Haunted Summer

by Betty Ren Wright

One Scary Summer

Abby's summer is like any other, until her aunt sends her a beautiful old music box. One eerie night, the music box begins to play--by itself. And the ghost of an angry girl haunts Abby and her baby-sitter.

Abby is sure the box and the ghost are connected. Maybe if she returns the music box, the ghost will leave her alone. But to do that, Abby has to go on a terrifying mission to the town's graveyard. Is Abby brave enough to face her worst fears?

Genres: Middle Grade, Paranormal, Horror, Childrens, Ghosts

99 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

About the author

Betty Ren Wright was an award-winning author of children's fiction including The Dollhouse Murders, The Ghosts Of Mercy Manor and A Ghost in The House.

Known for her ghost stories and mysteries, Wright published 28 children's novels between 1981 and 2006, as well as picture books and short stories. Prior to pursuing her career as a full-time author in 1978, she worked as an editor of children's books.

Wright lived in Wisconsin with her husband, painter George A. Fredericksen, until her death in 2013.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I’ve gotta say though, I was taken aback when it said the ghost was from 1980 and not 1910ish like I was picturing 😂

[L.E. Fidler · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's no Wait Till Helen Comes but it certainly is trying.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books by Betty Ren Wright give me the chills. I know these things are written for children, but the angry ghost, the music box that plays by itself, the scared babysitter...this is the stuff that horror is made of. I was creeped out despite myself. ARGH! Love these books...maybe not the best written things in the world, but giving me the chills is a pretty good gauge of how good a book this is. Definitely four stars.

[Amanda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betty Ren Wright proves once again that character development and detailed story telling can indeed be packed into a 99 page children’s book. Abby acquires a haunted music box from her aunt. It’s up to Abby, her brother David, and their babysitter Hannah to put the active spirit to rest all while learning a lesson about bravery.

[Nader Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10

[Hope Broadway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Betty Ren Wright as a kid. Thank you Scholastic Book Fair! I enjoyed this story and the characters.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betty Ren Wright has a way with words, I still get scared reading her books now as an adult. This is a good short story.

[LuAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Wright, not just about dealing with an angry ghost but about investigation, friendship and bravery.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby and her brother David have to have a babysitter for the summer. The babysitter seems to be afraid of everything, but Abby makes friends with her anyway. Weird things are happening in the house though and have been ever since Abby's aunt sent her a music box. The babysitter believes a ghost is haunting the house and Abby soon believes it too.

I thought the book was pretty good. Abby was a brave character and although the babysitter was scared, she really did care for the kids. David, however, could be annoying, but he had a good side to him too. He just didn't want everyone to see it.

This was a good ghost story. I enjoyed it.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betty Ren Wright is always hit or miss for me, some I love and will re-read, and some have aged poorly and quite dull. This book is in the former category. While not her best, I rank it a little more highly, closer to 3.5 stars out of five. It's a genuinely pretty creepy tale and an enjoyable read too.

[Jayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this so many times in 4th grade, reading, re-reading, and re-reading over and over again. This was most definitely one of my favorite books as a child and I've actually been having quite a hard time finding it again! As soon as I find it again I'll be re-reading it.

[Elizabeth Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine-year-old Abby's friend goes on vacation for three weeks and she is stuck at home with her older brother and babysitter...and an angry ghost! [This is by the author of "The Dollhouse Murders" which fascinated and scared me years ago.]

[Harry.yang · Rating 4 out of 5]

....weird.. that is not so funny..oh well.

[..Fifi... · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in 3rd grade and LOVED IT...I cant seem to find this book any more now, but I still remember that it was a great book...totally recommend it...:D...

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I thought the boy was kinda weird and mean! I thought that he and hannah (?) would end up together...guess not.

[Agatha Olive · Rating 2 out of 5]

so lovely and emmotional

[Dani✨]

I read this when I was in middle school and I really enjoyed it and have been dying to find out what book it was

[Laura White]

This is such a thrilling book! Still gave me chills even though it is a children's book.