Many books for young people deal with magical or mystical events; what singles out The Haunting of Cassie Palmer is Cassie's background. Her mother has psychic powers and regularly communicates with the dead. Cassie's imitation of Mrs. Palmer's seance chants results in the appearance of a man whom Cassie initially thinks is a devil—a man who suggests that Cassie make voodoo dolls of her mother. Cassie does not take Deverill's suggestions seriously, but is, like the reader, at times alarmed by their implications. Alcock tempers this alarm by suggesting the possibility of coincidental occurrences rather than true supernatural events. Also, Cassie never uses her emerging powers to hurt or take advantage of anyone. Instead, she becomes responsible and compassionate. She rushes to save Mr. Roberts's life, rescues the small boy from the agitated townspeople, and legally procures Deverill's hidden treasure.

Some readers may be...