Something Queer at the Haunted School

Something Queer #5

by Elizabeth Levy, Mordicai Gerstein (Illustrator)

Two amateur detectives investigate a haunting of their school that starts around Halloween.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Halloween, Picture Books, 2nd Grade, Fiction

48 pages, Library Binding

First published June 1, 1982

About the author

Elizabeth Levy has been writing and publishing books for over thirty years and sometimes now she meets kids whose parents read her books when they were children! She has written over 80 books, a number that continues to surprise her, as it surprises her how long she's been at it.

Over the years they've printed lots of her books - over five million of them.

She loves to try writing different types of books - everything from funny mysteries to novels about kids who get in trouble to history.

One of the most pleasant surprises about writing is that she's been invited to travel all over the country and even the world speaking to children, teachers, and librarians. She's made some wonderful friendships and gotten lots of ideas for her books. One of the most special treats is that kids have drawn wonderful pictures of one of her favorite characters, Fletcher.

She grew up in Buffalo, New York, then went to Brown University, where she majored in history. When she graduated, she came to New York City and worked for ABC-TV and then for Senator Robert Kennedy. She has lived in New York ever since, and she loves it. She knows all the best places for salami, she has run four marathons, and she has completed many 5-borough bike tours, so she thinks she really knows this place well.

At certain times of the year, she can be found out at Shea Stadium watching her team, the New York Mets. She has always loved baseball.

Mostly she enjoys hanging out with her friends. They spend lots of time going to movies or plays, playing sports, having meals together.

When she's alone and not writing, she is usually reading. She reads mysteries a lot, always has, which is probably why many of her books are mysteries.

Reviews

[Cameron Chaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute Halloween-themed mystery that can be read in 10 or 15 minutes. Nothing amazing, but children's books from the '80s and '90s are always very wholesome and warm. Liked it!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a big favorite as a child. I loved it so much I repurchased it as an adult.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband read this as a kid and it stayed with him so the kids got to experience this book. Despite the name, this book is quite enjoyable. A wholesome mystery and great drawings almost comic book style.
The kids keep requesting it! Maybe we should try more in the series…

[Nebulosus · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite childhood books

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jill and Gwen investigate spooky noises at their school and dress as vampires for Halloween. Fletcher, the basset hound vampire, is adorable as he always is.

[Jethro99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the title!
Gutsy for a children’s book!
Definitely worth the quick read of the child and the child at heart :) especially during spooky season!

[Amanda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and quick Halloween mystery. This is an illustrated picture book - perfect for spooky season.

[J9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book my 6 yr old loved, a little old for my preschoolers. A solid reading level 3 book, this reader has a good amount of advanced vocabulary words, but not so long that it discourages a new reader. Used it for his read out loud book, which was perfect. It took about 15 mins for him to read and had just enough new vocabulary words to make it challenging. Also, it was a fun and interesting story he could get into. He liked it so much, he asked for more by this author. Great reading book!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites in the series so far, mostly because of Gwen's insistance of finding a rational explanation for the 'hautings.' While everyone around her is getting freaked out, she refuses to give in to superstition. Once again, Gerstein's illustrations make everything even better. I especially enjoyed his diagrams of Flethcher's possible Halloween costumes.

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these books as a child. A mystery with a basset hound! They are jsut as cute today. The illustrations are great.

[Darlene Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I brought this book home to check out for my reading group at the personal care home -- found it too long for them to be able to keep interest in. Good story for Hallowe'en for middle age kids - -

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations in this as a kid.

[Tim Chizmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that as a kid

[Brenna Skirata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read this book since I was a child. I loved it then and I would really enjoy a re-read now.

[Kentaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was funny and mysterious.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with this series, and I still love it! Every so often I'll come across a volume I don't remember, and have to read or reread it to make sure.