Hahn, Mary Downing.

THE OLD WILLIS PLACE : A GHOST STORY
New York : Clarion Books, 2004.
IL 5-8, RL 6.2
ISBN  0618430180

(2 booktalks)

Dianna and her younger brother, Georgie, roam the grounds of the  Old Willis Place. Bound by strict rules, the two never dare to leave the premises or reveal themselves to anyone. As they watch from the shadows of the woods, another caretaker moves into the caretaker’s house.  Many have come and gone, but this time it’s different.  This one has a daughter Dianna’s age.  As Dianna longs for the companionship of a girl her own age, she struggles with taking care of her younger brother and knowing the rules. They must never reveal themselves.  What are they afraid of? What harm could it really do?  (New Hampshire Great Stone Face 2007)

Booktalk #2

Diana and her little brother Georgie have been living in the woods behind the old Willis place, a decaying Victorian mansion, for what already seems like forever. They aren't allowed to leave the property or show themselves to anyone. But when a new caretaker comes to live there with his young daughter, Lissa, Diana is tempted to break the mysterious rules they live by and reveal herself so she can finally have a friend. Somehow, Diana must get Lissa's help if she and Georgie ever hope to release themselves from the secret that has bound them to the old Willis place for so long.  (Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award 2008)