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kid

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Noah McNichol and the Backstage Ghost

Ages

10+

Noah has been waiting his whole life for his big break. Unfortunately, Miss Magnus ruined his chance to break a leg, by breaking her leg, and Coach Fig knows nothing about theatre. Who is the mysterious Mike, and can he save the Plattsfield-Winklebottom Memorian sixth grade play from disaster?


 
Ages 10+
Pages 272
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Last Offered Jun 2026

Average Rating

1 Reviews
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What the Book is About

When Miss Magnus breaks her leg, eleven-year-old Noah McNichol and the rest of the Plattsfield Winklebottom Memorial Sixth-Grade Players are left without a director for their production of Hamlet. At first Coach steps in, but he spends more time on his phone than on the play. Then, an older man dressed in strange clothing appears out of nowhere. Who is Mike, and why has he decided to help? Could he be a ghost? As things get weirder, Noah decides that the show must go on—no matter what.

Jewish Content and Values

  • Noah is Jewish. He makes references to Hanukkah and Passover and mentions matzah brie, calling it "scrambled eggs and crackers"; his family goes out for Chinese food on Christmas, a traditional Jewish activity, and he says that schlock is a Yiddish word his dad uses.
  • Mike Einstein wears a Jewish star on his lapel. There is a reference to his being a Holocaust survivor.

Content Advisory

There are passing references to Noah going to church and celebrating Easter with his best friend Clive, even though Noah is Jewish.
What the Book is About

What the Book is About

When Miss Magnus breaks her leg, eleven-year-old Noah McNichol and the rest of the Plattsfield Winklebottom Memorial Sixth-Grade Players are left without a director for their production of Hamlet. At first Coach steps in, but he spends more time on his phone than on the play. Then, an older man dressed in strange clothing appears out of nowhere. Who is Mike, and why has he decided to help? Could he be a ghost? As things get weirder, Noah decides that the show must go on—no matter what.

Jewish Content and Values

  • Noah is Jewish. He makes references to Hanukkah and Passover and mentions matzah brie, calling it "scrambled eggs and crackers"; his family goes out for Chinese food on Christmas, a traditional Jewish activity, and he says that schlock is a Yiddish word his dad uses.
  • Mike Einstein wears a Jewish star on his lapel. There is a reference to his being a Holocaust survivor.

Content Advisory

There are passing references to Noah going to church and celebrating Easter with his best friend Clive, even though Noah is Jewish.