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Creepy Kid
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Expected 25 Aug 26A hilariously creepy middle grade novel from award-winning author Caleb Roehrig! Poe has spent his whole life wishing he could meet a ghost, but when he moves into a real-life haunted house, he discovers that communing with the other side might be a little more than he bargained for.
Twelve-year-old Edgar Alden, also known as “Poe,” has always been an outcast. Obsessed with the macabre, he’s never remotely hit it off with other kids. Only Grandma ever really understood his love for the supernatural, but when she dies and his parents move into a dilapidated house on the other side of town, things for Poe quickly go from bad to worse.
You see, Poe has a roommate. A dead one. A 12-year-old ghost named Violet, who’s been stuck haunting Poe’s room for longer than she can remember. Violet is territorial, kind of annoying, and tethered to the human world by her doll, Baby Jessica.
But Poe quickly discovers that Violet isn’t the only spirit haunting his house. There’s a vengeful, violent entity in his basement. And it’s up to Poe to find a way to help them both cross to the other side.
Creepy Kid is a heartfelt but page-turning exploration of grief, moving on, and finding one’s place in the world—sure to make middle grade readers laugh, cry, and wonder about the mysteries that might lie on the other side.
Twelve-year-old Edgar Alden, also known as “Poe,” has always been an outcast. Obsessed with the macabre, he’s never remotely hit it off with other kids. Only Grandma ever really understood his love for the supernatural, but when she dies and his parents move into a dilapidated house on the other side of town, things for Poe quickly go from bad to worse.
You see, Poe has a roommate. A dead one. A 12-year-old ghost named Violet, who’s been stuck haunting Poe’s room for longer than she can remember. Violet is territorial, kind of annoying, and tethered to the human world by her doll, Baby Jessica.
But Poe quickly discovers that Violet isn’t the only spirit haunting his house. There’s a vengeful, violent entity in his basement. And it’s up to Poe to find a way to help them both cross to the other side.
Creepy Kid is a heartfelt but page-turning exploration of grief, moving on, and finding one’s place in the world—sure to make middle grade readers laugh, cry, and wonder about the mysteries that might lie on the other side.
- GenresMiddle Grade
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 25, 2026
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Caleb Roehrig
18 books869 followersCaleb Roehrig is a writer and television producer originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Having also lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Helsinki, Finland, he has a chronic case of wanderlust, and can recommend the best sights to see on a shoestring budget in over thirty countries. A former actor, Roehrig has experience on both sides of the camera, with a résumé that includes appearances on film and TV—as well as seven years in the stranger-than-fiction salt mines of reality television. In the name of earning a paycheck, he has: hung around a frozen cornfield in his underwear, partied with an actual rock-star, chatted with a scandal-plagued politician, and been menaced by a disgruntled ostrich.
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December 11, 2025This book is for all the kids who think cemeteries are less frightening than the suburbs 🦇
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig is a wonderfully eerie and heartfelt middle-grade novel that hits the perfect balance between spooky vibes and profound emotional depth. As a reader who enjoys paranormal stories with a touch of mystery and a dash of humor, I found this book to be a captivating blend of creepy fun and meaningful themes.
The story centers around Poe, a twelve-year-old who has always been fascinated by ghosts and the supernatural but has yet to encounter one in real life—until he moves into a supposedly haunted house with his parents. Roehrig does a fantastic job of creating a spooky, atmospheric setting that will appeal to kids who love creepy stories. The house is described with just the right amount of eerie details, making it feel immersive without being too frightening for middle-grade readers.
Poe himself is a relatable protagonist. He's an outcast, dealing with grief after the loss of his beloved grandma, and struggling to find his place in a new environment. His love for the macabre and his curiosity about the supernatural are portrayed authentically, making him a character that readers will root for. The way he navigates his grief and loneliness adds emotional weight to the story, making it more than just a spooky adventure.
Violet, the ghost haunting Poe’s room, is both hilariously creepy and endearing. Her territorial personality and her tether to the living world through her doll, Baby Jessica, add a quirky, humorous touch that balances the darker elements. The interactions between Poe and Violet are amusing and touching, illustrating the complexities of their unusual friendship.
