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The Ghost in Cabin 13: A Graphic Novel
Beware of Cabin 13! When a devious ghost possesses Leah’s doll, she must face her biggest fear—befriending the teen girls in her cabin to save the other campers from an evil spirit.
“Growing up and figuring out who your people are is challenging enough, but imagine if you also have to fight off your favorite doll! The ghost of Cabin 13 will leave you spooked and delighted!"—Sophie Escabasse, bestselling author of Witches of Brooklyn
Twelve-year-old Leah is nervous to attend sleepaway camp for the first time. She’s worried about meeting new friends, living out in the woods, and being away from her family—the totally normal, non-supernatural scary stuff that all new campers think about.
But Leah didn’t expect to also have to fear the ghost in Cabin 13. It’s a good thing she brought Beverly, her beloved doll, for comfort...
Between getting picked on by the older mean girls in her cabin, participating in a séance gone terribly wrong, and befriending (then unfriending) a possessed doll, Leah’s summer at Camp Cottontail goes from boring to straight-up spooky!
“Growing up and figuring out who your people are is challenging enough, but imagine if you also have to fight off your favorite doll! The ghost of Cabin 13 will leave you spooked and delighted!"—Sophie Escabasse, bestselling author of Witches of Brooklyn
Twelve-year-old Leah is nervous to attend sleepaway camp for the first time. She’s worried about meeting new friends, living out in the woods, and being away from her family—the totally normal, non-supernatural scary stuff that all new campers think about.
But Leah didn’t expect to also have to fear the ghost in Cabin 13. It’s a good thing she brought Beverly, her beloved doll, for comfort...
Between getting picked on by the older mean girls in her cabin, participating in a séance gone terribly wrong, and befriending (then unfriending) a possessed doll, Leah’s summer at Camp Cottontail goes from boring to straight-up spooky!
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2026
About the author
J.C. Phillipps
9 books28 followersJulie (J. C.) Phillipps is a born and raised Ohio girl who lives in New England. If you have a very good ear, you can still catch a little Midwestern accent. Although she has learned to say "soda" instead of "pop" and "sneakers" instead of "tennis shoes," she still thinks of the tiny candy on top of cupcakes as "sprinkles." "Jimmies" is just weird.
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed was Julie's first picture book, released March 2009. Since then she has written and illustrated three more picture books: Wink the Ninja Who Wanted to Nap, Monkey Ono, and The Simples Love a Picnic.
Julie jumped genres and is now working on making graphic novels. Her first middle grade graphic novel, Pacey Packer Unicorn Tracker, comes out August 2020 with Random House Graphics.
To learn more, visit her webpage: www.jcphillipps.com or follow her on Instagram @JCPhillipps.
J.C. Phillipps's books on Goodreads
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed was Julie's first picture book, released March 2009. Since then she has written and illustrated three more picture books: Wink the Ninja Who Wanted to Nap, Monkey Ono, and The Simples Love a Picnic.
Julie jumped genres and is now working on making graphic novels. Her first middle grade graphic novel, Pacey Packer Unicorn Tracker, comes out August 2020 with Random House Graphics.
To learn more, visit her webpage: www.jcphillipps.com or follow her on Instagram @JCPhillipps.
J.C. Phillipps's books on Goodreads
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Leah's parents are sending her to camp for "forced socialization". She's twelve and a half, and still carries her doll, Beverly, everywhere with her. While her father is in no rush for her to grow up, her mother is keenly aware that Leah has been excluded from activities with her friends who are becoming more mature, and has arranged for her to be in a cabin with girls 13-15 in the hope that she will leave her childish ways behind. Camp Cottontail is a traditional outdoor summer camp with cabins and activities like hiking and archery, and also has great camp mythology. The number one rule of the camp is to avoid Cabin 13, which was built over the grave of woman who now haunts the building. Of course, the first thing the campers want to do is to have a seance there with a Ouija board. It's scary and fun, but the next day, Leah chases a bunny into the forest that leads her to the cabin. There, the ghost talks to her, and gets Leah to give her permission to enter the doll so that she can play with Leah. The two spend the day together until Leah's counselor, Connie, finds her and says they've been looking for her the whole day. Beverly does not like being mistreated, so when the older girls in the cabin give her a swirly in the toilet, the doll retaliates by burning everyone's possessions. Leah is blamed, but two of her cabin mates, Taylor and Adrian, are nice to her. The doll's evil behavior increases, and the girls start to realize that the ghost is trying to find a younger camper whose body she can inhabit. Finally believing Leah's tales, the girls try to neutralize the doll by burying her, which is not effective. Eventually, they tear down the cabin, which gets them in trouble. Leah returns home without her doll, which makes her parents happy, but is that really the end of the story?
