Step into the spooky yet charming world of the Haunted Library series, where a ghost boy and a clever girl team up to solve mysteries in a cozy library setting! Written by Edgar Award winner Dori Hillestad Butler, this children’s mystery series blends gentle paranormal thrills with heartwarming friendship, captivating young readers with its unique take on ghostly adventures.
Perfect for kids aged 6–9, the Haunted Library books follow Kaz, a young ghost separated from his family, and Claire, a girl who can see ghosts, as they unravel spectral secrets. With its light tone and accessible storytelling, this series is a delightful entry point for reluctant readers craving a not-too-scary mystery.
How Haunted Library Began
Dori Hillestad Butler, a prolific children’s author with over 40 books, drew inspiration for the Haunted Library series from her love of mysteries and her time working as a library page. Launched in 2014, the series was designed to engage early readers with humor, supernatural elements, and bite-sized mysteries. Butler’s knack for crafting relatable characters and her Edgar Award-winning expertise shine through, making the series a standout in children’s literature.
The Heart of Haunted Library
The series kicks off with The Haunted Library (2014), where Kaz, blown away from his ghostly family by a gust of wind, lands in a small-town library. There, he meets Claire, who lives above the library and has the rare ability to see ghosts. Together, they investigate a mysterious spirit haunting the stacks, hoping it’s one of Kaz’s lost relatives. In The Ghost in the Attic (2014), their detective agency tackles a haunted attic case, uncovering a surprisingly simple explanation. The Ghost Backstage (2014) takes the duo to Claire’s school, where Kaz suspects his missing mom is behind eerie backstage happenings. The series wraps with The Underground Ghosts (2017), a Halloween special set in Seattle’s spooky subterranean passages.
The Haunted Library series thrives on themes of friendship, resilience, and curiosity. The library setting, brimming with books and secrets, feels like a character itself, inviting young readers to explore. Butler’s mysteries are gentle yet engaging, with Kaz’s ghostly abilities—like shrinking or floating—adding a playful twist. The dynamic between Kaz, a naïve ghost learning about the human world, and Claire, a determined sleuth, creates a balance of humor and heart that resonates with kids.
Why Haunted Library Resonates
The Haunted Library series has carved a niche in children’s mystery fiction by offering a fresh spin on the ghost story genre. Its not-too-scary tone makes it ideal for young readers dipping their toes into supernatural tales, while its focus on teamwork and problem-solving imparts valuable lessons. The series’ appeal lies in its ability to blend spooky fun with relatable characters, earning praise from parents, educators, and kids alike. Butler’s accolades, including the 2011 Edgar Award for The Buddy Files, underscore her skill in crafting compelling mysteries that leave a lasting impression.
- Publication Years: 2014–2017
- Number of Books: 10
- Awards: Children’s Favorites Award (Children’s Book Council) 2015
- Illustrator: Aurore Damant
Join the Ghostly Adventure!
Grab The Haunted Library and dive into Dori Hillestad Butler’s enchanting world of ghostly mysteries! Whether you’re a young reader or sharing the story with one, Kaz and Claire’s adventures promise laughter, chills, and heartwarming moments that linger long after the final page.