The plot thickens when Poe discovers there’s a vengeful spirit in the basement, adding suspense and danger to his supernatural encounters. Roehrig expertly ramps up the tension, creating a page-turning mystery that keeps readers guessing. The story’s exploration of themes like grief, moving on, and self-discovery is handled with sensitivity and nuance, making it highly relatable for preteens who are trying to understand their own feelings of loss and change.
Overall, Creepy Kid is a fun, creepy, and heartfelt novel that will resonate with kids who love the paranormal and mysterious. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories that make them laugh, shiver, and cry—all at the same time. Roehrig’s writing is engaging, and the blend of humor, suspense, and emotional depth makes this a standout middle-grade read. I’d definitely recommend it to young readers looking for a spooky story with a meaningful message.
The story centers around Poe, a twelve-year-old who has always been fascinated by ghosts and the supernatural but has yet to encounter one in real life—until he moves into a supposedly haunted house with his parents. Roehrig does a fantastic job of creating a spooky, atmospheric setting that will appeal to kids who love creepy stories. The house is described with just the right amount of eerie details, making it feel immersive without being too frightening for middle-grade readers.
Poe himself is a relatable protagonist. He's an outcast, dealing with grief after the loss of his beloved grandma, and struggling to find his place in a new environment. His love for the macabre and his curiosity about the supernatural are portrayed authentically, making him a character that readers will root for. The way he navigates his grief and loneliness adds emotional weight to the story, making it more than just a spooky adventure.
Violet, the ghost haunting Poe’s room, is both hilariously creepy and endearing. Her territorial personality and her tether to the living world through her doll, Baby Jessica, add a quirky, humorous touch that balances the darker elements. The interactions between Poe and Violet are amusing and touching, illustrating the complexities of their unusual friendship.
The plot thickens when Poe discovers there’s a vengeful spirit in the basement, adding suspense and danger to his supernatural encounters. Roehrig expertly ramps up the tension, creating a page-turning mystery that keeps readers guessing. The story’s exploration of themes like grief, moving on, and self-discovery is handled with sensitivity and nuance, making it highly relatable for preteens who are trying to understand their own feelings of loss and change.
Overall, Creepy Kid is a fun, creepy, and heartfelt novel that will resonate with kids who love the paranormal and mysterious. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories that make them laugh, shiver, and cry—all at the same time. Roehrig’s writing is engaging, and the blend of humor, suspense, and emotional depth makes this a standout middle-grade read. I’d definitely recommend it to young readers looking for a spooky story with a meaningful message.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4/5 stars. Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC.
I checked out Creepy Kid on a whim because I liked the title. I enjoyed this book a lot. Edgar ("Poe") is a self-confessed weird kid, who dresses in black and loves ghosts and the occult. His favorite person in the word, Grandma, died recently and Poe is missing her like crazy. When his parents decide to relocate to the better side of town the only thing that they can afford is a run down old house previously owned by a creepy old man who filled the house with hoarded junk and cats. Poe quickly learns that he is not the only one occupying his room. The previous resident, a girl named Violet, has been there ever since she died, her spirit tethered to an old doll named Baby Jessica.
I loved the burgeoning friendship between Poe and Violet, who has ghost amnesia about her life and cause of death. The two of them join forces to investigate not only Violet's past but the identity and motivation of another, much scarier entity who inhabits the basement. I felt the first two thirds of this book were better than the conclusion, which departed too much from the creepy/mysterious vibe and into straightforward action. But I think kids will really enjoy the story, which combines humor, pathos and scariness for a pleasurable mix.
I checked out Creepy Kid on a whim because I liked the title. I enjoyed this book a lot. Edgar ("Poe") is a self-confessed weird kid, who dresses in black and loves ghosts and the occult. His favorite person in the word, Grandma, died recently and Poe is missing her like crazy. When his parents decide to relocate to the better side of town the only thing that they can afford is a run down old house previously owned by a creepy old man who filled the house with hoarded junk and cats. Poe quickly learns that he is not the only one occupying his room. The previous resident, a girl named Violet, has been there ever since she died, her spirit tethered to an old doll named Baby Jessica.
I loved the burgeoning friendship between Poe and Violet, who has ghost amnesia about her life and cause of death. The two of them join forces to investigate not only Violet's past but the identity and motivation of another, much scarier entity who inhabits the basement. I felt the first two thirds of this book were better than the conclusion, which departed too much from the creepy/mysterious vibe and into straightforward action. But I think kids will really enjoy the story, which combines humor, pathos and scariness for a pleasurable mix.
