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A Touch of Ruckus
A laugh-out-loud, ghostly Southern mystery that's perfect for fans of Cassie Beasley and Natalie Lloyd.
TENNESSEE LANCASTER HAS A HIDDEN GIFT.
She can pry into folks' memories with just a touch of their belongings. It's something she's always kept hidden -- especially from her big, chaotic family. Their lives are already chock-full of worries about Daddy's job and Mama's blues without Tennie rocking the boat.
But when the Lancasters move to the mountains for a fresh start, Tennie's gift does something new. Instead of just memories, her touch releases a ghost with a terrifying message: Trouble is coming. Tennie wants to ignore it. Except her new friend Fox -- scratch that, her only friend, Fox -- is desperate to go ghost hunting deep in the forest. And when Tennie frees even more of the spirits, trouble is exactly what she gets... and it hits close to home. The ghosts will be heard, and now Tennie must choose between keeping secrets or naming an ugly truth that could tear her family apart.
Magic and mayhem abound in this spooky story about family legacies, first friendships, and how facing the ghosts inside can sometimes mean stirring up a little bit of ruckus.
TENNESSEE LANCASTER HAS A HIDDEN GIFT.
She can pry into folks' memories with just a touch of their belongings. It's something she's always kept hidden -- especially from her big, chaotic family. Their lives are already chock-full of worries about Daddy's job and Mama's blues without Tennie rocking the boat.
But when the Lancasters move to the mountains for a fresh start, Tennie's gift does something new. Instead of just memories, her touch releases a ghost with a terrifying message: Trouble is coming. Tennie wants to ignore it. Except her new friend Fox -- scratch that, her only friend, Fox -- is desperate to go ghost hunting deep in the forest. And when Tennie frees even more of the spirits, trouble is exactly what she gets... and it hits close to home. The ghosts will be heard, and now Tennie must choose between keeping secrets or naming an ugly truth that could tear her family apart.
Magic and mayhem abound in this spooky story about family legacies, first friendships, and how facing the ghosts inside can sometimes mean stirring up a little bit of ruckus.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
1 person is currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Ash Van Otterloo
5 books90 followersAsh Van Otterloo was born and raised in the Appalachian foothills, then made his home for seventeen years as an adult in Eastern Tennessee. Their personal pronouns are he/him or they/them; both work!
They currently reside in the PNW with four wild forest gremlins with a small menagerie of animals. Ash is the author of CATTYWAMPUS, A TOUCH OF RUCKUS, and most recently, a nonbinary coming-of-age story THE BEAUTIFUL SOMETHING ELSE (Scholastic, May '23).
Whether or not he is 5328 bats in a trenchcoat is a topic for gossip among his neighbors. The ones, at least, that the bats haven't carried away! You can learn more about him at ashvanotterloo.com.
They currently reside in the PNW with four wild forest gremlins with a small menagerie of animals. Ash is the author of CATTYWAMPUS, A TOUCH OF RUCKUS, and most recently, a nonbinary coming-of-age story THE BEAUTIFUL SOMETHING ELSE (Scholastic, May '23).
Whether or not he is 5328 bats in a trenchcoat is a topic for gossip among his neighbors. The ones, at least, that the bats haven't carried away! You can learn more about him at ashvanotterloo.com.
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May 14, 2020"A peacemaking girl finds solace in ghost hunting with her nonbinary crush inside a nearby forest." in other news im crying this sounds adorable
September 12, 2021
There's something really special about reading about rural queer experiences, even when the focus leans toward the story's fantasy component. I grew up in small towns throughout the Midwest and South and I didn't meet another openly queer person until my early 20s in college. But rural queer people exist. Rural queer kids are a reality, and they deserve to be seen.
So it was an utter delight to read about Tennie and her budding friendship with Fox, who uses they/them pronouns. Van Otterloo did a wonderful job in the sensitive way they approached the way others referred to Fox throughout this story.
I also really enjoyed Tennie's personality. The pressure is real for some kids to try to be fixers, especially in larger families. And that trait married so well with Tennie's Superburden and the introductions of ghosts and the plot's overarching mystery.
Books like this, where queer kids exist as part of a larger non-coming out story, are so needed and I'm grateful the author sent me an ARC and further affirm my belief that there will never not be a need for all types of queer stories.
So it was an utter delight to read about Tennie and her budding friendship with Fox, who uses they/them pronouns. Van Otterloo did a wonderful job in the sensitive way they approached the way others referred to Fox throughout this story.
I also really enjoyed Tennie's personality. The pressure is real for some kids to try to be fixers, especially in larger families. And that trait married so well with Tennie's Superburden and the introductions of ghosts and the plot's overarching mystery.
Books like this, where queer kids exist as part of a larger non-coming out story, are so needed and I'm grateful the author sent me an ARC and further affirm my belief that there will never not be a need for all types of queer stories.
December 2, 2020
Ash Van Otterloo has become one of my favorite middle grade authors. Their writing voice sparks with heart and creativity. I was lucky enough to read an early copy of A Touch of Ruckus, and it was everything I'd hoped it would be after reading their debut, Cattywampus.
A longer review to come!
A longer review to come!
September 13, 2021
As a high school librarian, I have to admit I haven't read much middle grade fiction. My expectation for A Touch of Ruckus was that it would be fun, spooky-but-not-too-scary light reading. The first sign that this book was going to be so much more than that started with the dedication:
To Those Who Take the Back Seat to Keep the Peace
I am one of those people! Nothing I’ve ever read before has completely and accurately described me in one short sentence! In many ways, I am like Tennie, our sweet main character, except I don’t share her super power (super burden, as she calls it.) Tennie can see other people’s memories when she touches things that belong to them. Tennie tries to make sure this doesn’t happen by wearing gloves, but she also uses her ability to relive a painful memory of her disastrous 8th birthday party whenever she wants to tamp down her own anger and to rein in her own feelings. Tennie is determined to keep all her feelings inside so that she can be the peacemaker for her family, even feeling guilty for staying at Mimsy’s house while her brother is left at home helping take care of their twin sisters. That’s such a heavy burden to carry, but many kids will be able to relate to Tennie and how hard she works to keep her feelings hidden.
