Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters

A family vacation to a lakeside cottage goes awry in this "Hansel & Gretel"-inspired ghost story, Pinto's debut. Indian Canadian 12-year-old Binita Bakshi has always felt embarrassed by her family ("If there was a prize for Most Embarrassing Things Parents Say, Bee's mom would be the undisputed champion," she thinks). And as one of the only brown-skinned families vacationing in the predominantly white town of Storm Lake, Bee's desire to fit in feels even more out of reach. She soon discovers a magical house across the lake where she can be "the version of yourself you want to be." There, she meets local girl Alina, who also has brown skin. Bee revels in their immediate friendship, but when Alina tells Bee about the legendary Gingerbread Witch who lives near Storm Lake, things around town take on a sinister aura. As her vacation becomes plagued by unsettling happenings, Bee endeavors to unravel the mystery behind the witch with the help of Alina and new friend Lucas, who reads as white. Bee's self-effacing personality and her embarrassment of her family is occasionally overwrought, distracting from the lively plot and multifaceted tween cast. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)

Full of twists, genuine scares, and satisfying reveals, this debut is sure to please readers in search of a thrill. Gingerbread is plentiful in this spooky "Hansel and Gretel" retelling, but the lessons about friendship are sweeter still. — Kirkus Reviews

Part fairy-tale retelling, part ghost story, part haunted house Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters adds up to one magical thing: A story that is all heart. A fun adventure with a loveable cast of characters that reminds you the only way to fit in is to just be yourself. That is the true gingerbread magic. — Ally Malinenko, author of Ghost Girl and This Appearing House