This volume introduces short stories and essays by Kita Morio (1927-2011), one of the most significant, prolific, and beloved post-war writers in Japan. Also known by his literary persona, Dokutoru ManbÅ (Doctor Manbo), Kita was a remarkably versatile writer who produced both serious and comical works in a wide variety of genres. The short stories and essays included in this collection have been carefully selected from Kita's large body of writings to exhibit the breadth of his work. The collection includes his autobiographical fiction, comical essays, science fiction, somber fictional stories, and stories for children. Death, a work of autobiographical fiction, depicts the death and the writer's memories of his father, SaitÅ Mokichi, one of the most important poets in modern Japan. Being a psychiatrist and bipolar patient himself, Kita comically talks about his eccentric behavior during the manic state in the essay "I Am a Manic Patient." The title story, "The Red Ghost and the White Ghost," is a children's story about two ghosts who are incapable of scaring people. Although it is a story for children, Kita subtly includes his criticism of modern society where people value only scientific and tangible things.

Set in a fascinating alternative world in which ghosts are real, the United States never came into existence and Russia is still ruled by the Romanovs, this sequel to Of Tangible Ghosts and The Ghost of the Revelator continues the adventures of semi-retired spy Dr. Johan Eschbach. His lovely wife Llysette du Boise, a refugee from the burning remains of France and a world-famous novelist, has been invited to provide a command performance for the Russian Imperial household. Johan accompanies her, allowing him to work on the oil concession in Russian Alaska that Columbia so desperately needs and do some spying on the side. Johan's espionage is carried out against the backdrop of the famous white nights of St. Petersburg, the nearly Arctic midsummer when the sun barely dips below the horizon and the sky seems to dissolve in ivory light. But even the oil shortage will fade to insignificance when Johan discovers what new weapons technology the Russians are developing, a threat even more fearsome than the atomic bombs of Austro-Hungary. Working in the tradition of Gordon R. Dickson and Poul Anderson for hard-edged adventure with sophisticated social and political dimensions, Modesitt provides a unique blend of speculation and intrigue that brings the trilogy to a rousing end.

Have you ever had the feeling a doll was watching you? Jenna finds the perfect gift for her sister at a neighbor’s garage sale—a beautiful old doll dressed all in red velvet. Jenna can’t believe her luck. Not only does Mrs. Tate seem happy to be rid of the doll, she even gives it to Jenna for free! But when Jenna takes the doll home, trouble begins. First her best friend gets a creepy feeling whenever she’s around it. Then the family cat hisses at the doll, and at night, Jenna thinks she can hear it moving around in her closet. Finally, when Jenna gives the doll to her sister, she won’t take it. Could the red velvet doll be haunted? And if it is, what can Jenna do? In this companion book to The Blue Ghost, Newbery Honor winner Marion Dane Bauer masterfully tells a doll story full of suspense and shivers.

It's Hallowe'en and there's talk of a ghost on Birdwell Island. Jetta and Mac aren't scared, but what would they do if they actually did meet a ghost?

Presidents of the United States might get some creepy houseguests during their time at the White HouseÑformer presidents! Find out which presidents have been sighted haunting their old home and what their unfinished business might be in this high-interest title for young readers.