There’s something instantly compelling about stories set in old schools with quiet libraries, hidden histories, and ghosts who refuse to leave. When June Haunts May by Celaine Charles brings all these elements together in a heartfelt young adult paranormal story that balances mystery, friendship, and emotional healing surprisingly well.
The story follows May Blakely, a teenager who has just joined Pinedale High under circumstances she deeply resents. Angry and hurt after being left behind by her father to live with her great-grandmother, who confusingly enough is also named May, she arrives at her new school carrying a storm of emotions. Her blue hair, sharp attitude, and deliberate isolation become her armour against a world she no longer trusts. Instead of trying to fit in, May retreats into the one place where she feels invisible and safe: the school library.
But the library is hiding secrets of its own.
One day, May encounters June, a ghost who has lingered unnoticed in the library for years. June has almost forgotten what it feels like to truly be seen, and when May acknowledges her presence, everything changes. For June, this could finally be the opportunity to break free from the strange limbo trapping her spirit. For May, it becomes the beginning of an unexpected friendship that slowly chips away at the walls she has built around herself.
As the story unfolds, the novel moves beyond a simple ghost story. Alongside May and June’s growing bond is a darker mystery involving two malevolent spirits whose presence threatens the school. The supernatural elements add tension and intrigue, but the emotional core of the novel remains its greatest strength. At its heart, this is a story about loneliness, grief, abandonment, and the healing power of connection.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is its pacing. The story moves quickly without feeling rushed, making it an easy page-turner for YA readers. The narration remains engaging throughout, blending emotional moments with paranormal suspense in a way that keeps the reader invested. May, in particular, is written with a lot of sensitivity. Her anger toward her father and her reluctance to let people in feel authentic rather than exaggerated, making her a protagonist readers can empathise with even when she pushes others away.
The supporting characters also add warmth and charm to the narrative, especially Reid, whose presence brings both humour and poignancy to the story. The friendship between May and Reid develops naturally and becomes the emotional anchor of the novel.
Overall, When June Haunts May is an engaging and emotionally grounded YA paranormal read. It combines ghostly mystery with themes of friendship, belonging, and healing, creating a story that is both entertaining and heartfelt. If you enjoy young adult fiction with supernatural elements and strong emotional undercurrents, this book is definitely worth picking up.
My rating: 4.5/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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