December 5, 2025
When you spend your whole life wanting to meet ghosts, moving to a real-life haunted house might sound pretty good. Unless the reason you’re moving is that your grandma, the only person who has ever seen the real you, has died. Starting over at a new school, with new bullies, and having a 12 year-old ghost girl for a roommate is the just the beginning of Edgar Alden’s deepening troubles.
I found Creepy Kid to a be a much more mature read than I expected. It was well written, with a lot of sarcasm and wit mixed into the narrative. It tackles bullying, death, and grief in ways that a younger audience can relate to. I also really enjoyed the many references to spooky and creepy movies and books, even though some of them are not appropriate for 12 year olds. While I enjoyed the graphic descriptions of the hauntings, it isn’t suitable for very young children and I would recommend this for pre-teens and up.
Content Warnings:
Major - Grief, Bullying
Moderate - Death, Violence
Minor - Child Death
I found Creepy Kid to a be a much more mature read than I expected. It was well written, with a lot of sarcasm and wit mixed into the narrative. It tackles bullying, death, and grief in ways that a younger audience can relate to. I also really enjoyed the many references to spooky and creepy movies and books, even though some of them are not appropriate for 12 year olds. While I enjoyed the graphic descriptions of the hauntings, it isn’t suitable for very young children and I would recommend this for pre-teens and up.
Content Warnings:
Major - Grief, Bullying
Moderate - Death, Violence
Minor - Child Death
December 1, 2025
This is a great book to engage middle-grades readers in a paranormal mystery while exploring themes of grief, bullying, and anxiety. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I feel that the grief aspect was a little too repetitive throughout the book. I don't judge that too harshly though because I understand that losing his grandma was devastating to this kid, and I think that overall this book is a very good blend of dark grief, dark paranormal and school bullying, and a more lighthearted, humorous side to the paranormal. It's a lot of sort of dark humor, but age-appropriate. Nothing made me pause and think twice about this being a middle-grades book. It may be a heavy read due to the themes. But the ending gives good closure to the story and enhances the themes of family, friendship, and forgiveness. I definitely recommend this book for ages ~8-teens.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
December 22, 2025
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the free copy for review.
Creepy Kid is a great choice for the middle grade set that is ready for something more thoughtful than Goosebumps, but who still want plenty of thrills and chills. Poe is a darkly funny, relatable loner who just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere he goes. He's always longed for a real connection with the supernatural, but when his family moves into a haunted house, he gets more than he bargained for. This book sets itself apart with its handling of grief. How we handle grief can lead to horror and harm, or peace and understanding. Monsters aren't just the bad guys; they are created from pain and suffering. And there's always a chance for understanding and forgiveness. Some of the gore might be a little much for kids who aren't used to this genre. Overall, a satisfactory entry into this genre, which may resonate with some kids who relate to its hero.
#netgalley
Creepy Kid is a great choice for the middle grade set that is ready for something more thoughtful than Goosebumps, but who still want plenty of thrills and chills. Poe is a darkly funny, relatable loner who just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere he goes. He's always longed for a real connection with the supernatural, but when his family moves into a haunted house, he gets more than he bargained for. This book sets itself apart with its handling of grief. How we handle grief can lead to horror and harm, or peace and understanding. Monsters aren't just the bad guys; they are created from pain and suffering. And there's always a chance for understanding and forgiveness. Some of the gore might be a little much for kids who aren't used to this genre. Overall, a satisfactory entry into this genre, which may resonate with some kids who relate to its hero.
#netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Creepy Kid is a great ghost story/paranormal book for younger readers! This book also handles themes of the difficulties of being the new kid at school, having trouble finding people who understand you, and grief. I liked that they author wasted no time in revealing Poe's ability to see and communicate with ghosts. I had a feeling the librarian Poe meets initially was more than she appeared and liked how that revelation was presented. Poe also stays true to who he is throughout the entire book and never feels the need to change in order to please other people. The ghosts in Poe's house offered two different takes on hauntings - one that is scary and one that is more annoying in general. The reveal of the identity of the scary ghost was well crafted and actually very sad. I would love to follow Poe on more adventures helping ghosts, but I have a feeling this may be a standalone.
