Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

After the unexpected death of her mother, Ollie is just struggling to survive day by day. She certainly doesn't want to make any new friends, or solve any mysteries. But one day her path crosses with a sobbing woman, and Ollie leaves with a strange book detailing a sinister, supernatural "smiling man."

On a field trip with her sixth grade class, Ollie and two classmates learn that the "smiling man" is real, and he wants to take all the children away in a devilish trade. 

I really enjoyed this scary middle grade novel. Ollie's broken wristwatch is a bittersweet memento of her mother's, and I loved how it helped guide the kids through the strange world of Smoke Hollow farm. There were some genuinely creepy scenes, and the children's desperation to just go home was palpable. 

I can't wait to read the sequel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy.