Deetjen's Closet: A Quest for Magic - Paperback

by Debbie Noble Black (Author), Debbie Noble Black (Illustrator), Kelly Black (Cover Design by)

❖ First Place Winner: Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Fiction Awards (CIBA)

❖ Best Book Awards Finalist 2025

❖ Fiction Cover Design Awards Shortlist (CIBA)

It's bad enough being the new kid, but now Sara's secret belief in magic is about to go viral all over school, thanks to the Terrible Twins. To save her own skin-and even magic itself-she must prove magic exists. And fast!

Help comes from some ghostly allies she literally stumbles into, deep in an old hotel closet-ghost clothes. Yes, ghost clothes! Worn by real historical characters.

Together, the ghost clothes and Sara come up with a plan. And it just might work! Now, whether Sara has the courage to carry it out and face her tormentors...that's another matter. But what really does matter? Being right or being a friend?

Reviews:

"...a fascinating, original supernatural twist to historical facts, adding real-world substance with coastal travel highlights, a grade-schooler's relatable issues, and a touch mystery from the distant past."-Kirkus Reviews

"There's never been a trip up California's Highway One...filled with such adventure. An overnight stop at the real Deetjen's Inn in Big Sur uncovers a series of supernatural encounters with an amazing cast of historical characters." -Dan Krieger, Professor Emeritus of History, Calif. Polytechnic Univ. and Liz Krieger, Retired County Librarian