One of the best things about this book is how honestly and openly it tackles depression and mental health issues. Tennie remembers when Mama got really stressed out and let the garden die; how she barely talked for months. When Tennie’s family left her in Howler’s Hollow with Mimsy and she whispered her plea “Don’t disappear again, Mama,” I felt that deep in my heart. This is what depression can look like from a kid’s view – “When Mama got blue.” Tennie really believed she could keep her Mama from getting blue again, but she was also neglecting to take care of her own mental health and emotional well-being. So many important lessons in this sweet story!
From the minute I picked up A Touch of Ruckus, I was transported to Howler’s Hollow, fall weather, Mimsy’s kitchen, apple stack cake, flea market treasures and small-town life – like I was right there with Tennie! I loved everything about this book!
To Those Who Take the Back Seat to Keep the Peace
I am one of those people! Nothing I’ve ever read before has completely and accurately described me in one short sentence! In many ways, I am like Tennie, our sweet main character, except I don’t share her super power (super burden, as she calls it.) Tennie can see other people’s memories when she touches things that belong to them. Tennie tries to make sure this doesn’t happen by wearing gloves, but she also uses her ability to relive a painful memory of her disastrous 8th birthday party whenever she wants to tamp down her own anger and to rein in her own feelings. Tennie is determined to keep all her feelings inside so that she can be the peacemaker for her family, even feeling guilty for staying at Mimsy’s house while her brother is left at home helping take care of their twin sisters. That’s such a heavy burden to carry, but many kids will be able to relate to Tennie and how hard she works to keep her feelings hidden.
One of the best things about this book is how honestly and openly it tackles depression and mental health issues. Tennie remembers when Mama got really stressed out and let the garden die; how she barely talked for months. When Tennie’s family left her in Howler’s Hollow with Mimsy and she whispered her plea “Don’t disappear again, Mama,” I felt that deep in my heart. This is what depression can look like from a kid’s view – “When Mama got blue.” Tennie really believed she could keep her Mama from getting blue again, but she was also neglecting to take care of her own mental health and emotional well-being. So many important lessons in this sweet story!
From the minute I picked up A Touch of Ruckus, I was transported to Howler’s Hollow, fall weather, Mimsy’s kitchen, apple stack cake, flea market treasures and small-town life – like I was right there with Tennie! I loved everything about this book!
January 21, 2022
delightful and warm
This is a great story about love and sharing your worries with people who care about you. I finished feeling really content.
This is a great story about love and sharing your worries with people who care about you. I finished feeling really content.
July 21, 2022
Ash Van Otterloo is one of my absolute favorite middle grade authors. Their voice is so beautiful and full of heart and I always find myself quickly lost in their books. I absolutely adored everything about these characters and this story. I can’t wait to read whatever Ash Van Otterloo writes next!
July 1, 2022
I enjoyed this and I'm pretty sure kid!me would've loved it. It's an effectively creepy ghost story, but it's also a story about communication. Also friendship and families.
As an adult, I struggle not to find the ending too idealistic, but that is very much a me problem. (And maybe if I'd had books like this as a kid, I'd be less cynical.)
As an adult, I struggle not to find the ending too idealistic, but that is very much a me problem. (And maybe if I'd had books like this as a kid, I'd be less cynical.)
October 20, 2022
4.25 stars
February 23, 2022
I adored this delightful, warm, and spooky MG. Tennie reminded me so much of my younger self. Hand this to kids that love a funny, ghostly Southern tale of family, friends, and courage.
September 10, 2021
Thank you to the author, Ash Van Otterloo, for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
In A TOUCH OF RUCKUS, Tennessee Lancaster is navigating what she calls her "superburden": she can see other people's memories by holding their belongings. Too busy playing peacemaker in her family and hiding her own feelings/wants, Tennie keeps this ability to herself. But then she becomes friends with Fox, and they set out to go ghost hunting and explore the forests in Howler's Hollow. But when Tennie's ability accidentally releases some unsettled ghosts, she and Fox have to work together to help the ghosts move on--and confront the secret family history Tennie fears could tear her family apart.
This was SUCH a great middle-grade book! I was enraptured with the plot--as well as with Tennie and Fox as characters--to the point where I almost stayed up later than I should have to keep reading. I know the target age group will feel the same way, too! There are ghosts demanding to be heard, powerful friendships, familial healing, elements of mystery, an autumn/Halloween setting, impactful conversations on depression and mental health, and more. I fully recommend this to ANY reader in the middle-grade range.
One of my favorite elements was the open discussion of depression. Tennie's mom has "the blues" sometimes, her Poppy had "the blues," and her brother, Birch, is starting to feel them, too. But the focus of the story isn't on their depression or their pain; the characters experience depression, but they're also just human characters who are living their lives! More than once, the benefits of counseling are mentioned, even for people who aren't "broken" or "hurt"; counseling is just something that can help people who need to talk! I also liked the mention that one of the characters found medications beneficial. It's just an overall positive discussion of mental health and treatment, and it meant a lot to me--I can only imagine what it will mean for younger readers who may not have words for everything they're experiencing yet.