Strengths: Middle school has all levels of maturity, and when you stretch the age range up to 15, it's even more apparent. Leah's behavior does seem very young for being almost 13, even though I completely understand her dislike of "forced socialization"! Summer camp is a very singular experience, and unusual closeness with other girls she doesn't know is stressful for Leah. I was so glad that Taylor and Adrian were nice to her, even though some of the girls were mean. I loved the illustrations of Beverly; she starts out as a cute, traditional doll and as she sees more wear and tear, the expressions of evil on her face are fascinating. Traditional ghost/spirit practices are in place, so the ghost can only enter the doll after Leah invites her to; when I have staff gatherings at my house, I always worry that maybe one of my fellow teachers is a vampire, and I've just invited everyone into my home! (Okay, maybe I read too much middle grade horror.) It's also good to see that the entire cabin eventually works together to send the spirit on her way. The illustrations are appealing, and a little different from the brightly colored ones we usually see, which makes sense with a horror graphic novel.
Weaknesses: The ending seemed a bit weak. The doll was really ramping up the evil, so tearing down the cabin and having camp be over was rather anticlimactic. Perhaps there will be a sequel? I was a little surprised that Connie was not excited to be a counselor, but that is probably an accurate depiction of camp counselors in the 2020s.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like K.R. Alexander's creepy doll books like Speak For Me or The Collector, or Mott's Hush-a-Bye. There are not many horror graphic novels, so this definitely combines two very popular themes!
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Leah's parents are sending her to camp for "forced socialization". She's twelve and a half, and still carries her doll, Beverly, everywhere with her. While her father is in no rush for her to grow up, her mother is keenly aware that Leah has been excluded from activities with her friends who are becoming more mature, and has arranged for her to be in a cabin with girls 13-15 in the hope that she will leave her childish ways behind. Camp Cottontail is a traditional outdoor summer camp with cabins and activities like hiking and archery, and also has great camp mythology. The number one rule of the camp is to avoid Cabin 13, which was built over the grave of woman who now haunts the building. Of course, the first thing the campers want to do is to have a seance there with a Ouija board. It's scary and fun, but the next day, Leah chases a bunny into the forest that leads her to the cabin. There, the ghost talks to her, and gets Leah to give her permission to enter the doll so that she can play with Leah. The two spend the day together until Leah's counselor, Connie, finds her and says they've been looking for her the whole day. Beverly does not like being mistreated, so when the older girls in the cabin give her a swirly in the toilet, the doll retaliates by burning everyone's possessions. Leah is blamed, but two of her cabin mates, Taylor and Adrian, are nice to her. The doll's evil behavior increases, and the girls start to realize that the ghost is trying to find a younger camper whose body she can inhabit. Finally believing Leah's tales, the girls try to neutralize the doll by burying her, which is not effective. Eventually, they tear down the cabin, which gets them in trouble. Leah returns home without her doll, which makes her parents happy, but is that really the end of the story?
Strengths: Middle school has all levels of maturity, and when you stretch the age range up to 15, it's even more apparent. Leah's behavior does seem very young for being almost 13, even though I completely understand her dislike of "forced socialization"! Summer camp is a very singular experience, and unusual closeness with other girls she doesn't know is stressful for Leah. I was so glad that Taylor and Adrian were nice to her, even though some of the girls were mean. I loved the illustrations of Beverly; she starts out as a cute, traditional doll and as she sees more wear and tear, the expressions of evil on her face are fascinating. Traditional ghost/spirit practices are in place, so the ghost can only enter the doll after Leah invites her to; when I have staff gatherings at my house, I always worry that maybe one of my fellow teachers is a vampire, and I've just invited everyone into my home! (Okay, maybe I read too much middle grade horror.) It's also good to see that the entire cabin eventually works together to send the spirit on her way. The illustrations are appealing, and a little different from the brightly colored ones we usually see, which makes sense with a horror graphic novel.
