The Strangers: The Books of Elsewhere, Vol. 4
The fourth title in the popular Books of Elsewhere series starts on Halloween. The treat might be the new neighbors, who have been sent to protect Olive and the strange house she lives in. Or are they the trick? As the series becomes more involved, it’s less likely new readers can just pick up the stories’ threads without reading the previous books. But the series’ many fans will be happy to revisit Olive and friends (including three memorable talking cats) and return to Elsewhere, the mysterious place within the house’s paintings. They’ll even be glad to see the frightening Annabelle McMartin, whose reappearance leads to a stunning conclusion. And they’ll certainly look forward to more Elsewhere. Grades 4-6. --Ilene Cooper