I also LOVED that this book featured queer main characters without the focus of the book being their queerness and/or queer pain!! Fox is nonbinary, and they are SUCH a fun character who seems to be comfortable in their identity. They have supportive parents--[MINOR SPOILER] I think the scene where Fox corrects their dad about their pronouns will be especially impactful for readers--and friends who respect Fox's identity unconditionally. But Fox has a fully-formed personality outside of their gender identity: they're full of glitter and creativity, but they're also sometimes forgetful and scared and sad. Fox was probably my favorite character, because their strengths and flaws were so well-developed, and it was also just really nice to see a nonbinary teen who's just being themself!! Additionally, near the end of the book, Tennie mentions that she wants to tell her dad about how she likes boys *and* girls, but she's a little scared. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I just really think this book is going to make a difference for young readers--especially young queer readers who maybe don't see a lot of ghost adventures where their identities are represented so casually and carefully!
[MINOR SPOILERS IN THIS PARAGRAPH]
Lastly, I LOVED (I just really LOVE, all caps, a lot of things about this book) that the mystery is "solved" when Tennie finally begins an open conversation with her family and advocating for her own wants/needs. I think there are a lot of teens like Tennie (I saw myself in her still!) who assume that it is better to hold things in and try to fix things on their own, rather than speaking up about what they want, asking for help, or simply talking to others about what's going on. This is going to be another extremely powerful message for readers: your wellbeing and your own needs are just as--if not more--important than keeping those around you happy. If happiness/peace comes at the expense of your own health, that isn't actually happiness/peace. And without using those exact words, I think that is exactly what this book drives at in the final chapters, and I think it will help a lot of kids.
In A TOUCH OF RUCKUS, Tennessee Lancaster is navigating what she calls her "superburden": she can see other people's memories by holding their belongings. Too busy playing peacemaker in her family and hiding her own feelings/wants, Tennie keeps this ability to herself. But then she becomes friends with Fox, and they set out to go ghost hunting and explore the forests in Howler's Hollow. But when Tennie's ability accidentally releases some unsettled ghosts, she and Fox have to work together to help the ghosts move on--and confront the secret family history Tennie fears could tear her family apart.
This was SUCH a great middle-grade book! I was enraptured with the plot--as well as with Tennie and Fox as characters--to the point where I almost stayed up later than I should have to keep reading. I know the target age group will feel the same way, too! There are ghosts demanding to be heard, powerful friendships, familial healing, elements of mystery, an autumn/Halloween setting, impactful conversations on depression and mental health, and more. I fully recommend this to ANY reader in the middle-grade range.
One of my favorite elements was the open discussion of depression. Tennie's mom has "the blues" sometimes, her Poppy had "the blues," and her brother, Birch, is starting to feel them, too. But the focus of the story isn't on their depression or their pain; the characters experience depression, but they're also just human characters who are living their lives! More than once, the benefits of counseling are mentioned, even for people who aren't "broken" or "hurt"; counseling is just something that can help people who need to talk! I also liked the mention that one of the characters found medications beneficial. It's just an overall positive discussion of mental health and treatment, and it meant a lot to me--I can only imagine what it will mean for younger readers who may not have words for everything they're experiencing yet.
I also LOVED that this book featured queer main characters without the focus of the book being their queerness and/or queer pain!! Fox is nonbinary, and they are SUCH a fun character who seems to be comfortable in their identity. They have supportive parents--[MINOR SPOILER] I think the scene where Fox corrects their dad about their pronouns will be especially impactful for readers--and friends who respect Fox's identity unconditionally. But Fox has a fully-formed personality outside of their gender identity: they're full of glitter and creativity, but they're also sometimes forgetful and scared and sad. Fox was probably my favorite character, because their strengths and flaws were so well-developed, and it was also just really nice to see a nonbinary teen who's just being themself!! Additionally, near the end of the book, Tennie mentions that she wants to tell her dad about how she likes boys *and* girls, but she's a little scared. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I just really think this book is going to make a difference for young readers--especially young queer readers who maybe don't see a lot of ghost adventures where their identities are represented so casually and carefully!
[MINOR SPOILERS IN THIS PARAGRAPH]
Lastly, I LOVED (I just really LOVE, all caps, a lot of things about this book) that the mystery is "solved" when Tennie finally begins an open conversation with her family and advocating for her own wants/needs. I think there are a lot of teens like Tennie (I saw myself in her still!) who assume that it is better to hold things in and try to fix things on their own, rather than speaking up about what they want, asking for help, or simply talking to others about what's going on. This is going to be another extremely powerful message for readers: your wellbeing and your own needs are just as--if not more--important than keeping those around you happy. If happiness/peace comes at the expense of your own health, that isn't actually happiness/peace. And without using those exact words, I think that is exactly what this book drives at in the final chapters, and I think it will help a lot of kids.
September 7, 2021
I will admit full stop here that I don’t read a lot of middle grade. This has nothing to do with quality of kidlit—in fact, quite the contrary, as I am amazed and inspired by the wonderful diversity of middle grade stories coming out each year—and everything to do with only having so many hours in a day. Still, I’ve wanted to increase my repertoire given the frequency with which I get asked for middle grade recs, particularly in the LGBTQIA+ arena, so when the opportunity came for me to read and review A Touch of Ruckus, I eagerly jumped on it. And I am glad I did. A Touch of Ruckus by Ash Van Otterloo is magical, charming, heartfelt, and full of Appalachian soul and age-appropriate spook, and I devoured it from beginning to end in a single setting.
A Touch of Ruckus follows Tennessee “Tennie” Lancaster, second oldest child out of four in her chaotic family and possessed of a unique gift: the ability to read the memories stored in any object she touches. Her power is only one of many secrets Tennie feels as though she needs to keep, most of them involving the somewhat strained relationship between her mother, Mama, and her grandmother, Mimsy. Being pressured into the role of caretaker for her two youngest siblings, worrying about her family’s finances, and dealing with her power puts a lot of pressure on Tennie. But when she meets Fox, a new friend with the ability to see ghosts, Tennie finds herself involved in a supernatural mystery and keeping even more secrets.
