5 stars
I read the graphic novel adaptation of this book a few years ago and loved it. Finally got around to reading the original and was not disappointed.
Molly moves with her family to a renovated church in the middle of nowhere, complete with a quiet little graveyard. The place creeps Molly out, but the rest of her family is unfazed. Her stepsister, Heather, has even taken a special interest in the graveyard. When Heather starts talking about a mysterious girl named Helen, Molly starts to worry the graveyard isn’t as quiet as her family thinks.
Delightfully creepy, dark, and surprisingly heartwarming. A well-written page-turner that keeps you hooked to the very end.
The parents are absolutely terrible, but it possibly didn’t bother me as much in this readthrough as I was already familiar with the story.
Works in topics of grief, guilt, death of a parent, and the fear of being alone and unloved. A great read with some nice messages about open communication, admitting mistakes, and unconditional love. Surprisingly sweet.
I can definitely see why kids are still reading Mary Downing Hahn to this day. Her legacy is well-deserved.