THE BALLAD OF MELODIE ROSE by Kate Gordon RRP $14.99

When Melodie Rose is abandoned on the doorstep of Direleafe Hall, she realises she must be a ghost. Strangely, she is not sad. With the three other ghostly girls who haunt the school and a gloomy crow on her shoulder, Melodie has never felt more at peace. Finally there is a place for her to call home. So when a lady in white arrives with plans to flatten her beloved school, Melodie Rose must act fast to save all she holds dear. But what can one powerless ghost do? The Ballad of Melodie Rose is a life-affirming tale of belonging, being brave and being seen. "When Melodie awakes at Direleafe Hall, she becomes friends with the three school ghosts, Lucy, Florence and Nell, and believes she now too is a ghost (but isn’t sad about it). The school quickly becomes her new home, and her new friends like family. When the Lady in White buys the school and plans to destroy it, Melodie and the girls must do all they can to protect it. Perfect for ages 7+, this is a beautifully written novel from Kate Gordon, who has once again created a world little readers will love." Imogen, Dymocks Category Manager