A Ghost Story
Written by Mary Downing Hahn
When Daniel’s father loses his job, he and his family move from Connecticut to the small town of Brewster Hill in West Virginia. The house they move into is old and dilapidated with a mysterious past. The townsfolk are not friendly to “outsiders” and this makes school for Daniel and his little sister, Erica, almost unbearable. About the only thing anyone will talk to them about is a witch named Old Auntie, her companion Bloody Bones, and how 50 years ago a little girl went missing from the home Daniel’s family lives in now. Daniel doesn’t believe any of the things they say until little Erica disappears or, as the townsfolk say, “she was took.”
Mary Downing Hahn has written another masterfully told horror story in Took. The book is full of mystery, scares and suspense. There is just enough creepiness for middle school readers who love scary stories. The characters are so descriptive that you visually see them as you read. And there are some great characters. The setting in the small town and woods that surround it also adds to the eerie feel. Oh and did I mention, there is a doll. Spooky! If you like scary stories, read Took.
Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 5-8 or anyone who likes scary stories
Took: A Ghost Story
Written by Mary Downing Hahn
Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
264 pages
Release Date: September 15, 2015
I love books by Mary Dowmomg Hahn, her books are very scary. I will put this one on my list to purchase. Thanks for the review
Opps typo-Mary Downing Hahn.
I saw this book at the book fair. The kids really like this author. I’ll add to my list to order. Thanks for your review.
That cover is really creepy! The kids will love this, as will I. Thanks for the review.
This was a big seller in our book fair this year. Students love Mary Downing Hahn.
She is such a great ghost story writer!! Got 3 copies from the book fair and they already have holds on them.
I usually don’t comment on my own reviews, but I just read it and noticed I wrote Massachusetts for where the family moved to and it was really West Virginia. It makes more sense for the folklore in the story and the setting. Where I got Massachusetts I will never know!!
Fixed. Thanks for letting us know.
That book sounds like it will give me nightmares.
This book sold like hot cakes at the Book Fair, the kids were so excited when I told them that there are other books in the library by the same author.
Great review Renee! But I’m a wimp when it comes to scary stories so I probably won’t be reading it. ;)
I will have to read this book and buy it for the library. Students do want the scary books. I can’t blame them. I like a good scare too.
Our children just love those scary books! Mary Downing Hahn is a favorite!
I just got this for my school at our book fair, I am excited to read it. I love Mary Downing Hahn books they are so scary!
Mary Downing Hahn is also a winner at our school! I have been recommending her books for years and the kids (and adults) always seem to love them. Can’t wait to get this one!
Ever since our Scholastic book fair, the students have been so excited about this book. Thank you for a wonderfully written review!
This is great to know of another scary Mary Downing Hahn book – we don’t have this in our library. Thanks for the review!
Like many others that commented, this was at our book fair and I had to get a hard cover copy for the library. It will be popular like the rest of Mary Downing Hahn’s books. Thanks for the review!