Milo’s father is the Ferryman, delivering the ghosts of the dead to the Island of the Broken Tower, where they rest in peace as long as their shoes go with them. Milo’s sensitivity keeps his father from training him to become a Ferryman; to look upon a ghost is to invite death upon oneself, and he knows it would be difficult for Milo to keep up his guard. After the local Lord’s teenage daughter dies and her mother delivers her shoes to the Ferryman, the Lord demands they be returned to him. He regrets not spending time with his daughter, Gabrielle, and believes his magicians can bring her back to life. Milo’s father refuses to aid such dark magic and is killed by the Lord’s men. With Milo’s older brother taken prisoner, it is up to inexperienced Milo to deliver Gabrielle’s ghost and four others to the island on his own. Milo races their boat toward the island with the Lord’s men and his evil magicians, conjuring dark magic, in pursuit. This thrilling tale is more than a story of good vanquishing evil. It is one of great compassion as Gabrielle’s ghost spurs Milo’s empathy, which helps him see how the Ferryman can do more than deliver the ghosts of the dead; he can also bring comfort to them and those they leave behind. Striking full-page illustrations in black, white, and blue add to the elegance and ambience of this original fairy tale with an all-white cast of characters.

A remarkable and ultimately heartwarming story of grief, family, kindness, and being true to yourself. Multiple starred reviews and a rave from the New York Times Book Review, which praised it as "incredibly hopeful."

Part gothic thriller and part seafaring coming-of-age story, this new illustrated middle grade fantasy from award-winning author Frances Hardinge and acclaimed illustrator Emily Gravett is about a strange island filled with ghosts and long-buried secrets.

On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father's sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead.

Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?

A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Boston Globe Best Book of the Year
A Horn Book Fanfare List selection