Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe - by Alyson Noël

Book Synopsis

Stranger Things meets Sideways Stories from Wayside School in this quirky supernatural middle grade novel about a boy on an unlikely quest to uncover an enchanted book to defeat an unearthly nemesis--from New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.

When he first started seeing ghosts, Max mistakenly assumed everyone else could see them, too. Now, after years of being blamed for the pranks of mischievous spirits, Max is determined to do whatever it takes to make himself normal. But when he's sent to spend the summer with his eccentric grandfather, Ramhart, being normal becomes impossible.

Here in Glimmerville, bakeries sell enchanted pies, the lake is infested with mermaids, the town's beloved ghosts roam free, and Ramhart himself is celebrated as the world's most famous monster hunter. At first, all Max wants is to survive the summer, but the more time he spends in Glimmerville, the more he starts to wonder if he's finally found a place where he can truly be himself.

But when a supernatural attack steals Ramhart's soul, Max--with the help of a few new friends--must go on a quest to find his grandfather's renowned Field Guide, an enchanted book that contains all the knowledge Ramhart has gathered about defeating unearthly nemeses. And if they don't find the book fast, Glimmerville will crumble into chaos, and Max will lose the only person who's ever made him feel at home.

Review Quotes

"Noël combines a quick pace, zany characters, and plenty of comedic relief to create a quirky adventure with heart. The over-the-top first-person narration keeps the tone infectiously light. From a Chupacabra to mutant glowworms, the creatures encountered mix the familiar with the original for delightful worldbuilding...Spectral silliness with high appeal."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Alyson Noël is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many award-winning and critically acclaimed novels for readers of all ages. With over 8 million copies in print, her books have been translated into thirty-six languages, sold in over 200 countries, and have topped the New York Times, USA TODAY, Los Angeles Times, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists, as well as several international bestsellers lists. Alyson is best known for The Immortals series, The Riley Bloom series, and Saving Zoë, which was adapted into a movie now available on Netflix. Born and raised in Orange County, California, she's lived in both Mykonos and Manhattan and is now settled in Southern California. Learn more at AlysonNoel.com.