Tennie as a protagonist stole my heart from the very first page, and not only did her circumstances resonate with me a lot personally—I too felt like I had to be the peacekeeper of my family, once upon a time—I think she’ll speak to a lot a kids who carry burdens heavier than they should bear, supernatural or otherwise. Her desire for time and space away from her family and the accompanying guilt felt realistic, and her journey as she grows into herself, her powers, and her voice was beautifully done.
Likewise, Fox also had my entire heart. It still hasn’t gotten old to see thoughtful nonbinary representation in books and particularly in kidlit. I loved how accepting Fox’s family was of them, even if there were some realistic slip-ups from time to time, and how no conflict hinged upon them being nonbinary. Their fire served as a nice contrast to the quieter Tennie, and their immediate camaraderie and developing rapport with her was so pleasurable to watch unfold.
As mentioned in the beginning, the plot of A Touch of Ruckus moves at a steady, engaging pace. The blend of ghost story and real life ramifications makes it an absolutely perfect spooky season read for younger readers, and the infusion of southern dialect and idioms into the prose delighted me. There was a great deal of normalized mental health representation, particularly around Mama and her blues, and I think the more of that we see in books for younger readers the better.
Not only do I feel fortunate to have read a middle grade novel centering two LGBTQIA+ protagonists and a setting I don’t see often explored, I felt so seen within its pages, from Fox’s identity to Tennie’s peacemaking heart to the power found in the forested mountains of the south. I enjoyed every minute of this book and can’t wait to get A Touch of Ruckus into the hands of folks looking for a heartwarming spooky season read this fall.
Thank you so much to Ash Van Otterloo for sending me an advance reader copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
A Touch of Ruckus follows Tennessee “Tennie” Lancaster, second oldest child out of four in her chaotic family and possessed of a unique gift: the ability to read the memories stored in any object she touches. Her power is only one of many secrets Tennie feels as though she needs to keep, most of them involving the somewhat strained relationship between her mother, Mama, and her grandmother, Mimsy. Being pressured into the role of caretaker for her two youngest siblings, worrying about her family’s finances, and dealing with her power puts a lot of pressure on Tennie. But when she meets Fox, a new friend with the ability to see ghosts, Tennie finds herself involved in a supernatural mystery and keeping even more secrets.
Tennie as a protagonist stole my heart from the very first page, and not only did her circumstances resonate with me a lot personally—I too felt like I had to be the peacekeeper of my family, once upon a time—I think she’ll speak to a lot a kids who carry burdens heavier than they should bear, supernatural or otherwise. Her desire for time and space away from her family and the accompanying guilt felt realistic, and her journey as she grows into herself, her powers, and her voice was beautifully done.
Likewise, Fox also had my entire heart. It still hasn’t gotten old to see thoughtful nonbinary representation in books and particularly in kidlit. I loved how accepting Fox’s family was of them, even if there were some realistic slip-ups from time to time, and how no conflict hinged upon them being nonbinary. Their fire served as a nice contrast to the quieter Tennie, and their immediate camaraderie and developing rapport with her was so pleasurable to watch unfold.
As mentioned in the beginning, the plot of A Touch of Ruckus moves at a steady, engaging pace. The blend of ghost story and real life ramifications makes it an absolutely perfect spooky season read for younger readers, and the infusion of southern dialect and idioms into the prose delighted me. There was a great deal of normalized mental health representation, particularly around Mama and her blues, and I think the more of that we see in books for younger readers the better.
Not only do I feel fortunate to have read a middle grade novel centering two LGBTQIA+ protagonists and a setting I don’t see often explored, I felt so seen within its pages, from Fox’s identity to Tennie’s peacemaking heart to the power found in the forested mountains of the south. I enjoyed every minute of this book and can’t wait to get A Touch of Ruckus into the hands of folks looking for a heartwarming spooky season read this fall.
Thank you so much to Ash Van Otterloo for sending me an advance reader copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
March 22, 2022
Today one of my customers was looking for gentle reads for her six-year old who reads up. By way of explaining about things that are not gentle, she mentioned death and dying. But I've helped this customer before and she has rejected books because it had drawings of cartoon animals who looked "sad." I pulled a few more books for her today and she rejected them because the friends in the book "disagreed" and "had an argument" and that's not what they're "teaching their daughter." For her, the perfect children's book has no arc, no disappointment, no conflict.
A Touch of Ruckus is about a young woman whose need to keep the peace is threatening to reify into a pathology. She also happens to have the innate ability to read other people's memories imprinted into personal objects. She also happens to make friends (or more than friends?) with a non-binary peer who has the innate ability to see ghosts. That's not what the novel's really about. The novel's about communicating, opening yourself up to others, to the world around you. Making each other stronger by making yourself vulnerable. It's a celebration of mutualism.
My customer's trauma has shut her away from being able to appreciate a book like this. It's really upsetting. I'd love to be able to recommend this to her. Maybe I'll recommend it to her daughter one day.
A Touch of Ruckus is about a young woman whose need to keep the peace is threatening to reify into a pathology. She also happens to have the innate ability to read other people's memories imprinted into personal objects. She also happens to make friends (or more than friends?) with a non-binary peer who has the innate ability to see ghosts. That's not what the novel's really about. The novel's about communicating, opening yourself up to others, to the world around you. Making each other stronger by making yourself vulnerable. It's a celebration of mutualism.
My customer's trauma has shut her away from being able to appreciate a book like this. It's really upsetting. I'd love to be able to recommend this to her. Maybe I'll recommend it to her daughter one day.
August 7, 2021
I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC for Ash's second book, and wow did it have a lot to live up to after CATTYWAMPUS.
But Ruckus delivers. More than.
Quiet MCs are tough to pull off, but Tennie is a character I needed at twelve and it's such a joy to see representation for The Peace Keeper of the family. I love, too, that though of course she changes over the course of the book, she doesn't compromise with the fundamentals of herself. She gets stronger, but she stays quiet and sweet, and I love that.
