School of Phantoms

By Kory Merritt

In this spine-tingling follow-up to No Place for Monsters, which Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney called "wildly imaginative and totally terrifying," a group of unlikely friends must band together to protect their town from the monsters that are threatening to destroy it. 

The storm is coming. Who will survive?

It’s been months since Levi and Kat defeated the Boojum and rescued their town’s forgotten children. But now the strangeness has started again: hundreds of creepy snowmen pop up across town and a bizarre blizzard hits the day before spring break. 

Being trapped in the school overnight by freak weather is bad enough. But an evil is lurking . . . one far worse than ice and wind. Worse than power outages. Even worse than being stuck with teachers and annoying classmates. 

Something is roaming the darkened school halls. Something . . . hungry. Now it’s up to a small group of student survivors—along with some supernatural helpers—to uncover the cold-hearted menace before it takes the entire school. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Sep 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9780358639411

Kory Merritt

Kory Merritt is a former public school art teacher from western New York who enjoys reading weird stories, looking for strange wildlife, and drawing creepy monsters. In addition to teaching, Kory previously worked as an illustrator for the online game franchise Poptropica and its spin-off book series.

Book preview

Chapter 1

FOOTAGE RECOVERED FROM KATHERINE KAT BOMBARD’S PHONE, MARCH 16

A young girl, Kat, stands in her room, adjusting her tie and talking to a camera. A poster of a U F O hangs on the wall behind her. Kat says, Is it on? Are you recording? Levi? The cameraman Levi says, Yeah, it’s recording, go. Kat says, Okay. Um, wait. Start over. I didn’t know it was on. No, no. Never mind. I’ll just fix it in editing. Okay. Ahem! Greetings. My name is Kat Bombard.Kat puts her hand on her head with a frustrated look on her face, then talks to the camera. She says, Wait! Cut! I meant to say agent Kat Bombard. Levi says, But you’re not an agent. Kat says, C’mon, Levi! You promised you’d help me with this. Levi says, Fine! You’re an agent. You want me to stop recording? Kat says, no, leave it. I’ll edit it out. Okay, take two. Greetings. This is agent Kat Bombard.Kat talks to the camera with a serious look on her face. She says, as you know, something is happening in our normally quiet town of Cowslip Grove. Something strange. But Cowslip Grove is no stranger to strangeness. Wait, stranger to, did that sound right? Ah! Never mind! I’ll fix it in post! Strangeness, you ask? Well! See for yourself.Kat stares at the camera for a moment with her finger raised dramatically in the air, then says, You get all that? Levi says, Yeah. Now what? Kat says, Now we cut to outside. Levi asks, Like, I turn it off? Kat rushes toward Levi and shouts, Just gimme the camera!Outside in the snow, Kat films Levi with the camera. A creepy snowman with wearing a top hat and long, tattered clothes stands behind him. Levi asks, Kat? Are you filming? Kat says, Yeah. Levi asks, What do I do? Kat says, Be natural. Introduce yourself. Levi says, Oh. Um. I’m Levi Galante. Kat says, Dude, call yourself Agent Levi. Levi shrugs nervously and says, Oops. Start over? Kat says, No, forget it. We’ll do your part later. Let’s get some shots of the invaders.The camera zooms in on many creepy snowmen standing in yards all over the neighborhood. Kat says, They appeared overnight. No one knows where they came from. The people of Cowslip Grove woke one chilly morning in March and found they had arrived.The camera zooms in on a snowman standing in a field. Kat asks, Who made them? And why? And how? Opinions vary. Kat turns the camera and films both her and Levi. She says, Okay, so now we do some interviews with the locals.Kat rushes toward a woman getting mail from her mailbox. A snowman stands next to it. Kat asks, Misses Palmer, can me and Levi ask you some questions about the snowmen? A graphic on the screen reads, Misses Palmer, Cowslip resident, member of the neighborhood watch. Misses Palmer says, Well, Katherine, they don’t look right to me. What happened to the traditional wholesome attire? Carrots and mittens and cute pom-pom hats? Kat films a man standing next to another snowman in his yard. A graphic reads, Mister Orman, Cowslip Grove resident, bank manager, father of Donte the Doofus. Mister Orman says, I guess it’s just a harmless prank. Though I have no idea how the pranksters were able to make so many in one night.Kat films an angry-looking man with a mustache. The graphic reads, Mister Lowe, V P of neighborhood watch. Mister Lowe shouts, It’s illegal! Young punks vandalizing my private property! At night! It’s a clear violation of homeowner rights! Kat then films a woman taking groceries from her car. The graphic reads, Rebecca Galante, supermarket manager, Agent Levi’s mom. Rebecca asks, You really had nothing to do with it, Kat? I promise I won’t tell the Neighborhood Watch. Kat films Mister Lowe again. The graphic reads, Mister Lowe. Mustache enthusiast, lawncare aficionado. He continues to shout, and I fully intend to press charges when the guilty punks are caught!Kat films Mister Orman again. He says, To be honest, Kat, I’m curious about what you know about the snowmen. This has your fingerprints all over it. Kat films a teenage girl sitting on a couch looking at her cell phone. The graphic reads, Regina Galante, high schooler, Agent Levi’s big sister. Regina says, Get that camera out of my face, you little creeps. Kat films Mister Lowe again. The graphic reads, Mister Lowe, world-class grump-butt. He shouts, And as vice president of the Neighborhood Watch, I will not let this vandalism go unpunished!Kat films a young girl looking at one of the snowmen dressed as a creepy clown. The graphic reads, Twila Galante, local third-grader, Agent Levi’s little sister, former missing child. Twila says, I think they’re kinda cool. Way cooler than those dumb Frosty-looking snowmen. Kat turns the camera around and films her, Levi, and Twila. Kat says, All righty. This is going nowhere. We’ll do more interviews tomorrow in school. Maybe then we’ll find some answers. Twila asks, Will I get royalty checks for this documentary?

