The Ghost of Popcorn Hill [Hardcover]

Betty Ren Wright (Author), Karen Ritz (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Peter and Martin try to deal with their frisky new dog, Rosie, and with two lonely ghosts, one of whom is the ghost of a lovable sheepdog. By the author of The Dollhouse Murders.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When Martin and Peter encounter the lonely ghosts of a farmer and a sheepdog, they try to reunite the pair. At the same time, the boys begin to appreciate the companionship and loving nature of Rosie, their own dog. Wright's eerie, frequently somber details will easily beguile readers: "Moonlight shone right through the mournful face, the raggedy trousers held up with red suspenders, and the tattered shirt. He looked like a ghostly scarecrow." Forthright descriptions of the novel's picturesque setting create a marked contrast to the dim and haunting images. "From the top of Popcorn Hill you could see for miles. Fruit trees, with blossoms that looked like popcorn, dotted the hillside. Beyond were meadows and a creek, and there were woods everywhere." These youngsters are flesh-and-blood creations (unlike some of their encounters); the most reluctant readers will be cheering them on every step of the way. With a skill and style somewhat unusual for this genre, Ritz's handsomely shaded, full-page drawings add considerable atmosphere. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-- Peter and Martin want a big dog like the stray sheepdog that is roaming around their new cabin, but have to settle for a small but lively mutt from the animal shelter instead. The brothers hear mysterious laughter at night, and discover that the cabin is haunted by a lonely ghost. When the sheepdog also proves to be a ghost, they decide to solve the problem by getting the two together. The combination of supernatural and pet themes works well. The excellent full-page pencil drawings are realistically rendered and appropriately spooky when they should be. The scary parts are much milder than many of Wright's previous books, making this gentle story suitable for younger children.
- Elaine Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 81 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823410099
• ISBN-13: 978-0823410095
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,408,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars 10 yr olds intro to Wright's books, April 7, 2008

By 

Doreen A. Paulus "book hunting nanna" (Lufkin, TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ghost of Popcorn Hill (Paperback)

This is the first Betty Ren Wright book I had my 10 yr old granddaughter read. It is a short book with large print and she sailed through it and loved it.