Weaknesses: The ending seemed a bit weak. The doll was really ramping up the evil, so tearing down the cabin and having camp be over was rather anticlimactic. Perhaps there will be a sequel? I was a little surprised that Connie was not excited to be a counselor, but that is probably an accurate depiction of camp counselors in the 2020s.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like K.R. Alexander's creepy doll books like Speak For Me or The Collector, or Mott's Hush-a-Bye. There are not many horror graphic novels, so this definitely combines two very popular themes!
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Disclosure Statement: I received an ARC of this graphic novel from the publisher. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publisher.
I love graphic novels, and I especially think graphic novels are powerful tools for building young literacy. The Ghost in Cabin 13 is a perfect example of why. It's a story about feeling out of place, about needing friends and building relationships, and about how scary it really can be to be left out of a group. It has a ghost and a creepy doll, and it poses some heartfelt anxieties about the transition period of growing up.
It's also wonderfully illustrated by Phillipps, with big, expressive paneling and a lavish variety of colors and shades to fit the mood of the story. There are some great gags hidden in some panels, with a variety of illustrative angles and details panel to panel. It's a visual feast that reminds me in style of some of my favorite Saturday morning cartoons growing up, plus clear layouts that make action easy and intuitive to follow for early readers.
I can't recommend books like The Ghost in Cabin 13 enough. Graphic novels are a wonderful gateway to reading, but also a wonderful gateway to a much broader project in art and literacy, and The Ghost in Cabin 13 is both easily readable and easy to emulate for young readers eager to tell their own stories through pictorial media.
I love graphic novels, and I especially think graphic novels are powerful tools for building young literacy. The Ghost in Cabin 13 is a perfect example of why. It's a story about feeling out of place, about needing friends and building relationships, and about how scary it really can be to be left out of a group. It has a ghost and a creepy doll, and it poses some heartfelt anxieties about the transition period of growing up.
It's also wonderfully illustrated by Phillipps, with big, expressive paneling and a lavish variety of colors and shades to fit the mood of the story. There are some great gags hidden in some panels, with a variety of illustrative angles and details panel to panel. It's a visual feast that reminds me in style of some of my favorite Saturday morning cartoons growing up, plus clear layouts that make action easy and intuitive to follow for early readers.
I can't recommend books like The Ghost in Cabin 13 enough. Graphic novels are a wonderful gateway to reading, but also a wonderful gateway to a much broader project in art and literacy, and The Ghost in Cabin 13 is both easily readable and easy to emulate for young readers eager to tell their own stories through pictorial media.
May 21, 2026
An outcast girl forced to go to summer camp, a ghost haunting an abandoned cabin, and a possessed doll running amok. The Ghost in Cabin 13 has all the ingredients for a spooky, fun read. When Leah’s parents send her off to camp, she arrives as a loner with no friends, happiest reading her books and spending time with her security doll, Beverly. The girls she’s assigned to bunk with don’t take to her, and she quickly becomes the target of their mean-spirited jokes, making her isolation even worse.
Things take a darker turn when a séance summons a ghost, and Leah, desperate for connection, befriends it. But the situation spirals when the ghost takes over Beverly, turning the doll into something far more dangerous. As chaos erupts around camp, Leah has to try to convince the other campers that the threat is real. Will anyone believe her, can the camp survive the escalating disaster (and the inevitable lawsuit), and will Leah finally grow and find real friends?
While The Ghost in Cabin 13 is a fun, fast-paced read with a great premise, it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. The characters, especially the supporting cast, feel somewhat one-dimensional, and Leah’s personal growth seems rushed rather than fully developed. The scares are entertaining but fairly predictable, lacking the intensity or originality that could have made the story stand out more. Still, it’s an enjoyable, quick graphic novel that’s perfect for getting into a light, spooky summer mood.
Things take a darker turn when a séance summons a ghost, and Leah, desperate for connection, befriends it. But the situation spirals when the ghost takes over Beverly, turning the doll into something far more dangerous. As chaos erupts around camp, Leah has to try to convince the other campers that the threat is real. Will anyone believe her, can the camp survive the escalating disaster (and the inevitable lawsuit), and will Leah finally grow and find real friends?
While The Ghost in Cabin 13 is a fun, fast-paced read with a great premise, it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. The characters, especially the supporting cast, feel somewhat one-dimensional, and Leah’s personal growth seems rushed rather than fully developed. The scares are entertaining but fairly predictable, lacking the intensity or originality that could have made the story stand out more. Still, it’s an enjoyable, quick graphic novel that’s perfect for getting into a light, spooky summer mood.
May 14, 2026
What a FUN book!
