Haunted Histories: Creepy Castles, Dark Dungeons, and Powerful Palaces

What’s more fun than learning history through ghost stories? “Ghostorian” Virgil Dante (depicted in pen-and-ink illustrations as a young, brooding, Poe-like figure) introduces readers to locations that ghosts typically frequent, including castles, dungeons, jails, workhouses, and famous graveyards. Within the context of hauntings, Everett discusses topics like the Japanese class system of the 17th century and the grim legacy of England’s Newgate prison. Readers will come for the ghosts (including the terrifying Okiku, a 14-year-old servant girl who purportedly lurks in the bottom of a well at Japan’s Himeji Castle), but should pick up some edifying facts along the way. Ages 9–12. (July)