The Old Willis Place

Siblings Diana and Georgie live in the woods surrounding the derelict Willis mansion. They are bound by 'The Rules': stay hidden, don't leave the property, and never let anyone see you. When Lilian moves into the caretaker's cottage, Diana's craving for companionship leads her to break the rules. The story transitions from a mystery about the siblings' hermit-like existence into a supernatural exploration of a tragic past involving a cruel socialite and the siblings' own accidental deaths. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with death and the afterlife, though through a secular, folklore-based lens. It touches on themes of child neglect and the isolation of poverty. The resolution is profoundly hopeful, focusing on the release from guilt and the transition to a peaceful beyond. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a heavy sense of loneliness and atmospheric tension. It builds slowly into a mystery, then moves into a climax of fear before settling into a deeply emotional, redemptive, and cathartic conclusion. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old who feels socially isolated or is carrying the burden of a mistake they are afraid to admit. It appeals to children who enjoy 'creepy' stories but need a narrative with significant emotional depth. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might notice their child withdrawing or becoming overly anxious about 'getting in trouble' for a past event. The book serves as a bridge to discuss how secrets grow heavier the longer they are kept. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the scene where the siblings' cause of death is revealed (suffocation in a small space) and the description of the 'hateful' ghost of Miss Willis. It is best read together if the child is sensitive to themes of abandonment. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (9) will focus on the 'ghost' elements and the thrill of the mystery. Older readers (12) will better grasp the nuance of the siblings' shame and the social dynamics between the characters. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many ghost stories that focus on scares, Hahn uses the supernatural as a precise metaphor for the ways guilt and secrets can 'haunt' and trap a person in the past.