Fox is a JOY! So cool to have a they/them Enby character on the page just existing as themselves without question or argument. They're the perfect partner for Tennie, both in friendship and as the first crush develops.
The plot is tight and compelling, and the spooky is REALLY SPOOKY!!! Definitely got the shivers!
If you want LGBTQIA+ MG Friendship/Ghost stories, this is your book!
But Ruckus delivers. More than.
Quiet MCs are tough to pull off, but Tennie is a character I needed at twelve and it's such a joy to see representation for The Peace Keeper of the family. I love, too, that though of course she changes over the course of the book, she doesn't compromise with the fundamentals of herself. She gets stronger, but she stays quiet and sweet, and I love that.
Fox is a JOY! So cool to have a they/them Enby character on the page just existing as themselves without question or argument. They're the perfect partner for Tennie, both in friendship and as the first crush develops.
The plot is tight and compelling, and the spooky is REALLY SPOOKY!!! Definitely got the shivers!
If you want LGBTQIA+ MG Friendship/Ghost stories, this is your book!
October 19, 2021
A little bit spooky, a little bit magical and full of heart. Tennie is one of the most relatable and realistic MG characters I've read, and I super appreciated the story of a family struggling with money through the eyes of a young person. It also has great rep with a nonbinary character. And of course, Tennie's ability to see people's memories by touching their belongings was really cool and the creepy factor was done just right and not too scary for this age group.
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April 14, 2021Think Kate DiCamillo meets Natalie Lloyd meets Cynthia Lord - charming and heartfelt.
January 30, 2023
I'm so excited to share this book with my readers! You're lovely people, and I hope it makes you smile.
May 28, 2022
While "A Touch of Ruckus" is described as a ghost story, it's much more than that. Tennessee Lancaster has hidden her magic from those around her....she can see the ghosts and memories attached to objects she touches. As the story begins, she's moved to an Appalachian mountain town with her family. Like many families, Tennie's is struggling with job and money insecurity, rambunctious children, and her mom's depression. When the opportunity to live with her grandma to help her sort through her deceased grandpa's things, she takes it, glad to have her own room and not have to be the constant caretaker. She makes friends with Fox almost immediately, and together they become ghost hunters in the nearby forests. The story will resonate with many young people in families where their are mental health struggles, financial strain, and generational conflict. It also addresses the environmental and social impacts industry has on small communities. The story is refreshingly gender inclusive; one of the characters identifies as they/them, and that's just a part of the story. A very relatable, enjoyable read for anyone who has felt different and find thier gifts have much to offer.
March 29, 2022
First of all, it's just a good ghost story. Has just enough spookiness, the right setting and a satisfying ending.
What elevates this, though, is the richness of the family and community. Mental health, honesty, self care...so many details of life and things kids have to balance are here. There's just great human moments...like the new friend who writes their pronouns on your hand when they give you their number because otherwise pronouns won't come up...and then you have to deal with them being awkward about hanging out with old friends and not telling you like the awkwardness that happens in new friendships. Those kinds of details. Those kinds of details make good ghost stories really great books, which this is.
What elevates this, though, is the richness of the family and community. Mental health, honesty, self care...so many details of life and things kids have to balance are here. There's just great human moments...like the new friend who writes their pronouns on your hand when they give you their number because otherwise pronouns won't come up...and then you have to deal with them being awkward about hanging out with old friends and not telling you like the awkwardness that happens in new friendships. Those kinds of details. Those kinds of details make good ghost stories really great books, which this is.
April 15, 2023
On the surface, this is a story about two kids ghost hunting in the Appalachian woods. But in reality, it's a beautifully nuanced exploration of loving (but messy) families, opening up to those you love, kindling new friendships, cherishing and protecting the environment, facing challenging emotions head on, and so much more. I'm so grateful that highly sensitive children (and adults) will get to know this empathetic, peace-keeping main character. There are so many protagonists that save the day with their heroics, but bravery so much more often looks like Tennie. This book serves as a beautiful reminder for those of us constantly filling others' buckets that our own needs and wants matter too.
January 17, 2024
I couldn’t put it down! This book was gorgeously written.
I read it in about four hours, and boy do I wish it was longer.
I picked this book up on a whim while on vacation and didn’t expect much, but I am so glad I grabbed it.
The plot was really good, albeit a little predictable since I’m not the target age.
This book was surprisingly deep for a middle grade ghost story, and definitely had me holding my breath and pulling at my hair.
I wasn’t aware it was LGBTQ+ when I picked it up, but was pleasantly surprised!
This book is a new favorite, and a in my opinion a great read for anyone ten and up!
I read it in about four hours, and boy do I wish it was longer.
I picked this book up on a whim while on vacation and didn’t expect much, but I am so glad I grabbed it.
The plot was really good, albeit a little predictable since I’m not the target age.
This book was surprisingly deep for a middle grade ghost story, and definitely had me holding my breath and pulling at my hair.
I wasn’t aware it was LGBTQ+ when I picked it up, but was pleasantly surprised!
This book is a new favorite, and a in my opinion a great read for anyone ten and up!
June 26, 2023
Honestly, I thought the topics were handled well given the material. The only thing that really drove me nuts were the many metaphors layered throughout the story that bridged stereotypical when it came to Southerners. Now, having lived in Kentucky and visiting the deep south, sure--SOMETIMES. I still just couldn't get into the story when a metaphor popped up and I groaned at how cliche/cringey it was to me.
The metaphors also seemed shoehorned in, so they often took my out of the story. I really think this just comes as a preference with writing.
The metaphors also seemed shoehorned in, so they often took my out of the story. I really think this just comes as a preference with writing.
March 29, 2024
4.5⭐️
This was really fun and adventurous with an interesting mystery, but also hits on some important issues, including mental health and the environment. The condundrum of being the eldest daughter and chronic people pleaser hit a little too close to home, but (being vauge to avoid spoilers) how things ended up and the moral around that was really good and kind of cathartic.
