Overall: C+

"Ghost Girl" is a spooky middle school novel that could've benefited from more finesse. Zee, an eleven year old girl with a knack for storytelling, discovers that she can talk to ghosts. This coincides with a sinister new principal taking over the school.

The writing style seems engaging for middle schoolers but the paranormal elements are underdeveloped. It felt like more could have been done exploring Zee's ability. 

Zee is a headstrong, compelling lead while her best friend Elijah provides a sympathetic static foil to her. Principal Scratch is a hammy villain that goes into chewing the scenery territory at various points. 

There were few plot contrivances, plot holes and unnecessary elements. It felt a bit rushed and repetitive at points. My biggest gripe is with Nellie's character arc. Nellie's process of going from bully to buddy was jarring and unearned. This little girl said the most heinous crap to Zee. It's the type of heinous stuff that adults get punched in the face for while onlookers just nod in agreement and ask to get a few licks in themselves.

To top it off, there seems to be a budding romance between Elijah and Nellie. Firstly, there is so much going on in the book that this element isn't needed. Secondly, I don't know a person who would date their best friend's bully. This whole idea is just out of place story-wise.

I really liked the initial ideas in this book. With better execution and better character development, it could have been expanded into an amazing series like "Small Spaces." As it stands, it seems destined to be a standalone novel which may be for the best.