Chapter 2

Kat stopped recording and pocketed her phone. Want to come to my house tonight? We can edit the footage we shot.

Not tonight, said Levi. It’s a school night.

So? It’s the last couple days before spring break. Those hardly count as school days.

Doesn’t feel like spring, said Twila as she kicked at a slushy snow clump.

I’m sure it’ll warm up soon, said Levi, and all these weird snowmen will melt.

"What do you guys really think about the snowmen? asked Twila. Do you think they’re at all connected to—her voice dropped to a whisper—. . . the Boojum?"

Levi’s forehead creased with worry lines. The Boojum is gone. We beat it. And no other kids have disappeared since then.

We don’t know that for sure, said Kat. It can erase people’s memories. For all we know, it could still be hiding somewhere, stealing kids away, and it’s like they never existed.

Right, agreed Levi reluctantly. Gotta be careful. But I bet these snowmen are just a prank. He gave Kat a sideways look. You swear you didn’t—

"I told you, it wasn’t me! snapped Kat. There’s no way I could build all these snowmen in one night! She patted her phone. That’s why this documentary is going to be so important. Everyone needs to see that something is haunting Cowslip Grove."

Maybe we should ask Willow about the snowmen, said Twila.

Tomorrow’s the day I volunteer at the wildlife clinic, said Levi. I’ll ask Willow when I see her then.

Can I come with you? asked Twila. I was telling a kid in my class about the animals at the clinic, and he wants to see them.

Levi shook his head. We can’t let strangers know about Willow.

Twila folded her arms. So she’s just going to stay in hiding forever?

Look, we can debate this later, said Levi. Right now we’d better get home. The sun’s setting.

Wow, said Kat. Big brother bossy man!

Levi ignored this. Come on, Twila.

Twila was staring at the nearest snowman.

Twila!

Twila pulled her gaze away from the snowman and smiled sheepishly. Sorry. I just thought, for a second . . . Ah, forget it.

What?

Nothing. Just . . . I don’t know. I could have sworn that snowman was facing the other way.

