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.

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.

Jetta and Mac are scared when a big white ghost comes their way.

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.

1943: In the midst of brutal conflict between the Allied and Japanese forces, Lieutenant Billy Boyle receives an odd assignment, sent by the powerful Kennedy family to investigate a murder in which PT skipper (and future president) Jack Kennedy has been implicated. The victim is an allied intelligence operative, whom Kennedy discovered on the island of Tulagi with his head bashed in. The first murder is followed by two more. To find the killer, Billy must sort through a tangled web of motives and identities, even as combat rages all around him.

This graphic version of the tale of the White Lady Ghost features some of the historical details that may have inspired the classic story. Additional ghost story summaries are provided in the back matter.