Charlie's family. The well-constructed plot leaves just enough unanswered questions to make readers hope for a sequel. Simply a great read. (Supernatural. 10-13)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.