The Recommended Reading Order for Ghost Buddy
Because the series builds on the developing friendship and ongoing growth of both Billy Broccoli and his ghostly companion Hoover Porterhouse III, it is highly recommended that you read the Ghost Buddy books in order of their publication. The character dynamics, school situations, and ghostly "rules of life" carry over from one book to the next.
Ghost Buddy Books in Order
Here is the complete sequence of the Ghost Buddy series in both publication and chronological order:
- Zero to Hero (2012): Introduces Billy Broccoli, a shy boy adjusting to a new blended family and a new middle school. Things take a bizarre turn when he finds the ghost of teenage boy Hoover Porterhouse III living in his bedroom. Hoover, who is obsessed with being "cool," decides to help Billy tackle the school bully, Rod Brownstone.
- Mind If I Read Your Mind? (2012): Billy prepares for his school's "Speak Out Challenge." He plans to win by using Hoover's mind-reading abilities, but the plan goes awry when Billy starts spending more time with his human classmates, triggering Hoover's jealousy and threatening their supernatural partnership.
- How to Scare the Pants Off Your Pets (2013): The Higher-Ups in the ghost world ground Hoover for failing his "Responsibility" class. To prove he can be responsible, Billy helps Hoover care for a pet. However, the ghost's scary presence makes this a difficult task as he frightens off dogs, birds, and fish.
- Always Dance with a Hairy Buffalo! (2013): During a sleepover at a local museum, the tables turn. The cool and collected Hoover is completely starstruck and tongue-tied when they meet the ghost of a Chumash Indian princess. Billy has to step up and teach the Hoove how to make friends.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
There are no complicated timelines, prequels, or spin-off short stories to navigate in the Ghost Buddy universe. The order in which the books were published (2012–2013) is identical to their chronological timeline. Starting with Zero to Hero is essential to understand how Billy and Hoover meet, establish their friendship, and lay down the ground rules of their unique living situation.
What to Know Before You Start
Co-authored by actor Henry Winkler (best known for playing the ultra-cool Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli on the classic television show Happy Days) and children's literature veteran Lin Oliver, Ghost Buddy draws directly on Winkler's iconic character. Hoover "The Hoove" Porterhouse III is effectively a ghostly version of The Fonz, bringing swagger, confidence, and catchphrases (like "The Hoove doesn't vacuum!") to Billy's otherwise stressful middle school life.
The series is specifically designed to engage middle-grade readers, particularly those who might be reluctant to pick up longer books. Its fast-paced chapters, large print format, and frequent humor make it an excellent choice for children aged 7 to 12. Beneath the laughs and ghostly antics, the books touch on real struggles including bullying, step-family dynamics, jealousy, and self-confidence.
What to Read Next: Author Connections
If your young reader enjoys the humorous tone and relatable school scenarios of Ghost Buddy, they should explore the authors' other collaborative works. Winkler and Oliver also wrote the popular Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Underachiever series, which follows a boy navigating school with dyslexia (inspired by Winkler's own childhood struggles). For slightly younger readers, they also co-authored the prequel series Here's Hank.