Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Sandpiper (2008)
Description
Molly and Michael dislike their spooky new stepsister Heather but realize that they must try to save her when she seems ready to follow a ghost child to her doom.
Media reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7 Ghost story fans have a spooky treat in store with Hahn's eerie new novel. Molly, the 12-year-old narrator, and her brother Michael dislike their bratty 5-year-old stepsister Heather and resent the family move to an isolated converted church in the country.
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The adjourning graveyard frightens Molly, but Heather seems drawn to it. Molly discovers that the ghost of a child (Helen) who died in a fire a century ago wants to lure Heather to her doom. Molly determines to save her stepsister. In so doing, she learns that Heather's strange behavior stems from her feelings of guilt at having accidentally caused her mother's death by playing near a stove and starting a fire. Eventually, Molly wrests Heather from Helen's arms as the ghost attempts to drown them. The girls discover the skeletons of Helen's parents, and their burial finally puts to rest Helen's spirit. This is a powerful, convincing, and frightening tale. The details of everyday life quickly give way to terror. The pace never slackens. Characterization is strong, and descriptive passages set a mood of suspense. There should be a heavy demand from readers who are not "faint at heart." Judy Greenfield, Rye Free Reading Room, N.Y Show Less
Subjects
Original publication date
1986
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User reviews
LibraryThing member WSRobitaille
Molly and her brother Michael have just moved to the country to live in a converted church with their mother, step father and their horrible new step sister Heather. Trying to get along with Heather is not easy, as the youngest of the family she constantly fights, lies, cries and tries to pressure
This book is a really great ghost story designed for younger readers. The characters and family dynamics are very realistic, which makes the things they do and how they react to the various developments seem perfectly natural. The details that go into fleshing out the characters and the plot really make this story enjoyable, and when you add in the ghost, well, you’ve got yourself the prefect read for a dark and stormy night.
This book was a YRCA winner in 1989.
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her father into thinking that her new step-siblings are horrible to her when it’s really the other way around. When Molly finds out there is an old graveyard on the property she is uneasy, but when Heather starts going into the graveyard to talk to one of the graves and strange things start to happening, Molly is forced to confront her fears to protect her family from Heathers spooky new friend. This book is a really great ghost story designed for younger readers. The characters and family dynamics are very realistic, which makes the things they do and how they react to the various developments seem perfectly natural. The details that go into fleshing out the characters and the plot really make this story enjoyable, and when you add in the ghost, well, you’ve got yourself the prefect read for a dark and stormy night.
This book was a YRCA winner in 1989.
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LibraryThing member ywoo
Heather hates Molly and Michael. Heather has no friends.Then she mets Helen the ghost and be friends with her. Because Heather hates Molly and Michael she use Helen to kill Molly and Michael. AND guess what happens?????????
LibraryThing member allawishus
This was a fairly satisfying ghost story, sure to provide thrills and chills to intermediate-level readers. Molly and Michael have a new stepsister, Heather, who is making their lives unpleasant. When Molly discovers Heather may be possessed by a ghost, she's got to figure out how to help her -
I enjoyed it for what it was; I have to say that the blended-family dynamics probably played out more realistically than your average Brady Bunch episode; but the parenting still really bothered me in this book - Heather's dad is outright mean to Molly and Michael. I'd have a very hard time accepting his behavior from my spouse or from any interloping stepdad! But it sure ratcheted up the tension in the book, which I'm sure was the author's purpose.
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before it's too late!I enjoyed it for what it was; I have to say that the blended-family dynamics probably played out more realistically than your average Brady Bunch episode; but the parenting still really bothered me in this book - Heather's dad is outright mean to Molly and Michael. I'd have a very hard time accepting his behavior from my spouse or from any interloping stepdad! But it sure ratcheted up the tension in the book, which I'm sure was the author's purpose.
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LibraryThing member JRlibrary
In this fast moving, simple story by Hahn, a blended family moves to a converted church in the country. The church doesn't really figure into the story except for the fact that nearby is a cemetery. Twelve year old Molly and her ten year old brother Michael try really hard to get along with their
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step-sister Heather, who is spoiled and runs to her dad telling lies about the two of them constantly. They are charged with keeping her out of trouble while their mom paints and their step dad works on his pottery. This is not an easy task, especially once Heather starts communicating with a ghost, who she calls Helen. Heather insists that Helen is going to get them, and make them pay for all the times they've been mean to her. Initially, Molly believes in Helen, but Michael is quite skeptical, but evidence, including some historical records, points him to the frightening conclusion that Helen is not just Heather's imaginary friend. By the time they figure out that they should be afraid, it might be too late. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ricky21
This was my favorite book when I was younger. I've read it more times than I can count. I love how the two unwilling sisters become friends in the end, and learn to trust eachother. The ghost part is scary and sad. The idea of a little girl seeing a ghost, and that ghost is trying to lead the girl
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to her death so the ghost won't be alone. Ah, so sad. But, in the end, everything is worked out Show Less
LibraryThing member trosel75
This is a story about a ghost named Helen who died in a house fire and a family. One of the chilren met Helen at a graveyard and Helen tries to turn her against her sister. Helen wants the girl to die to so she could have someone to play with. Addy the girl that Helen plays with gets saved by her
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sister. I read this book because my daughter brought it home and she kept talking about it and how good it was so I read it. I always liked ghost stories. I think I would read this book to a 5th or 6th grade class and use it to show how sibilings should rely on each other. Show Less
LibraryThing member TammyGant
What can I say? There is no such thing as a bad ghost story from Mary Downing Hahn!