Creepy Kid is a great ghost story/paranormal book for younger readers! This book also handles themes of the difficulties of being the new kid at school, having trouble finding people who understand you, and grief. I liked that they author wasted no time in revealing Poe's ability to see and communicate with ghosts. I had a feeling the librarian Poe meets initially was more than she appeared and liked how that revelation was presented. Poe also stays true to who he is throughout the entire book and never feels the need to change in order to please other people. The ghosts in Poe's house offered two different takes on hauntings - one that is scary and one that is more annoying in general. The reveal of the identity of the scary ghost was well crafted and actually very sad. I would love to follow Poe on more adventures helping ghosts, but I have a feeling this may be a standalone.
December 10, 2025
Read a free ARC on NetGalley.
Poe has always been called the Creepy Kid. He’s different from everyone else and his Grandma encourages that about him. When she dies, he’s lost his number one supporter. His parents don’t have much money so they buy a run down old house in a new neighborhood and he starts a new school. He faces several problems. He realizes he can see and speak to ghosts. There’s an annoying girl ghost with a baby doll living in his closet. There’s a scary ghostly presence in the basement. The popular kids are tormenting Poe at school because he lives in the “Garbage House.” All the while Poe is grieving the loss of his Grandma and trying to cope with everything happening to him with little support from his parents. Poe and ghost girl Violet must solve the mystery of his haunted house and figure out what her unfinished business is.
Poe has always been called the Creepy Kid. He’s different from everyone else and his Grandma encourages that about him. When she dies, he’s lost his number one supporter. His parents don’t have much money so they buy a run down old house in a new neighborhood and he starts a new school. He faces several problems. He realizes he can see and speak to ghosts. There’s an annoying girl ghost with a baby doll living in his closet. There’s a scary ghostly presence in the basement. The popular kids are tormenting Poe at school because he lives in the “Garbage House.” All the while Poe is grieving the loss of his Grandma and trying to cope with everything happening to him with little support from his parents. Poe and ghost girl Violet must solve the mystery of his haunted house and figure out what her unfinished business is.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I thought that this was a fun read that I think kids could enjoy! I thought that using the term "Creepy Kid" multiple times was a bit cliched at some points, it was engaging from beginning to end.
January 5, 2026
Creepy Kid was a very creative and engaging read. I can see my middle schoolers loving this book. The macabre elements draw you in and the black humor added immensely to the reading experience. I fell in love with Edgar Alden from page one and had to read parts out loud to my family because I found them so clever and/or humorous. As a middle school librarian, I really appreciated how new and fresh this book felt. It didn't seem as if I had read it before with a different title and cover.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley + the publisher for an ARC.
Will be posting a review closer to publication date: August 2026.
Will be posting a review closer to publication date: August 2026.
December 5, 2025
It's funny that I had read this in October, but Goodreads hadn't added it to the queue (very odd) so I only reviewed it on Netgalley until I remembered to check. Here was my review!
Roehrig's new book is a middle grade cozy creepy mystery about Poe, the "creepy kid" whose grandma dies and whose parents decide to move and become homeowners. But what Poe realizes when he starts his new school that he'll get made fun of- not as the creepy kid again- but because his house is the "Garbage House" where a man died after hoarding garbage. That might be one thing, however the other is that Poe is being haunted by Violet, a ghost in the house who has a Baby Jessica doll and he's got to figure out just what the deal is because it might not be Violet alone in the house because there's something else in the basement.
It moves fast and easy with a fantastic front cover. Poe's twelve year old observations are spot on with how his life has been lived up to this point.
Roehrig's new book is a middle grade cozy creepy mystery about Poe, the "creepy kid" whose grandma dies and whose parents decide to move and become homeowners. But what Poe realizes when he starts his new school that he'll get made fun of- not as the creepy kid again- but because his house is the "Garbage House" where a man died after hoarding garbage. That might be one thing, however the other is that Poe is being haunted by Violet, a ghost in the house who has a Baby Jessica doll and he's got to figure out just what the deal is because it might not be Violet alone in the house because there's something else in the basement.
It moves fast and easy with a fantastic front cover. Poe's twelve year old observations are spot on with how his life has been lived up to this point.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews