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Scritch Scratch

by Lindsay Currie

Subject
Mysteries & Detective Stories
Age
9-12 years
Format
Hardcover
Pages
288
Publisher
Sourcebooks Young Readers
Size
13.7 cm × 21.1 cm
ISBN
9781728209722

For fans of Small Spaces and the Goosebumps series by R.L Stine comes a chilling ghost story based on real Chicago history about a malevolent spirit, an unlucky girl, and a haunting mystery that will tie the two together.

Claire has absolutely no interest in the paranormal. She's a scientist, which is why she can't think of anything worse than having to help out her dad on one of his ghost-themed Chicago bus tours. She thinks she's made it through when she sees a boy with a sad face and dark eyes at the back of the bus. There's something off about his presence, especially because when she checks at the end of the tour…he's gone.

Claire tries to brush it off, she must be imagining things, letting her dad's ghost stories get the best of her. But then the scratching starts. Voices whisper to her in the dark. The number 396 appears everywhere she turns. And the boy with the dark eyes starts following her.

Claire is being haunted. The boy from the bus wants something...and Claire needs to find out what before it's too late.

Pick up Scritch Scratch if you are looking for:

A book for middle school students, 5th grade to 9th gradeA story with a strong female protagonist that explores bravery, friendship, and familyMystery books for kids 9-12Chilling ghost stories and ghost books for kids (perfect for Halloween!)Historical mysteries and Chicago history books for kids

Data provided by BiblioShare.

$24.99In stock at our supplier — delivered within 5–9 days.

What reviewers said

"[Offers] a ghost-hunterly blend of reality and chills that should appeal to many readers with creepy interests, and this dive into spooky Chicago history will keep them scarily happy until they’re ready for Selzer’s Just Kill Me."
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A spooky mystery with a sweet heart. Readers will be gripped by Currie's storytelling, and encouraged and excited to look into the history of their own cities and towns."
Jarrett Lerner, author of the EngiNerds series
"This is a teeth-chattering, eyes bulging, shuddering-and-shaking, chills-at-the-back-of-your-neck ghost story. I loved it!"
R.L. Stine, author of the Goosebumps series
"A spine-tingling blend of hauntings and history."
Publishers Weekly
"The historical details are fascinating...Mary Downing Hahn fans will enjoy this just-right blend of history and spooky."
Kirkus Reviews
"Scritch Scratch brims with eerie thrills and nail-biting chills that are sure to keep readers turning pages. Don't dare read this at night!"
Kate Hannigan, author of Cape, book one in The League of Secret Heroes series
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.