The Haunting

House on Cherry Street #1

by W.R. Philbrick, Lynn Harnett

Planning to spend the summer in an idyllic seaside vacation home, twelve-year-old Jason and his little sister, Sally, are terrorized by a series of ghostly occurrences that target children. Original.

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Ghosts, Paranormal, Childrens, Young Adult, Supernatural

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Aka Rodman Philbrick, William R Dantz, Chris Jordan.

William Rodman Philbrick is an outstanding author who has won the prestigious American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults and Quick Pick Awards. Freak the Mighty has been made into a Hollywood film.

Reviews

[Joey Couture · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember when I was growing up I saw this book amongst my 6th grade Teachers collection and snatched it up immediately. It was terrifying to me at that age, and I loved it so much that I actually went onto the second book. Sadly, her copy of the third and final book was stolen from a previous student the year before. It wasn't until a year ago that I was at a used book store and found the third book. Even better, it was the stolen copy. I wanted to return the book to the teacher, however she is no longer teaching. Anyways, I highly recommend this book for younger readers ages 11-13. Hell, I still enjoy the book!

[K.S. Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much nostalgia. Read this when I was younger and I remember it being so spooky. Glad I found it again.

[Kirsty Carson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spooky read that had genuinely terrifying scenes in it and was a perfect read to get into the Halloween mood. Overall though I think the storyline was a little confusing and the scares got a little repetitive after awhile. Enjoyable, but don’t think I’ll be continuing the series.

[Abigail Harshman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book The haunting, By Rodman Philbrick. This book is basically about paranormal activity and horror, It is one of the first books that have actually gave me the chills. I recommended to not read this book by yourself in the dark.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book,sadly, is out of print. It terrified me as a child and I loved it!

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good scary books for middle grade have eluded me for a long time. They rarely reach the caliber of writing I look for in books. That said, it has become clear to me that kids and I don't rate books on the same criteria. From a kid's point of view this book is definitely a winner for those seeking a good scare. This is an older book, but with an updated cover, it will still attract readers.

This is the Amityville Horror for kids. A family moves into an old mansion for the summer and right away Jason notices things are weird. Bizarre things happen and his parents see none of it. Obviously, they think he is either making it all up, losing it, or everything is a coincidence. What makes it Amityville like? A window almost slams on Jason's head. The bathroom faucet spews boiling water at him and he can't get out. His sister has an "imaginary friend." Jason hangs out with two neighbor kids who relay rumors about a mean old lady who supposedly died in the house. Could her ghost be the one wrecking havoc on him and his sister?

The book ends on a cliff hanger with a babysitter coming to stay for a few nights while his parents are out of town. My readers love babysitter books and I have an unusually large number this year who want a good scare too. Despite the age of this trilogy, if I can get it with updated covers, I will purchase.

[Chelsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh man, how I wish I was a JV reading this. I loved these types of books as a kid. I found a used copy online and had to give it a try. It was a fun quick read and I loved how it ended. Almost don't want to read book two.

[Maria Schnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was young this is the series that got me into reading. I have dyslexia so I was never a strong reader but these books helped me push through and forced me to learn to be patient with myself. A must for any child who loves ghost stories or the spooky side of life. I can still remember the story vividly and want to read them as an adult but I don’t want to reck the memory.

[BRANDON · Rating 4 out of 5]

This trilogy could have easily been a single book, but was broken up into shorter books to make it more manageable for younger readers. Regardless, it's a pretty decent haunted house story full of poltergeist activity, possessions, and apparitions. Though the story was written for a younger audience, everyone can enjoy a good light gore, no smut ghost story.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very creepy. It is part of a series and you have to read the rest to finish the story. Very short. Felt like all three books could probably just be combined to make a regular sized book, but kinda makes sense it’s so short since it seems geared to young teens.

[Boris · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, so I had no idea this is a YA book, so I was a bit disappointed, but when you take a look from a perspective of a young kid getting into horror literature, not a bad start. Not a fan of cliffhangers, though...

[Ali D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this (and the following two books) as a kid. They were just the right amount of creepy and mysterious...I actually even re-read these countless times!

[Leo Hulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** There's always the thought that all of the haunted things happened to Jason was very exagg'd but he never been traumatised in some way or make him think on just get out of the house. But it's still a good series.

[Erin]

2. 250918
1. circa 1996

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good.

[Jo]

This book used to freak me out, when I was closer to the narrator's age. Now, not so much. Thus, I don't really see the point in keeping it. I am curious to see what happens in the next two books, though. Just, maybe not curious enough to find and read them. But maybe if I come across them while I'm shelving one day. Eventually, though, I think it'll just slip my mind and I will forever forget about…

The House on Cherry Street.
(Insert dramatic music.)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very very good book. It has a very good plot line. I read this book when I was in about 4th grade. (I think) and I liked it then I like the first two books in this series but the last one had a really lame ending and it was a total letdown.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Younger me would have rated this 5 stars, so that's what I did. Adult me says 2.5 or 3. But I can't deny that it was enjoyable and a nice trip down memory lane to reread one of my favorite books as a kid!

[Beana · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved these books as a preteen! you know, like the first book you read entirely in one day?

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember this book as the book that started my reading addiction. It is a great horror story and it successfully scared the hell out of me as a preteen.

[Kevin Bachovchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recall really liking the House on Cherry Street series when I was younger.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a youth, and loved the series. So glad to be able to find it on here. Might try to find copies for my children to read one day...

[Attila Benő · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great summer read. You have everything in this book (and actually, all three books in the series) that a child can enjoy during their summer break.

[Terri Lenihan · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick read, entertaining.

[Kris]

Rereading from my childhood