Hide and Seeker
by Daka Hermon
Intermediate, Middle School    Scholastic    320 pp.    g
9/20    978-1-338-58362-5    $17.99
e-book ed.  978-1-338-58364-9    $10.99

Zee had been missing for over a year. Now he’s back, but something is not right. From the moment Justin, Lyric, and Nia arrive at Zee’s house to celebrate his homecoming and birthday, things are very strange indeed. Attempting to reconnect with their friend and distract themselves with some fun, they play a game of hide and seek — which turns menacing as the friends start to disappear one by one. Hermon spins a gripping tale that draws readers into a world where friendships are put to the ultimate test and grief, loss, and terror are around every corner. In the bizarre underworld of “the Seeker,” one’s fears become reality. As his friends disappear, narrator Justin must find the courage to help them, all while confronting his own fears. At times moving, thrilling, and downright scary, this suspenseful horror story delivers a welcome diverse (mostly Black) cast and well-rounded characters. Those who “seek” stories that will surely keep them up at night need look no further.

From the March/April 2021 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.