Teachers and students who are looking for a creepy children’s mystery novel this time of year will find exactly that in Virginia Hamilton’s The House of Dies Drear, and its sequel The Mystery of Drear House. As the new resident of a mansion that was once part of the Underground Railroad, young Thomas learns of secret tunnels and ghosts of runaway slaves living within the walls of his house, which was built by abolitionist, Dies Drear. History and mystery abound in this classic novel that will have students engaged. Add this book to your classroom library and independent reading list, or make it a part of your creepy curriculum. You’ll be glad you did!
