Blue and Herschell are great mates, even if they are very different. Herschell is confident and crazy for a console game called Quillhog. Blue is quiet and organised as his mum works long hours to look after them both.

Now in the sixth grade together (year 6 NZ), they hang out at school trying to avoid the kids that hassle them every day. According to Bob, Chad and Paloma, Blue is ripe for teasing in his thrift shop clothes, and Herschell is a confirmed nerd.

One day, their bullying ends up in a challenge. Find the long, lost treasure under the school – and buy some NEW clothes. Blue is keen to take them up on it. He doesn’t resent his life, but wishes his mum didn’t have to work so hard. Maybe there’s something in this treasure story?

Meanwhile, someone else is looking for it too. Madison has a personal link to this treasure and has worked hard to get access to the school after dark, as a janitor.

Madison, Blue & Herschell soon find much more than they bargained for, along with the bullies who have come along to watch.

They all learn that many before them have searched for it, or ventured where they shouldn’t on school grounds. Over many years there have been many ‘accidents’, never fully investigated.

Soon, all they all want to do is forget the treasure and leave the school alive!

This bright middle-grade novel is a fun but spooky read. There are many more ghosts than first experienced in this story, and they all have engaging back stories. Characters Blue & Herschell are opposites, bringing a fun vibe, and their courage – first against their bullies, and then against something evil and scary – is inspiring to read.

Greed has been many people’s downfall through the years but Blue believes his mum’s words that richness isn’t just about money. His quick thinking puts a twist on the tale, and ultimately brings him what they were seeking.

Bullying, Haves and have nots, and Courage are three key themes in this spooky, but fun graphic novel.

Author – Matthew Erman

Illustrator – Shelby Criswell

Age – 8+

Graphic Novel

(2024, Simon & Schuster Aust, Graphic Novel, Friendship, Ghosts, Spooky, Creepy, Evil, Hidden Treasure, Bullies, Bullying, Greed, Accidents, School, Humour, Funny, Poverty, Courage, Basement)