Finalist, 2026 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults A Kirkus Reviews Best Book A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year CAN THE DEAD TALK TO THE LIVING? Discover the astonishingly true story of Maggie, Kate, and Leah Fox—the Civil War-era sisters and teen mediums who created the American séance. A real-life ghost story for young adult readers interested in the supernatural, American history, and women’s rights! Rap. Rap. Rap. The eerie sound was first heard in March of 1848 at the home of the Fox family in Hydesville, New York. The family’s two daughters, Kate and Maggie, soon discovered that they could communicate with the spirit that was making these uncanny noises; he told them he had been a traveling peddler who had been murdered. This strange incident, and the ones that followed, generated a media frenzy beyond anything the Fox sisters could have imagined. Kate and Maggie, managed (or perhaps manipulated) by their elder sister Leah, became famous spirit mediums, giving public exhibitions, and advising other celebrities of their day. But were the Fox sisters legitimate? In the years that followed their rise, the Civil War killed roughly 1 in 4 soldiers, increasing the demand for contacting the dead. However, media campaigns against the sisters gathered steam as well... This thrilling and mysterious true story from veteran author Barb Rosenstock (Caldecott Honor winner) will spark teens’ interest in American history, encourage media literacy, and reveal insights into the Civil War era, fake news, and women's rights. ★ "A biography of the Fox sisters, mysterious 19th-century mediums whose spirit circles led to the foundation of a new, highly influential religion... Rosenstock effectively and objectively presents historical facts alongside primary sources—journal entries, letters, newspaper clippings, photos—as she explores whether the Foxes truly experienced supernatural phenomena or whether it was a hoax all along. She also excels at integrating the larger social and historical context in which Spiritualism rose to prominence, drawing clear connections between the facts presented. A suspenseful, well-researched read filled with fascinating and evocative visuals." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A detailed and engaging account of the Fox sisters, who started the 19th-century Spiritualist movement. Pages turn quickly with short chapters and Rosenstock’s intriguing ghost story–writing style. Extensive documentation is provided, ­including source notes, bibliography, and index. A great choice for teens who enjoy ghost stories and those interested in con artists or history. Recommended for all libraries."— School Library Journal “Rosenstock, known for her award-winning informational picture books, turns to an older audience as she examines how the Fox sisters drove the Spiritualism movement in the nineteenth century. In meticulous detail… Rosenstock frames their rise and fall with the state of the nation, from deadly diseases to political divisions over slavery. By the end of this intriguing account, which is supported by copious source notes, readers must decide if the Fox sisters were mediums or tricksters, famous or infamous—or a bit of both.”— Booklist “When the mysterious knocking began in the Fox family’s rural New York cottage in 1847, no one could have predicted that the Fox daughters and their claims of speaking to the dead would inspire an entire movement, one that intrigued believers and cynics alike for decades... this nonfiction account seeks neither to prove nor disprove those claims, instead remaining tightly focused on the Fox sisters, from their hopeful beginnings to their tragic later years... the story is mostly recounted in newspaper headlines, direct quotes from notable believers and skeptics, detailed recordings of the seances, and photographs, underscoring a major theme of the book: 'Maggie and Kate were both at the center of the story—and left out of it.' Society was happy to listen to the girls when they were shiny and new, but once the novelty wore off, it was just as happy to leave them behind with only the dead for company.”— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (Recommended) "Fascinating... will captivate, thrill and educate YA readers."— Brightly "Rosenstock evenhandedly explores the flawed methods used to ascertain the truth as well as offering pertinent discussions of confirmation bias, media influence, and the limited options available to mid-nineteenth-century women... Meticulously researched."— The Horn Book “Wondrous storytelling….well-researched and wonderfully readable….As she tells the sisters’ story, Barb Rosenstock provides some broader historical context and explores how reasonable people come to hold unlikely beliefs—a topic as relevant today as it was in 19th century America.”— Caroline Carlson , Literary Hub "The history of spiritualism is fascinating and Rosenstock explores all of its surreal