Overall, thus was fun, had a lot of heart, and some important messages.
This was really fun and adventurous with an interesting mystery, but also hits on some important issues, including mental health and the environment. The condundrum of being the eldest daughter and chronic people pleaser hit a little too close to home, but (being vauge to avoid spoilers) how things ended up and the moral around that was really good and kind of cathartic.
Overall, thus was fun, had a lot of heart, and some important messages.
February 27, 2022
Good middle-grade fantasy/mystery
The they/them pronouns made for difficult reading at times but the strength of the family a friendship dynamics more than made up for that. An adult reader may see some of the ‘surprises’ coming but typical middle grade readers probably wouldn’t be able to read between the lines well enough to spoil the surprise twists.
The they/them pronouns made for difficult reading at times but the strength of the family a friendship dynamics more than made up for that. An adult reader may see some of the ‘surprises’ coming but typical middle grade readers probably wouldn’t be able to read between the lines well enough to spoil the surprise twists.
June 28, 2022
Really loved Tennie and her arc here, and I like Fox a lot as a character, too! There was some pacing here that I didn't love, though, both for their friendship and the full plot of the book.
The queerness here isn't a big focus, and I like we're to the point where we can have casually queer middle grade books! Tennie is bi+ (no label iirc), and Fox is nonbinary.
The queerness here isn't a big focus, and I like we're to the point where we can have casually queer middle grade books! Tennie is bi+ (no label iirc), and Fox is nonbinary.
July 30, 2024
A Touch of Ruckus: another gently spooky MG from Ash Van Otterloo told in a distinctive Appalachian voice. Same setting as Cattywampus, and a few characters from that book are briefly mentioned, but the books stand alone. The plot reveals here felt kinda predictable, but I appreciated the sweet and matter-of-fact handling of queer identities.
October 8, 2023
A spooky and sweet mystery/family story. Our protagonist’s journey was mostly about speaking up for herself and her needs/desires - with some ghosts tossed in.
December 19, 2021
I cannot explain how excited I was to hear that Ash Van Otterloo was putting out another book. I was a big fan of Cattywampus and was very excited once I read the summary of this book. I requested and was granted an ARC copy of this book by Scholastic in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Tennessee Lancaster, also known as Tennie, has a gift that only she knows about. When she touches an item, she can see memories. She doesn’t want to tell her family because they have enough things going on in their life and she doesn’t want to add to the problem. Her family is moving and Tennie ends up staying in Howler’s Hollow with her grandma. There she meets Fox, her new (and only) friend. Fox wants to go ghost hunting and Tennie accidentally frees a couple of spirits when she joins them on their trips.
I don’t think I have the exact words to express how much I adore this book. I’ve only recently discovered that as an adult I can actually enjoy middle grade books and this book has probably become one of my new all-time favorite books ever.
One of the biggest things that I adored about this book is the characters. Tennie is an absolute sweetheart who is way to willing to give up and hide pieces of herself for the sake of keeping the peace. It’s sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. I also love towards the end when she gets some fire in her. Fox was also quite a character. They’re kind of a bit much at times, but they’re also aware of their faults. They know that they can forget things and that they might annoy their friends, but they also try to soothe things over. I honestly really liked them, and it was really nice to see a character using they/them pronouns so casually.
The two characters had a really nice dynamic with each other. They grew close quickly, the way kids do, and delved into a ghost hunting adventure. It was honestly really cute and heartwarming to watch them grow closer. This also felt really good because of Tennie and her desire to always be the peacekeeper. She even considered being friends with Fox and exploring the forest together as her being “selfish”. I just really loved it and their interactions made me so happy. It wasn’t always great, but it just gave me so much joy and I was constantly smiling.
I did not expect to love the atmosphere that was created in this book. It was sufficiently spooky without being necessarily scary. It worked really well in the town of Howler’s Hollow. Howler’s Hollow is a town in the rural south, somewhere that’s not always popular with the LGBTQ+ community. The thing is, I don’t know if this book would have worked as well in other locations. It’s one of those towns where everyone seems to know everyone. It appears to be relatively close-knit, even if the people don’t always get on, and it has a great forest. The forest allows the atmosphere to be appropriately creepy while the people in the town add a source of information for Tennie and Fox. It was also built up very well and created an atmosphere that led to a great payoff at the end.
I cannot fully encapsulate everything that I love about this book, but I will recommend it to everyone who asks. This book is fun and whimsical with a dark edge and serious topics that need to be explored. It might hurt at times when things are discussed, but it has a happy ending.
~ Check out my other reviews on my Blog, Instagram, or Twitter. ~
Tennessee Lancaster, also known as Tennie, has a gift that only she knows about. When she touches an item, she can see memories. She doesn’t want to tell her family because they have enough things going on in their life and she doesn’t want to add to the problem. Her family is moving and Tennie ends up staying in Howler’s Hollow with her grandma. There she meets Fox, her new (and only) friend. Fox wants to go ghost hunting and Tennie accidentally frees a couple of spirits when she joins them on their trips.
I don’t think I have the exact words to express how much I adore this book. I’ve only recently discovered that as an adult I can actually enjoy middle grade books and this book has probably become one of my new all-time favorite books ever.
One of the biggest things that I adored about this book is the characters. Tennie is an absolute sweetheart who is way to willing to give up and hide pieces of herself for the sake of keeping the peace. It’s sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. I also love towards the end when she gets some fire in her. Fox was also quite a character. They’re kind of a bit much at times, but they’re also aware of their faults. They know that they can forget things and that they might annoy their friends, but they also try to soothe things over. I honestly really liked them, and it was really nice to see a character using they/them pronouns so casually.
