Welcome to Deephaven, where the east wing is off-limits, secrets lurk behind every door, and there's always a chance you'll be sent back home. Nev Tallow, our nonbinary tween protagonist, begins the novel with excitement for Deephaven, an exclusive school that prioritizes odd areas of scholarship. The Depression is finally over, Nev's father has been hauled away by debt collectors, and now Nev has to make their home at Deephaven. Quickly they learn the school is not exactly what it seems and that darkness lurks in the shadows. When Nev uncovers a monster living in the east wing, their entire trajectory changes, hurtling them into danger to try to save who the monster used to be. For fans of light horror, gothic literature, and school stories, this will invite readers into its clutches, and Nev's unique perspective allows them to hurtle toward the climactic end alongside them. The prose is quick-moving, black-and-white illustrations give the story ambiance, and readers will be clamoring to find out what happens next to Nev Tallow.

A student at a mysterious boarding school faces a supernatural mystery.Guinevere "Nev" Tallow is a first-year student at Deephaven Academy, which they had never heard of before receiving a mysterious pamphlet and letter inviting them to attend. As they attempt to settle into their new life, they discover that the locked east wing of the dormitory harbors a secret, as does the seemingly flawless prefect, Patience Sleepwell. Nev, who is minimally described but appears white in illustrations, is a clever, self-reliant main character who's easy for readers to relate to. Despite the evocative atmosphere-the story is set in the 1940s in a remote part of New England-the magical worldbuilding is frustratingly vague. The school may or may not teach magic, and it's unclear exactly how the universe of Deephaven works or why Nev was invited there. This and many other questions, including character motivations, are left unanswered, which makes it hard to feel satisfied with the otherwise enjoyable, spooky main plotline. Nev's nonbinary identity as well as the racial diversity of the supporting cast are non-issues, and readers may enjoy this escape from historical transphobia and racism. The illustrations are a highlight: reminiscent of etchings in an old storybook but with a modern graphic-novel flavor.Readers will hope the second volume delivers after this partially successful opener. (Supernatural. 8-13)

Following their mother’s disappearance during the Depression and their father’s later arrest, nonbinary amateur inventor Guinevere “Nev” Tallow takes their curious invitation to Deephaven Academy as a chance to start over. Upon arrival at the secluded New England school, they quickly realize that the institution is hiding something—and so are some of its students. After encountering a terrifying beast in the abandoned east wing, where a student purportedly died the year before, Nev, portrayed with pale skin, and new friend Danny, who has brown skin, set out to unravel Deephaven’s secrets. As Nev confronts a seance, a mysterious code, and devious prefects, they wonder if they’re doomed to be alone in the world and what kind of person they are. Through Nev’s insatiable curiosity, Aldridge (The Legend of Brightblade) cultivates a sometimes hazy magical-school plot that energetically conjures plenty of twists and a genuinely creepy vibe. Fine-lined b&w art enhances the atmosphere; the school’s student body is intersectionally diverse. Agent: Stephen Barbara, Inkwell Management. Ages 8–12. (Sept.)