Fleming, Candace. 2012. ON THE DAY I
DIED: STORIES FROM THE GRAVE. New York: Schwartz and Wade. 9780375867811
[Suggested Grade Levels 6 – 9]
REVIEW
Fleming provides readers with a collection of related ghost
stories, all loosely based on true events occurring in or near Chicago during
the past 150 years.
Mike, the narrator, is speeding home one night when he
happens upon a soaking wet teen needing a ride home. She leaves her shoes in
his car, and when he returns to the girl’s home to deliver the shoes, the
girl's elderly mother informs Mike the girl is dead and requests that he
deliver the shoes to the near-by cemetery, where only teens are buried. Ten teenage
ghosts then share their death stories with Mike, each in his/her own chapter.
This fun and spooky collection of ghost stories will appeal
to readers seeking not-too-scary horror stories. Each chapter is best read
within the context of Mike’s visit to the cemetery, but each chapter could be
read in isolation as a separate ghost story, thereby being enjoyed by reluctant
or struggling readers. Fleming includes a “Notes” section at the conclusion of
the book explaining the true history of each character’s experience.
CONNECTIONS
This novel makes for a fun read-aloud during October, when
young readers crave spooky stories. Readers can also practice creative writing
skills by developing short stories based on true events.
RELATED
BOOKS
Other collections of scary stories:
San Souci, Robert D. SHORT AND SHIVERY. ISBN 9780440418047
Schwartz,
Alvin. SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. ISBN 9780060835200
By
Jennifer E. M. Richey
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