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Celebrating Alumni Success: Erin Entrada Kelly's Haunting New Novel, The Last Resort
by Writing Workshops Staff
An hour ago
Celebrating Alumni Success: Erin Entrada Kelly's Haunting New Novel, The Last Resort
We're thrilled to celebrate the publication of The Last Resort, the latest middle-grade novel from our distinguished alumna, Erin Entrada Kelly. Fresh from winning her second Newbery Medal in 2025 for The First State of Being, Erin continues to captivate young readers with this spine-tingling ghost story that masterfully blends mystery, humor, and heart.
A Ghost Story with Heart
The Last Resort showcases Erin's exceptional ability to balance supernatural intrigue with authentic emotional depth. The story follows twelve-year-old Lila, whose summer plans to reinvent herself as "less dramatic" take an unexpected turn when she discovers her late grandfather's Victorian inn serves as a portal between the living and the dead.
What begins as a reluctant summer in Ohio transforms into a thrilling mystery when Lila realizes her Grandpa Clem was murdered—and his ghost needs her help to uncover the killer. With her skeptical brother Caleb and ghost-obsessed neighbor Teddy by her side, Lila must embrace the very dramatic tendencies she's trying to suppress to save both the living and the dead from evil spirits trying to cross over.
The novel even features an innovative augmented reality component, allowing readers to interact with ghosts from the story—a perfect example of how Erin continues to push the boundaries of middle-grade fiction.
A Legacy of Excellence
As a New York Times bestselling author with two Newbery Medals (2018's Hello, Universe and 2025's The First State of Being) plus a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, Erin's ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with young readers while tackling complex themes demonstrates the power of dedicated craft development and creative community support.
We Met Erin in Tuscany
Erin joined us as a student in our 2024 fiction workshop in Tuscany, led by Electric Literature editor and novelist Kelly Luce. Among the sun-drenched hills and centuries-old villages, writers gathered to hone their craft, share their stories, and forge connections that extend far beyond the workshop itself. It's always inspiring to see our alumni continue to push creative boundaries and achieve new heights in their writing careers.
Join Our Creative Community
Whether you're working on your first manuscript or your fifteenth, WritingWorkshops.com offers the guidance, community, and inspiration to take your writing to the next level. Explore our online creative writing workshops to connect with fellow writers from around the world, or consider joining us for an immersive destination retreat where creativity flourishes alongside unforgettable experiences. Who knows? You might be the next alumni success story we celebrate!