Chapter 3

FOOTAGE RECOVERED FROM KAT BOMBARD’S PHONE, MARCH 17

Kat films a teacher in a classroom. The teacher stands next to a large ant farm. A graphic on the screen reads, Misses Padilla, sixth-grade teacher, bigger scientific process nerd than Bill Nye himself. Kat asks, Hey, Misses Padilla! Watcha doin? Misses Padilla says, Hi, Kat. Hello, Levi. Just some prep for tomorrow’s science lab. This is a formicarium, also called an ant farm. It will let you observe a live ant colony. Kat says, Cool! Misses Padilla looks into the camera, frowns, and says, Indeed! I, um, Kat? No phones out during school, remember? Kat says, But it’s after school! I’m filming!Kat continues to film the teacher as she prepares the lab. Misses Padilla says, Fair enough. Do you need a late bus pass? Kat says, No, we walk. Actually, we wanted to ask you some questions. See, me and Levi are making a documentary about Cowslip Grove, and we’re interviewing people about all those weird snowmen. Misses Padilla says, Ah! Interesting. Kat says, Yup! So what’s your opinion on the creepy snowmen invasion? Misses Padilla says, Oh, well, I think they’re creative. They add some flavor to the neighborhoodKat films Misses Padilla as she feeds the ants in the ant farm, then writes on the whiteboard at the front of the room. Kat says, No, I mean, where do you think they came from? Misses Padilla says, Some talented young artists. Kat says, No, like, do you think they’re connected to crop circles? Misses Padilla says, I see no supporting evidence for that connection. Kat says, Whatever. See ya tomorrow, Miss P. Misses Padilla says, Bye, Kat and Levi. Good luck in your search for unbiased evidence.Kat films Levi as they walk through the hallway at school. Levi asks, Can we go now? Kat says, Hang on. I want to do some more interviews. Levi says, But today’s the day I volunteer at the wildlife clinic. Plus Twila’s waiting for me outside. Kat says, So? She can wait. Levi says, You know I don’t like leaving Twila alone! Not after last fall. Kat says, Fine, fine.Kat turns and walks away from Levi. She says, I’ll do the interviews myself. Levi says, See you outside. Kat then films a long-haired custodian in the hallway. The graphic reads, Mister Chuck, custodian, eighties rock enthusiast. Mister Chuck says, Yeah, those snowmen are cool beans. They remind me of Calvin and Hobbes. You sixth-graders know about Calvin and Hobbes? Kat says, Sorta. Anyway, my hypothesis is that the snowmen are the work of abominable snow monsters. Mister Chuck says, Abominables? That’s crazy. Abominables are exclusive to the Himalayas. Cowslip Grove is much closer to skunk ape territory.Kat continues to film Mister Chuck as he mops the hallway. She asks, Skunk ape? He says, Like Bigfoot, but with nuclear-level stench. Heard all about it on the Out-There Truths with David Wong podcast. Kat says, Gotcha. Thanks, Mister Chuck. Mister Chuck waves and says, Any time, Kat. Truth is out there. Rock on. Kat then films a man in his school office. The graphic reads, Mister Huff. K through 6 principal, thinks Facebook is still cool. Kat says, It’s for a documentary, Mister Huff. He says, No time for interviews, Miss Bombard. I have to run to a standardized exam meeting.Outside, Kat films two boys. The graphic reads, Donte Orman and Robbie Munn, sixth-grade doofuses. Kat says, Remember, guys, if you say anything dumb, I’ll edit you out of the movie. Donte says, I’m insulted! We’re serious performers! So! The snowmen? You know anything, Robbie? Robbie says, Yup! They were built by a lost tribe of Vikings. Kat says, Get real, guys. Donte rolls his eyes and says, Says the kid who believes in yetis. Robbie makes a scary face and takes a step toward Kat. He says, It’s true! It was Viking ghosts! And if you’re not careful.Donte gasps, screams, and points behind Kat. He shouts, Behind you! Kat turns the camera around and sees students playing with snowballs behind her. She says, Huh? I don’t see. She turns back around to see Donte about to throw a snowball at her.Donte throws the snowball and it crashes into the camera. He and Robbie run away laughing. Kat cleans the snow from the camera lens. She says, If you damaged my phone, you’ll pay for it! Jerks.Levi, Twila, and another boy walk toward Kat as she films. Twila asks, Still making your movie? Kat says, Trying. Wish I had more to work with. The boy says, Ooh! Interview me! Kat asks, Aren’t you Donte’s little brother? Twila says, He’s Jordan. He’s in my class. Kat says, Sorry. No interviews with little third-graders. Jordan shouts, Not fair! Twila says, You interviewed me yesterday.Kat continues filming. Levi says, C’mon, Kat. Can’t we do this another time? Me and Twila are going to the wildlife clinic. Kat says, Oh, right. I’ll come with you. I want to interview Margalo. Twila says, I told Jordan he could come with us. Levi says, Uh, no. Sorry. Margalo isn’t expecting you. Jordan points toward the sidewalk with a frustrated look on his face. He says, Aw! Come on! I want to see the animals. Kat says, Wait. Hang on. Someone’s texting me.Text messages pop up on the screen while Kat films. They read, Katherine, where are you? You were supposed to be home an hour ago! Kat replies, I had stuff to do after school. The other person responds, Get home now! No arguments! Kat says, I, um, can’t go with you guys. Levi asks, Why? Was that your dad? Twila whispers to Jordan, Her dad’s a mega-grump. Kat looks into the camera and says, Oops. Still recording. She turns the camera off.

Chapter 4

Hey! said Jordan. This is where the Mushpits used to live. Donte always said they were witches.

Well, the Mushpits moved out last fall, said Levi. Now it’s Margalo’s Home for Unloved Creatures.

Yeah, said Jordan, but Donte and Robbie think the new lady is a witch, too.

Margalo’s not a witch, said Levi. She’s a certified wildlife rehabilitator. Jordan and Twila followed him to the front door. Listen, Margalo wasn’t expecting you, so don’t touch any of the animals. And stay away from the cellar.

Why? What’s in the cellar?

Just stay with me, okay? Levi knocked on the door. A series of squawks, yelps, and chatters erupted from somewhere within the house.

Just a moment! called a voice. Locks and bolts clicked, and the door swung open, revealing a very ordinary-looking woman. Ah, young Levi Galante! The woman looked past Levi to the third-graders. And sister Twila, good to see you. And a new face! Splendid!

This is Jordan, said Twila. Kids sometimes call him Bug Man. He’s in my class.

Pleasure to meet you, Jordan, said the woman. I’m Margalo, the wildlife rehabilitator.

Hi! said Jordan. He paused, then added: "You don’t look