The two characters had a really nice dynamic with each other. They grew close quickly, the way kids do, and delved into a ghost hunting adventure. It was honestly really cute and heartwarming to watch them grow closer. This also felt really good because of Tennie and her desire to always be the peacekeeper. She even considered being friends with Fox and exploring the forest together as her being “selfish”. I just really loved it and their interactions made me so happy. It wasn’t always great, but it just gave me so much joy and I was constantly smiling.
I did not expect to love the atmosphere that was created in this book. It was sufficiently spooky without being necessarily scary. It worked really well in the town of Howler’s Hollow. Howler’s Hollow is a town in the rural south, somewhere that’s not always popular with the LGBTQ+ community. The thing is, I don’t know if this book would have worked as well in other locations. It’s one of those towns where everyone seems to know everyone. It appears to be relatively close-knit, even if the people don’t always get on, and it has a great forest. The forest allows the atmosphere to be appropriately creepy while the people in the town add a source of information for Tennie and Fox. It was also built up very well and created an atmosphere that led to a great payoff at the end.
I cannot fully encapsulate everything that I love about this book, but I will recommend it to everyone who asks. This book is fun and whimsical with a dark edge and serious topics that need to be explored. It might hurt at times when things are discussed, but it has a happy ending.
~ Check out my other reviews on my Blog, Instagram, or Twitter. ~
August 12, 2021
Every family has its secrets—truths they hide from the both outside world and themselves. Twelve-year-old Tennessee (Tennie) Lancaster has more secrets than most, and as the middle child of a rambunctious family, she has learned to tamp down her own desires to ensure those around her are as comfortable as possible. When a family trip to Howler’s Hollow gives Tennie the rare opportunity to stay with her grandmother, Mimsy, on her own, Tennie finds herself in the middle of a secret that is bigger than anything she has ever encountered before. Together with her new friend Fox, Tennie bravely faces the unknown to ensure her family’s survival in more ways than one.
This multifaceted story uses complicated family dynamics as the through line that guides the plot. Around this, unusual powers possessed by Fox and Tennie lead them to both danger and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. In an effort to appear put together, everyone in Tennie’s life is keeping something hidden deep inside. From depression to financial troubles to sexual preferences, each unspoken moment soon grows and snowballs until it is too large to contain. When secrets begin to overflow their confines, the profound support of family and friends is palpable, encouraging readers to consider opening up about their own secrets, as well.
The writing in this book is excellent, using vivid imagery and clear dialect to bring the town of Howler’s Hollow to life. Small town gossip blends with complex family interaction to make Tennie’s world feel real and familiar whether or not readers have direct experience with it themselves. Spine-tingling moments of fright surrounding Fox and Tennie’s complementary abilities make readers’ hearts race as they observe the bravery of these two young people. Magic realism propels the narrative, providing a gripping storytelling approach to the overarching message of being true to oneself.
Fox and Tennie are a well-balanced duo, their individual challenges becoming less important when they are together. While they have conflict like that which is found in any other friendship, their nonjudgmental understanding of one another is refreshing and transcends the bounds of traditional relationships. Leading up to Tennie’s thirteenth birthday, she finally learns to embrace her wants and needs as being as valid as anyone else’s and looks forward to adding a touch of ruckus to her life every now and again. This is an excellent middle grade adventure for readers who are searching for their own means of showcasing their authentic selves.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
This multifaceted story uses complicated family dynamics as the through line that guides the plot. Around this, unusual powers possessed by Fox and Tennie lead them to both danger and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. In an effort to appear put together, everyone in Tennie’s life is keeping something hidden deep inside. From depression to financial troubles to sexual preferences, each unspoken moment soon grows and snowballs until it is too large to contain. When secrets begin to overflow their confines, the profound support of family and friends is palpable, encouraging readers to consider opening up about their own secrets, as well.
The writing in this book is excellent, using vivid imagery and clear dialect to bring the town of Howler’s Hollow to life. Small town gossip blends with complex family interaction to make Tennie’s world feel real and familiar whether or not readers have direct experience with it themselves. Spine-tingling moments of fright surrounding Fox and Tennie’s complementary abilities make readers’ hearts race as they observe the bravery of these two young people. Magic realism propels the narrative, providing a gripping storytelling approach to the overarching message of being true to oneself.
Fox and Tennie are a well-balanced duo, their individual challenges becoming less important when they are together. While they have conflict like that which is found in any other friendship, their nonjudgmental understanding of one another is refreshing and transcends the bounds of traditional relationships. Leading up to Tennie’s thirteenth birthday, she finally learns to embrace her wants and needs as being as valid as anyone else’s and looks forward to adding a touch of ruckus to her life every now and again. This is an excellent middle grade adventure for readers who are searching for their own means of showcasing their authentic selves.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
September 13, 2021
What worked for me:
The book is “To those who take the back seat to keep the peace.” Tennie Lancaster doesn’t want to share her true thoughts and feelings, because it might make things worse for others, especially her mother. She deals with stressful situations by holding an old, broken tiara that reminds her of a time when she controlled her emotions to keep the peace. However, touching the objects of others can evoke their memories that Tennie can’t handle, so she’s forced to wear gloves all day. She feels like she’s invading other people’s privacies. Making life easier for others and not trespassing on their memories become internal conflicts Tennie must face throughout the book.
The author creates an eeriness that slowly takes over the story. The forest feels off. Tennie’s new friend Fox sees ghosts and is clearly hiding feelings. There’s something going on beneath the smooth, gentlemanly persona presented by Mr. Bolton, the man courting Tennie’s grandmother. As the story moves along, ghosts start communicating with Tennie until she can’t take it anymore. It’s time to listen, understand their problem, and put it to rest.
Fox’s character presents another mystery to unravel. The narrator constantly refers to Fox with gender-neutral pronouns, although Tennie called Fox “Ma’am” early in the book. The gender uncertainty creates a uniqueness to Fox and makes the character more endearing. The author offers many clues about Fox’s unknown distress, so it shouldn’t be a surprise when it’s finally revealed.
