The Haunting by Kristin Fulton: #RWYK Certified Great Read–Book Review
Congratulations to Kristin Fulton!
The Haunting is our latest Certified Great Read!
LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THE BOOK BLURB
Chance Jameson, an almost-thirteen-year-old orphan, discovers he is a natural-born leader when Oak Hill Orphanage is faced with a terrible crisis. Miss May, the much-loved orphanage director, dies in a freak accident, leaving the orphanage in the hands of the greedy, ruthless Whipley twins whose goal is to use the orphans as a slave labor force. Much to his surprise, Chance finds that he can see and communicate with the ghost of Miss May. Through teamwork, they devise a daring scheme to free Oak Hill from the clutches of the wicked twins. With clever trickery, a few supernatural forces, and the help of all the orphans, they stage a fabulous haunting. The outcome is thrilling, and the victorious orphans reclaim Oak Hill, the best orphanage in the world.
About the author
Kristin Fulton has written and published three middle grade chapter books, Snake Food, The Haunting and Henry Bingle’s Transformation, a picture book titled Is THAT a Hat? and a novel, Sisters of the Soul, an epic saga of friendship and redemption. A Dangerously Close Encounter, the second book in the Hazelsmith Family Adventure Series, is nearing publication. Audio book versions of Snake Food and The Haunting were narrated by the author and are available at Audible.com. The author is writing a second novel for adult readers and is polishing Christmas in July, a two act play with music. Fulton lives in Northern California near Yosemite National Park.
Connect with Kristin on her website: www.kristinfulton.com
Book Review: The Haunting by Kristin A. Fulton
Kristin A. Fulton’s The Haunting is an engaging, heartwarming, and often hilarious chapter book that captures the imagination with its ghostly charm, lovable characters, and spirited storytelling. Written for middle-grade readers, the novel artfully blends mystery, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural into a story about courage, loyalty, and fighting for what’s right.
The story is told from the witty and observant point of view of Chance Jameson, a twelve-year-old orphan raised at Oak Hill Orphanage. Life at Oak Hill is idyllic under the loving guidance of Miss Elizabeth May—until her sudden death and the arrival of the sinister Whipley twins threaten to turn everything upside down. What follows is a delightfully plotted “ghost caper” in which Miss May returns as a ghost, and together with Chance, uncovers the greedy plans of the Whipleys who aim to exploit the orphanage and its children for their personal gain.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its voice. Chance’s narration is full of humor, heart, and clever turns of phrase that will resonate with readers of all ages. His quick wit, curiosity, and fierce loyalty make him an instantly likable protagonist, and his friendship with fellow orphan Sarah adds warmth and depth to the story. The book balances its humorous tone with real emotional stakes, especially in the wake of Miss May’s death, making it both heartfelt and adventurous.
The ghostly element is handled in a fun and accessible way. Miss May’s presence is more comforting than creepy, and her return as a ghost opens the door to secret passageways, hidden ledgers, and clandestine meetings that move the story forward at an energetic pace. Fulton has a gift for pacing—each chapter ends with a hook that urges readers to turn the page.
Molly Hart’s whimsical illustrations complement the tone beautifully. They are sure to enhance the reader’s visual connection to the characters and setting.
The villains, Ida and Stanford Whipley, are delightfully despicable in a Roald Dahl-esque fashion. Their over-the-top greed and cruelty make them satisfying foils to Chance and Miss May, and their sinister plans—such as reducing education to one hour a day and turning the children into cheap labor—are appropriately outrageous for a children’s book, inviting readers to cheer for their downfall.
Fulton also enriches the story with historical context, including references to the Underground Railroad and Prohibition-era secrets hidden within the mansion’s walls. These details add depth and a sense of timelessness to the orphanage, making it a character in its own right.
Behind the entertaining plot is a deeper message about justice, resilience, and the importance of standing up for others. Chance’s transformation from a curious kid to a courageous leader is inspiring, and his loyalty to Miss May and the other orphans drives the emotional core of the story.
Final Verdict:
The Haunting is a delightful, witty, and imaginative middle-grade adventure with a good dose of heart. Kristin A. Fulton’s storytelling shines with warmth and purpose, making this ghost story a comforting, empowering read that champions kindness, community, and courage. Highly recommended for readers ages 8–12—and anyone who believes in standing up for what’s right, ghost or not.
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