LibraryThing member BeatrixKiribani
After Mollie's Mother remarried, the family, including Mollie's brother Michael and new sister Heather, moves into the country so that the parents have studio room. Heather, however hates the idea and decides to make Mollie and Michael's life a horrible nightmare. Although she is the one causing
This book would excite any reader, giving them a nice fright.
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the problems, since she is much younger and still trying to get over her mother's tragic death, the blame always seems to fall on Mollie and Michael. To make matters worse, Heather claims to see a ghost named Helen, and she is out for Mollie. This book would excite any reader, giving them a nice fright.
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LibraryThing member prkcs
Good ghost story for kids. Helen is a real shimmering, vindictive, little girl ghost who preys on lonely little girls and entices them to join her with stories of mermaids, crystal palaces and friendship eternal.
LibraryThing member beckylynn
I thought this book was pretty creepy. It includes all the details, cemetaries, evil step sisters, unbelieving parents, crumbling old house, but my students didn't find it that scary. However, that could be because we were reading it in full daylight as a group! Yeah...that's what I'm betting on!
LibraryThing member MerryMary
Finally a copy of my own. Very well-written, remarkably scary book for the intended age group. Involves a not-so-happily blended family, and the struggles Molly has trying to adjust to a younger stepsister who is manipulative and spoiled. Hard enough to do with the interference of a ghost.
LibraryThing member TheLibraryhag
Molly and her brother, Michael, are not thrilled to be leaving Baltimore to live out in the country in a renovated church. Molly really is not excited to be sharing a bedroom with her stepsister, Heather. Heather is a sullen child who resents her new step-brother and sister and especially her new
This is a good ghost story. It is just scary enough. And there is an excellent story about blended families and their issues as well as a lesson about the power of forgiveness. I am glad that I finally read this kid's ghost story. I will certainly be recommending it in the future.
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step-mother. When Molly finds out their new home includes an old cemetery, she is less than thrilled, but Heather seems to be drawn there. Molly soon discovers that Heather has a friend in the cemetery and she does not think it is the imaginary kind. Molly is convinced that this friend, Helen, is a ghost. After doing a bit of research, she is also convinced that Helen plans to kill Heather and she is determined to stop the ghost, no matter what.This is a good ghost story. It is just scary enough. And there is an excellent story about blended families and their issues as well as a lesson about the power of forgiveness. I am glad that I finally read this kid's ghost story. I will certainly be recommending it in the future.
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LibraryThing member hailey.parker98
This book is about a 13 year old girl who moves into a haunted house. Her mom gets married and she then has a little sister. Her little sister sneaks around to try to find rocks to collect when they find that their new house has a graveyard in the back. At that momennt the 10 year old sister meets
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a ghost named Helen. Helen then tries to drown her when the big sister saved her. Show Less
LibraryThing member beckers
This is about a little girl and her dad who marrys 2 kids mom but the little girl has a secret a really horrible secret that will drive you crazy as she goes along she annoys the butt out of her 2 siblings
LibraryThing member JaWi0129
The book was okay but it could have been a little bit better. The story has a feeling that something like it happened before. It was a pretty played out thing
LibraryThing member laurels009
I think this book is scary, strange, some sweet part but it has very nice part and scary ones to I give it 5 stars!!!!
LibraryThing member SQAdams
Wait Till Helen Comes is a ghost story about a family that moves into a house connected to an old church. The cemetery behind the church holds the grave a young girl whose spirit is haunting one of the children which causes problems for the troubled new family.
This novel was highly entertaining
This novel was highly entertaining
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and a real page turner! The characters have a deep back story that is woven into the main storyline. The ghost story builds throughout the novel and leads up to a chilling ending. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys ghost stories and young adult novels! Show Less
LibraryThing member DayehSensei
This book is a quick read because it is certifiably scary. The story is told through the eyes of Molly, who does not get along at all with her creepy stepsister, Heather. When Molly's mother and father move the family (which includes Molly's brother Michael) out to the country, strange, paranormal
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events start to happen. Molly insists the series of events are taking place due to the fact that Heather communicates with ghosts, namely Helen, who happens to be the same age and have the same initials as Heather. Nobody believes Molly until things take a turn for the worst and she alone is left to save her stepsister's life. Show Less
LibraryThing member JadaSargeant
Mary Downing Hahn an award winning author of college park, Maryland, Has been writing excellent horror stories since 1982. She’s written up to 28 novels and they’re all wonderful.
Although for me her novel Wait Till Helen Comes stood out for me as her best work. The beginning starts a little
My opinion would be that this book is excellent. I thought it was a relatable story to many dealing with moving problems and of course younger siblings. When I finished I found myself longing for two things; another chapter and a little sister of my own. Although this book was short I finished in one day because I couldn’t put it down! I give this book 10 out of 10.