What could have been improved:
For much of the book, I couldn’t understand the title, because I wouldn’t describe the events as ruckuses. The climax of the story breaks the peace and involves a touch of ruckus, but a different title might better reflect what actually occurred in the book overall.
The climax could be more suspenseful. There are so many clues about the underlying issues and problems that the plot and climax don’t present many surprises. The conflict and antagonist are easily discovered, and the resolution is predictable. It’s satisfying that Tennie is able to resolve everything without the use of supernatural powers. It’s less dramatic but makes sense with everything else going on.
Final Verdict:
The book is meant to be a ghost story, and it meets that mark with flying colors. The author is able to evoke many emotions ranging from uncomfortable feelings, to fear, to anger, to hope. Many readers will be able to identify with Tennie’s need to keep the peace but will learn the importance of communication. I highly recommend you give this book a shot.
The book is “To those who take the back seat to keep the peace.” Tennie Lancaster doesn’t want to share her true thoughts and feelings, because it might make things worse for others, especially her mother. She deals with stressful situations by holding an old, broken tiara that reminds her of a time when she controlled her emotions to keep the peace. However, touching the objects of others can evoke their memories that Tennie can’t handle, so she’s forced to wear gloves all day. She feels like she’s invading other people’s privacies. Making life easier for others and not trespassing on their memories become internal conflicts Tennie must face throughout the book.
The author creates an eeriness that slowly takes over the story. The forest feels off. Tennie’s new friend Fox sees ghosts and is clearly hiding feelings. There’s something going on beneath the smooth, gentlemanly persona presented by Mr. Bolton, the man courting Tennie’s grandmother. As the story moves along, ghosts start communicating with Tennie until she can’t take it anymore. It’s time to listen, understand their problem, and put it to rest.
Fox’s character presents another mystery to unravel. The narrator constantly refers to Fox with gender-neutral pronouns, although Tennie called Fox “Ma’am” early in the book. The gender uncertainty creates a uniqueness to Fox and makes the character more endearing. The author offers many clues about Fox’s unknown distress, so it shouldn’t be a surprise when it’s finally revealed.
What could have been improved:
For much of the book, I couldn’t understand the title, because I wouldn’t describe the events as ruckuses. The climax of the story breaks the peace and involves a touch of ruckus, but a different title might better reflect what actually occurred in the book overall.
The climax could be more suspenseful. There are so many clues about the underlying issues and problems that the plot and climax don’t present many surprises. The conflict and antagonist are easily discovered, and the resolution is predictable. It’s satisfying that Tennie is able to resolve everything without the use of supernatural powers. It’s less dramatic but makes sense with everything else going on.
Final Verdict:
The book is meant to be a ghost story, and it meets that mark with flying colors. The author is able to evoke many emotions ranging from uncomfortable feelings, to fear, to anger, to hope. Many readers will be able to identify with Tennie’s need to keep the peace but will learn the importance of communication. I highly recommend you give this book a shot.
January 16, 2022
This review is on A Touch of Ruckus by Ash Van Otterloo.
Tennessee Lancaster is a people-pleaser. That's hard when she can see memories trapped in objects by touching them, but it's important in her huge family, where everyone is a little too proud to be open with each other. Then, some financial problems land Tennie at her grandmother's cottage one fall, where she has to put up with her Mimsy's new boyfriend, who has lots of money and a rotten personality. She also meets Fox, a cute kid who loves ghost-hunting and is dealing with some sadness of their own. Together, they unleash a few bone-chilling ghosts who reveal the forest that surrounds Howler's Hollow is in danger, and has been for a long time. But saving the forest, the one place where Tennie feels free, will mean causing trouble for her family, and Tennie must learn to speak up for herself, even if it means causing a touch of ruckus.
This is the first book I've read before it comes out, so thanks to the author for gifting me an uncorrected proof. I loved it even more than Cattywampus, which I didn't think was possible! It was fun to revisit Howler's Hollow and see some familiar faces. Tennie is one of the best protagonists I've read about this year, with her southern twang and relatable desire to make everybody happy. And don't even get me started on Tennie and Fox, the most perfect pair ever. I love the way their queerness wasn't the focus of the book, too. I want more books about queer kids going on adventures, and not just coming out. Both kinds of stories are important, but I think we need more in the first category. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a spooky story where the characters go on adventures both outwardly and inwardly, and the setting has as much heart as they do.
Tennessee Lancaster is a people-pleaser. That's hard when she can see memories trapped in objects by touching them, but it's important in her huge family, where everyone is a little too proud to be open with each other. Then, some financial problems land Tennie at her grandmother's cottage one fall, where she has to put up with her Mimsy's new boyfriend, who has lots of money and a rotten personality. She also meets Fox, a cute kid who loves ghost-hunting and is dealing with some sadness of their own. Together, they unleash a few bone-chilling ghosts who reveal the forest that surrounds Howler's Hollow is in danger, and has been for a long time. But saving the forest, the one place where Tennie feels free, will mean causing trouble for her family, and Tennie must learn to speak up for herself, even if it means causing a touch of ruckus.
This is the first book I've read before it comes out, so thanks to the author for gifting me an uncorrected proof. I loved it even more than Cattywampus, which I didn't think was possible! It was fun to revisit Howler's Hollow and see some familiar faces. Tennie is one of the best protagonists I've read about this year, with her southern twang and relatable desire to make everybody happy. And don't even get me started on Tennie and Fox, the most perfect pair ever. I love the way their queerness wasn't the focus of the book, too. I want more books about queer kids going on adventures, and not just coming out. Both kinds of stories are important, but I think we need more in the first category. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a spooky story where the characters go on adventures both outwardly and inwardly, and the setting has as much heart as they do.
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