Published: 2022
Author / Illustrator: Ira Marcks
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel / Paranormal Mystery / Thriller
Audience: Grades 5–8 (Middle School)
Number of Stars: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Goodreads Link: Spirit Week
Themes: Literary Tributes, Mental Health (Dementia), Secrets and Deception, Teamwork, Filmmaking.
Publisher’s Summary
Secret rooms, eerie curses, forgotten caves. Could you survive a week in the Underlook Hotel?
Aspiring engineer Suzy Hess is invited to the famous Underlook Hotel, domain of the reclusive horror writer Jack Axworth, in the mountains above her hometown of Estes Park, Colorado. Suzy thinks she’s there to tutor Jack’s son, Danny, but instead she finds herself investigating a local curse that threatens the landmark hotel.
With the help of Elijah Jones, an amateur filmmaker who thought he’d been asked to make a film about the so-called King of Horror; Rena Hallorann, the hotel’s caretaker; and Danny, who knows more than he’s letting on, Suzy sets out to solve the mystery at the heart of the Underlook, one that holds the town of Estes Park in its grasp. With only a week to save the hotel–and the town–the friends find themselves racing against time to uncover the shadows of the past.
Full Review
Fans of Stephen King’s classic The Shining will absolutely enjoy this inventive, brilliantly tailored homage designed specifically for middle school students. In this graphic novel adaptation, the infamous, eerie “Overlook” hotel is transformed into “The Underlook.” Refreshingly, instead of pulling from the supernatural possession themes of King’s original work, the narrative grounds its horror elements by portraying Jack as a well-known writer struggling with early-onset dementia.
The investigative focus beautifully shifts to Jack’s son, Danny, who teams up with Suzy and Elijah to untangle the plot. While a handful of the niche literary and horror references might skip past the average middle school reader, author and illustrator Ira Marcks successfully weaves a suspenseful, gripping mystery that captivates young minds without relying on cheap jump-scares or visceral frights.
Though completely free from gore or graphic violence, the story remains consistently high-stakes and tension-filled as the trio delves into the hidden architectural and historical secrets of the Underlook hotel. Ira Marcks—a incredibly talented local author out of Troy, New York—masterfully showcases both his distinct artistic style and his sharp storytelling pacing in this volume. For school libraries looking to spotlight dynamic, engaging creators who can inspire art and media literacy students alike, this five-star mystery is an absolute must-have.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
- English Language Arts (Literary Allusion & Parody):
- Activity Idea: “Spotting the Allusion.” Teach students the concept of literary allusion. Map out a chart comparing Spirit Week to Stephen King’s The Shining (e.g., Overlook vs. Underlook, the setting of Estes Park, Colorado, and the character of Danny). Discuss how Marcks alters these elements to make them appropriate and unique for a younger audience.
- Art & Graphic Design (Visual Metaphors & Comic Pacing):
- Activity Idea: “Paneling Tension.” Marcks uses specific panel shapes, shadows, and color choices to build tension without using blood or gore. Have students select a single page from the book and analyze how the illustrations create a feeling of suspense (e.g., close-ups on faces, dark hallways, or angled views).
- Health & Guidance (Understanding Dementia):
- Activity Idea: Jack Axworth’s erratic behavior stems from early-onset dementia. Use the book as a gentle, empathetic opening to discuss what dementia is, how it affects a person’s memories and grip on reality, and how families navigate the emotional challenges of caring for a loved one with cognitive decline.
- Media Literacy (The Documentarian’s Lens):
- Activity Idea: Elijah goes to the hotel to make a movie. Have students design a “Storyboard Pitch” for their own short documentary about a mysterious or historic building in their own local town, practicing how to frame scenes to tell an engaging story.
