A bright ninth-grader, Jack Perdu, lives on the campus of Yale University, where his father is a professor. Jack leads a lonely life as a classic prodigy and his father finds it difficult to relate to Jack.

At his father’s disposal, Jack finds himself traveling to see a doctor in New York City. Jack is puzzled by this turn of events, but intrigued at the same time. Jack hasn’t been in New York City since his mother’s death eight years earlier. His doctor’s appointment is weird to say the least and Jack becomes more confused.

While waiting for his train at Grand Central Terminal, he befriends a girl named Euri, who curiously no one else seems to know of.

Jack took a startled step back from the column. The voice was that of a girl, one he didn’t recognize. He turned to look for her. But as he scanned the other corner, his stomach clenched. The tour guide it was gone, and all the tourists were gone. Travelers were running around the mezzanine, but no one was standing near any of the columns.”

With the new friendship formed and encouragement from Euri, the two explore the underworld of Grand Central Terminal. Jack’s discovery of a ghostly underworld with hidden pathways and stairs leads him to a world where he may see his mother again.

Qualification: the night tourist

Written by: Katherine Marsh

Ages: 10 – 12

Publisher: Hyperion Children’s Books

ISBN: 978-142310689-0

Released: September 2007

Hardcover: 232 pages

Price: $17.99

Author Katherine Marsh easily brings to life the wonders of New York City history through the mystical retelling of those who have gone before. For more information about Ms. Marsh, please visit: http://www.haddixbooks.com/home.html.