The Ghost in Cabin 13 is a spooky summer camp story about a pre-teen girl, Leah, who is still attached to her doll. But a seance gone wrong in the forbidden Cabin 13 leads to a ghost possessing Leah's doll. At first, Leah thinks it's fun, but then the ghost begins to cause problems, making it harder for Leah to make friends with the girls in her cabin. Leah has to figure out how to put the ghost back, and she might need help from the older girls to do it.
I liked that the book was both funny and scary - but the lively illustrations are like a cartoon so it's not too scary. I also really liked that Leah had to figure out a way to solve her own problem, and was able to make friends with the other campers to work as a team in the end.
This is a great book for an 8-11 year old reader who loves graphic novels, spooky stories, or is heading off to summer camp. HIGHLY recommend.
The Ghost in Cabin 13 is a spooky summer camp story about a pre-teen girl, Leah, who is still attached to her doll. But a seance gone wrong in the forbidden Cabin 13 leads to a ghost possessing Leah's doll. At first, Leah thinks it's fun, but then the ghost begins to cause problems, making it harder for Leah to make friends with the girls in her cabin. Leah has to figure out how to put the ghost back, and she might need help from the older girls to do it.
I liked that the book was both funny and scary - but the lively illustrations are like a cartoon so it's not too scary. I also really liked that Leah had to figure out a way to solve her own problem, and was able to make friends with the other campers to work as a team in the end.
This is a great book for an 8-11 year old reader who loves graphic novels, spooky stories, or is heading off to summer camp. HIGHLY recommend.
July 21, 2026
Illustrations remind me of Axel Scheffler in style--defined outlines, large round eyes. Great job with expressions.
12-1/2-year-old Leah heads to camp reluctantly, insisting on bringing her doll, Beverly, with her. Her mom had gotten her placed with teens, who don't want her. They all go to Cabin 13, which is supposed to be haunted. Actually, it is (different font for speech buubles), and the ghost suggest that she take over Beverly's body, so she can leave the cabin. But then the (nameless--she can't remember) ghost gets jealous and vindictive when Leah starts to make other friends. And she realizes she could possess a person and leave the camp and ...grow up!
The kids in the cabin, (even the mean ones) help vanquish the ghost. Were they sucessful?? Hard to say.
12-1/2-year-old Leah heads to camp reluctantly, insisting on bringing her doll, Beverly, with her. Her mom had gotten her placed with teens, who don't want her. They all go to Cabin 13, which is supposed to be haunted. Actually, it is (different font for speech buubles), and the ghost suggest that she take over Beverly's body, so she can leave the cabin. But then the (nameless--she can't remember) ghost gets jealous and vindictive when Leah starts to make other friends. And she realizes she could possess a person and leave the camp and ...grow up!
The kids in the cabin, (even the mean ones) help vanquish the ghost. Were they sucessful?? Hard to say.
May 2, 2026
My nine year old loved this! She said the story line was very interesting, the characters were lovable and the illustration was awesome. She ate it up. Once she opened it, she couldn’t put it down until she was done.
May 21, 2026
My children (ages 8 & 10) absolutely LOVED this book! They both read it so quickly and could not put it down. Highly recommend!
June 15, 2026
This was a cute little graphic novel. It was a little weird with the doll but still a nice little story. Not much to say about it - art was okay, story was okay.
July 10, 2026
Cute ghost story graphic novel. Based on the ending im guessing there’s gonna be a spin off or a sequel?
April 30, 2026
The Ghost in Cabin 13 by J.C. Phillipps is a fun, spooky graphic novel set at summer camp. Leah finds a haunted cabin and accidentally lets a ghost into her doll, leading to some eerie and mysterious happenings as she tries to figure out what’s going on.
It’s more creepy than scary, with a lot of humor, friendship, and problem-solving mixed in. The graphic novel format makes it really engaging and easy to follow.
Not too scary, but definitely a good “first step” into spooky stories. I’d recommend this for 3rd grade and up, especially readers who are starting to explore light horror and mystery.
It’s more creepy than scary, with a lot of humor, friendship, and problem-solving mixed in. The graphic novel format makes it really engaging and easy to follow.
Not too scary, but definitely a good “first step” into spooky stories. I’d recommend this for 3rd grade and up, especially readers who are starting to explore light horror and mystery.
July 20, 2026
Spooky middle grade graphic novel perfect for Summerween! Scary but not too scary
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews