Avi.
SEER OF SHADOWS
New York : HarperCollins, 2008
IL 3-6, RL 6.1
ISBN 0060000155

(2 booktalks)

It all begins with a “trick of the trade.” In 1872, Horace is apprenticed to photographer Enoch Middleditch. When Mrs. Von Macht requests a photograph of herself be made to calm the spirit of her dead daughter, Middleditch sees a chance for some extra money.  He instructs Horace to find, and secretly take, some photos of Eleanora, the Von Macht child. Middleditch will use his skills to add Eleanora’s image to her mother’s photograph, making it seem as if the child’s ghost is watching over her mother.  But Eleanora’s death wasn’t what it seems and neither is her mother’s grief. Horace discovers he has the skills of a “seer” – he can see things that aren’t there – and more, including the ghost of Eleanora. Horace and his new friend, Pegg, must find out why Eleanora is back and what she wants.  (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards Program, 2009-2010)

Booktalks #2

Horace Carpetine, a photographer’s apprentice in New York City in 1874, discovers he has the ability to see ghosts in photographs. Sometimes an angel hovers, indicating a death in the future; other occasions, the ghost of a dead relative appears in the image. He manipulates theses photographs in the darkroom, erasing the ghostly figures. But Horace is troubled by these “shadows” he sees.   Then Horace’s employer is hired to photograph the wealthy and recently bereaved Mrs. Von Macht.  As Horace develops the photo the ghost of the von Macht’s dead daughter appears in the background, and this time everyone can see it.   As Horace discovers the true story behind the girl’s death, the ghost gains strength  and seeks vengeance. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)