Plot Summary
Maddie is a teenager who has died and is a ghost trapped at her school. She finds out she has been murdered and wants to find out how she died. There are other ghosts at her school from other time periods and they are all bound to the school unable to leave the premises. Her living friend Simon can “see” her spirit when no else can. There is a mystery to be solved and with the help of her ghost friends and her best friend they all try to figure out who could have possibly killed Maddie. There are some likely suspects as we will soon find out throughout the series.
Creators are Nate Trinrud and Megan Trinrud
Megan and Nate Trinrud are siblings and authors who wrote School Spirits. They are also the creators of the show and they are working on a graphic novel for the book as well (Wikipedia, 2025).
What do I like about this show?
I was hooked from the first episode! The fact that she can’t remember why or how she is killed and how her friend can see her is great! I love the other ghosts and the interactions she has with them. I super enjoy mysteries so I am incredibly excited to see more and figure out who could have “done it.”
Critical Evaluation For the Show:
It’s hard for me to critically evaluate the show after an episode or two, but I will say that I do not care for her boyfriend at all. (Or ex boyfriend rather.) I think it’s normal, though, for teens to love people that are just not that good for them and this showcases that. People love people who are terrible for them all the time.
Creative Uses for A Library Program
This is perfect because it is both a graphic novel and a tv show. There can be a compare and contrast for the graphic novels and the tv show with a book group!
Speed Round Book Talk
Maddie has been murdered and is now a ghost walking around her high school talking with other ghosts who died there. She wants to know who killed her and she can also talk to her best friend who is alive.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
I think just the fact that there are ghosts and dealing with some real possible murderers is enough for a challenge. There are some intimate scenes as well. I think paranormal activity is always something someone will have a problem with, but as I believe, freedom to explore ideas is part of the library policy, and therefore censorship is not done.
Reason for Inclusion:
This is a perfect teen mystery story with twists and turns at every opportunity. So far it seems like what the audience “thinks” is happening is not what is actually occurring and everything is not is as it seems. I love that. The cast of characters are charming, especially the other ghosts. They all have their own stories to tell.
Title: School Spirits (2023)
Author: Nate and Megan Trinrud
References:
Wikipedia. (2025). School Spirits. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_Spirits_(2023_TV_series)
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