Children's short middlegrade adventure/fantasy with goblins, 'dark' magic, and steampunk-like mechanical elements. [Maybe 4th-6th grades?] Part of a series, but with separate characters/stories (can definitely stand alone, so this is a potential contender for the Newbery).

I wasn't too impressed with Goblin Secrets (despite not-as-prestigious-as-you'd-think National Book Award status) but figured I'd give this one a chance--didn't actually get more than a few pages in, unfortunately, because I was so put off by the impracticality of the baker's Inspection/punishment--several days a year spent evaluating and punishing bakers just seemed ridiculous. However, this turns out to be an actual practice during the Middle Ages,persisting more as a form of public entertainment rather than a way of keeping bakers honest--especially if, as in the book, they know in advance when the Inspection is going to be. Anyway, in light of this information (thank you, Internet), I suppose I can give this a second chance.. stay tuned.

Ok, that said: over the course of a few hours I'd finished the book, and actually it was good. Lots of adventure, a few goblins/otherwordly creatures, very mild violence (if dunking people in water is considered violence). Battles were all fought with music/logic rather than swords and knives; there was zero swearing or adult situations. It was nicely paced (the book appears hefty enough for the age range but it never dragged), and the characters were interesting and likeable. I think there are other books out there more worthy of the Newbery this year, but I wouldn't mind too much if this one won. ( )

I didn't like it quite as much as Goblin Secrets, but still a wonderful book, very inventive and beautifully written. ( )

Right from the very first sentence, "The last day of Kaile's life did not start well," I could tell that I was going to like this book. Kaile's family owns a bakery and, long story short, Kaile's mother throws performing goblins out of the shop, who curse the family until Kaile brings them a peace offering. In turn, they give her a special flute made of bone. When she plays it, the flute insists on one song only. Something about the song makes her shadow separate from her body, which is a sign that she is dead. But she isn't really, but no one else seems to know. I particularly liked the shadow, who has its own perspective on Kaile's actions. She and the shadow must together figure out why the flute only plays one song and why that song is needed. ( )

William Alexander's Ghoulish Song is a short read and an adventurous, magical tale. Though technically the companion to Goblin Secrets, in which readers are first introduced to the city of Zombay, it isn't necessary to read this previous offering to enjoy Kaile's story.

Kaile dreams of being a musician and following in the steps of her grandfather, who recently passed away. In Zombay, music is magic that musicians use to protect the city and its inhabitants. Kaile often refers to stories and advice her grandfather shared, which serves to give the reader an understanding of Kaile's devotion to her grandfather as well as an understanding of the power of music.
"Music ties knots, and unties them, he had told Kaile. Think about a lullaby, one that ties up the world to make it a safe place for sleeping. It doesn't just convince the child - it convinces the world. Think about a funeral song. It can untie the string we use to hold our grief and let it all spill out. The same song, the very same song, can tie us back together again after we've spilled out." - Pg 32-33 of arc
Kaile tries to be good and follow the direction of her mother, who she feels cares more about her bakery and her position as the best baker in town than about Kaile, but she can't seem to say no when it comes to the magic of music, even when she knows she should. After an unfortunate incident with a goblin troupe, Kaile comes into possession of a flute made of bone, which, when played, separates her shadow from her feet, and sets into motion the events of the novel.

One of my favorite aspects of Ghoulish Song was Kaile's commentary regarding the other characters, like her brother, Snotfish. These descriptions feel realistic. Though she lives in the magical city of Zombay, she still has to deal with her annoying little brother.
"Doctor Boggs hadn't paid a visit to Broken Wall since the Snotfish broke his leg - again - by doing exactly the same thing he had been doing the first time he had broken his leg. He fell from a crate stacked on top of another crate, which he had stacked on a table in the public room. He had been tying several lengths of twine to the rafters. Kaile didn't know why the Snotfish had been tying twine to the rafters, and she had never asked. Either he wouldn't answer, or else he would for hours and hours, and either way she would regret asking." - Pg 47 of arc
Kaile's shadow becomes a central character as well. Like Kaile in some ways, yet a definite individual, Shadow's observations and dialogue offer depth and maturity Kaile has yet to achieve. In essence, Shadow completes Kaile and possesses half of the qualities that ultimately allow her to defeat the ghoul that's bent on destroying Zombay.
"'Tell me why you left,' Kaile said. 'Tell me why you aren't attached to my feet anymore.'
I heard music, the shadow said. It was beautiful and wrenching. It unmoored me. It cut me away from you. I huddled in our room while so many other people came in. Then they all left, and you left with the lantern. You left me almost in the dark. I followed. The only thing I know how to do is follow you. I don't want to. You never noticed me when you dragged me across the ground while walking. You never noticed when someone else stepped on my face. I don't want to be anywhere near you. But near you is the only place I know." - Pg 55-56 of arc
Ghoulish Song is creative with beautiful writing. I think young readers will identify with Kaile while enjoying the delightful world Alexander has created. ( )