How to Make a Golem and Terrify People by Alette J. Willis Grades 5-8 240 pages Floris Books January 2012 Paperback     A little creepy. A little spooky. A little weird. But these are the settings that often prove a child character's mettle. Alette J. Willis’s How to Make a Golem and Terrify People is a creepy, spooky coming-of-age story. Edda—nicknamed “Mouse”—is a meek 12-year-old struggling to fit in at the many different schools she has attended. She finally finds a home with her family, even though a school bully makes life less than ideal. An unfortunate burglary at Edda’s home on her birthday and the arrival of a strange new kid in her class, sets into motion an adventure for Edda to prove she is more than a mouse. The strange, new kid is Michael Scot. Parents will likely picture the Michael Scott of television’s The Office, or they may not. I did. Peculiar Michael is the catalyst for Edda’s adventure, pushing her way out of her comfort zone. Together, Michael and Edda make a golem to protect Edda. Making a giant mud monster is just the beginning of the weirdness, and of Edda finding courage within herself. It’s a terrific lesson for children who enjoy a little macabre reading. Light macabre, but creepy enough to keep kids engaged.     web reviews   Zane Ewton/2014 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)