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Reviewed by: Heather Maneiro, High School Librarian Title: A Place for Vanishing
Author: Ann Fraistat
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Year: 2024 Good for Grades: 7-12 Genre/Type of Book: Horror
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: suicide, mental illness, occult
Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: Cybils Award Nomination
If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be:
This is what I would imagine if Ryan Murphy were to reimagine American Horror Story Season 1 for the Teen Audience.
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Review:
Abstract and Mini-Review
Libby’s mother has suddenly decided that her dilapidated ancestral home, the one she has always railed against, is now the perfect place to resettle. Libby knows her mother hasn’t suddenly had a true change of heart. Libby knows the only reason they are starting over is because of Libby’s suicide attempt. Vivi is Libby’s younger sister. Vivi was a beautiful dancer with a starring role, but all of that changed too when Libby’s illness became too much. Vivi is barely tolerating Libby and their change, but their new home reawakens her love for entymology. Finn is the boy next door with a rather strange hobby revealed – he holds seances in Libby’s backyard. After all, their home is Madame Clery's House of Masks. A Place for Vanishing had me frequently thinking this could almost be the story told if Ryan Murphy had imagined Season 1 of American Horror Story with the young adult audience in mind.
Recommendation Justification
This is a wonderful horror tale for the young adult audience. Many teens want a good horror/scary tale, but are not quite ready for the likes of Stephen King or Joe Hill. The honest and bare portrayal of mental illness and suicide may be more though than some students can handle.
Uses in the Library/Classroom
With the triggers, probably not a great option for large class study, but certainly a title that will draw readers in for sustained silent reading.
Appropriateness of Artwork
The art is striking, but may not draw in as many horror fans by the cover in non-genrefied collections.
Number of party hats:
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You can also find more information about this book at the publisher's website.