Although for me her novel Wait Till Helen Comes stood out for me as her best work. The beginning starts a little
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slow and is a tad confusing. At first I had trouble knowing who was telling the story, but everything becomes clear just in time for the excitement. This is not just a horror story though; it’s also about family, it relates to those who have lost somebody or something, to those who had a childhood friend and to those who had younger or older siblings growing up. All in all there is something for everyone in this book. My opinion would be that this book is excellent. I thought it was a relatable story to many dealing with moving problems and of course younger siblings. When I finished I found myself longing for two things; another chapter and a little sister of my own. Although this book was short I finished in one day because I couldn’t put it down! I give this book 10 out of 10.
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LibraryThing member Hailey.Parker1234
This book is about a 13 year old girl who moves into a haunted house. Her mom gets married and she then has a little sister. Her little sister sneaks around to try to find rocks to collect when they find that their new house has a graveyard in the back. At that momennt the 10 year old sister meets
This book is a really good scary book. I love all of the books Mary Downing Hahn writes. This book happens to be one of my favorite ones. If you want to read a scary book about ghosts, then i think you should read this book. Mary Downing Hahn writes alot of scary books so if you like this one, then you will like all the rest of hers too! I rate this book a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. I rated it like that because there are some parts that are left hanging, and some that can be lead for a long time and not make sense.
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a ghost named Helen. Helen then tries to drown her when the big sister saved her.This book is a really good scary book. I love all of the books Mary Downing Hahn writes. This book happens to be one of my favorite ones. If you want to read a scary book about ghosts, then i think you should read this book. Mary Downing Hahn writes alot of scary books so if you like this one, then you will like all the rest of hers too! I rate this book a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. I rated it like that because there are some parts that are left hanging, and some that can be lead for a long time and not make sense.
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LibraryThing member swonnacott
When twelve-year-old Molly and her brother, Michael, are forced to move out to the country with their mother, step-father, & step-sister, they are unhappy. Molly's new step-sister isn’t the one who you want to have her as a sister because she gets Molly and Michael in treble. The new house thy
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move in to be an old church. While they were looking around they found a graveyard in their backyard. Molly was really scared of dead people so she never dared to go back there, Michael was really happy because he was exited to do experiment on the bone but Heather on the other hand was obsessed with one grave. Helen was written on the stone. Helen become friend with Hither, Helen was trying to kill Heather so she won’t be lone again!! Do you think Heather dies???? Show Less
LibraryThing member Sasha_Doll
I fell in love with Mary Downing Hahn in the 90s, with Doll in the Garden and Time for Andrew. As fantastic as those are, they fall a bit short of Wait Till Helen Comes. It's possibly more of a young adult book because it is, simply, very scary! And so well written that it leaves most children's/YA
Heather is such a whiny little brat. Always getting Michael and me into trouble. But since our mother married her father, we're stuck with her...our "poor stepsister," who lost her real mother in a mysterious fire. But now something terrible has happened. Heather has found a new friend, out in the graveyard behind our home--a girl named Helen who died with her family in a mysterious fire over a hundred years ago. Now her ghost returns to lure children into the pond...to drown. I don't want to believe in ghosts, but I've followed Heather into the graveyard and watched her talk to Helen. And I'm terrified. Not for myself, but for Heather....
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books in the dust--or should I say in the grave? Here's the blurb:Heather is such a whiny little brat. Always getting Michael and me into trouble. But since our mother married her father, we're stuck with her...our "poor stepsister," who lost her real mother in a mysterious fire. But now something terrible has happened. Heather has found a new friend, out in the graveyard behind our home--a girl named Helen who died with her family in a mysterious fire over a hundred years ago. Now her ghost returns to lure children into the pond...to drown. I don't want to believe in ghosts, but I've followed Heather into the graveyard and watched her talk to Helen. And I'm terrified. Not for myself, but for Heather....
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LibraryThing member rwilliamson
I finally got around to reading this book that my students who are love ghost stories have been recommending to each other. It was a winner. Molly’s family including her mother, brother, Michael, her mom’s new husband, and bratty stepsister, Heather, move into an old church in the country. Her
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stepsister claims to talk to Helen, the ghost of a seven year old who died a hundred years ago. Heather insists that when Helen comes she will get even with Molly. Although she tried to help Molly’s mother and stepfather believe that she is trying to cause trouble for Heather. Mary Downing Hahn’s books are the perfect blend of terror and family problems. The characters are likeable and realistic. Several of my students have read every one of her books in our collection. This might be a fun book club choice a special scary book for Halloween. Show Less
LibraryThing member Heather19
This book is "below" my reading level, but I've read it five times and love it every single time. It's creepy and suspenseful.
LibraryThing member cminter
Love this book. Great ghost story but beware - it IS scary. I advice children to NOT read this before bedtime. It is very age appropriate for 4th or 5th grade through middle school. Every year students are comping at the bit to get to the ghost stories by Mary Downing Hahn and this one is always a
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favorite in my class. When former students come to see me, they always mention this book as one of their favorites. Show Less