Reader Comments and Reviews

Ebram's Story: Book 1  The Haunting

Member Profile: Esther Locascio (Interview in Inside the Guild, the Catholic Writers Guild newsletter)

     Maria M. Rivera, Editor, Inside the Guild

Strong family values are emphasized throughout, and the cultural diversity and interesting educational facts woven into the story make for an entertaining read, with plenty of surprise twists and turns.  Read the whole review!

     Carol Baass Sowa, Today's Catholic

I really enjoyed Esther Locascio's debut. Check it out!  Book Review

     Cliff Graham, Salt Lake City Examiner

Local Author Publishes Book; Focusing on Own Family Experiences (Interview with Helotes Echo)

     James Lee, Staff Writer, Helotes Echo

The Haunting is the story about Ebram Casas-Treski, a 12-year-old boy in a new town, a new school. Being in the lowest grade in the school--and the new kid--he is forced to deal with all of the middle school drama, as well as the bullies. Then there's his new neighborhood, a home to strange and mysterious occurrences: sounds, voices, and lights of unknown origins, and sporadic weather changes. The more Ebram and his younger brother and sisters learn about their neighborhood, the less they understand about the strange goings on. I really enjoyed reading this story, couldn't put it down. Though it's been years since I've been in the same public school atmosphere, I could easily relate with Ebram in his experience because I myself was the "new kid" a number of times, and it can be a very uncomfortable experience not unlike what many middle-schoolers go through. It wasn't just seeing through Ebram's eyes that I enjoyed. Locascio brought each of her characters to life with creative personalities and unique characteristics, evidenced partially in her Shrouda characters--an intriguing concept. It was a fast, and fun read. I think a lot of students will be able to relate to Ebram's story, it's well written and ideal for a middle school audience, with a few lessons weaved in. If you know any young teens who love to read, now you know a book they'd certainly enjoy!

     Matthew DeBettencourt, Author of "The Island of Time"

This was a great book to read. I could relate to Ebram's situation because I moved around a lot as a kid and went to several different schools. Being an educator, I also could relate to his feelings regarding the new start at another school. It was easy to follow and kept my attention throughout the entire book. Happy endings are always good, and ending this book with the main character with his family at Christmas doesn't get any better :) I definitely recommend this book, especially to parents of school aged kids and teachers.

     David Wehmeyer, Author of "Just Waiting for the Bell"

Refreshing and delightful! Young readers will certainly relate to Ebram's struggles and anxieties as the new kid in school. His coming of age story is wonderfully woven with themes of family values, cultural diversity, community involvement, and some interesting surprises along the way.

     Deede Goethke, Middle School Volunteer and Book Club Member

This is a compelling novel that is filled with imagination and will intrigue the minds of our youth. Ebram's playground project will remind kids of today to retain their inner child's past in a delightful way. I can't wait for Book 2!

     Lisa Peña, Middle School Youth Minister

A well-written book with great appeal for a wide range of readers! I was hooked to the end with its many twists and turns and "what happens next" plot.

     Joe Sosa, Grandfather of Preteen

Ebram's Story is a wonderfully written book about a close-knit family. It highlights the life of the eldest child, Ebram, and how he finds a way to deal with many changes in his life as he enters middle school.

     Kari Foote, Home Schooling Mom

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