3.79
Part of "Herculeah Jones Mysteries" series
"The Dark Stairs" by Betsy Byars is a gripping and suspenseful young adult novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Anny-Belle as she navigates the challenges of growing up in a small, rural town during the Great Depression. When Anny-Belle's father loses his job, the family is forced to move into a dilapidated old mansion on the outskirts of town. The mansion, known as "The Dark Stairs," has a reputation for being haunted, and Anny-Belle soon becomes convinced that the ghost of the previous owner is haunting her and her family. As Anny-Belle delves deeper into the mystery of the haunted mansion, she discovers that the ghost is not what it seems and that the real danger lies in the secrets and lies that have been hidden within the walls of the mansion for generations. With the help of her new friends, Anny-Belle sets out to uncover the truth and put the ghost to rest once and for all. Byars' writing is masterful, and she expertly weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and historical fiction to create a captivating and engaging story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the setting is richly described, transporting readers to the small town and haunted mansion of Anny-Belle's world. This book is a great choice for young adults who enjoy a good ghost story, as well as those who are interested in historical fiction and coming-of-age tales. It is a quick and engaging read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, "The Dark Stairs" is a well-written and engaging novel that is sure to be a hit with young adult readers. It is a story of courage, friendship, and the power of truth, and it is a reminder that sometimes the things that go bump in the night are not as scary as the secrets we keep hidden.
E.L. Konigsburg
The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Fans of 'The Dark Stairs' might enjoy 'The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' by E.L. Konigsburg. This Newbery Medal-winning book tells the story of Claudia and Jamie, two siblings who run away from home and hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As they try to avoid getting caught, they stumble upon a mystery involving a statue and its mysterious creator. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of adventure and a focus on mystery and discovery.
Learn MoreE.L. Konigsburg
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' by E.L. Konigsburg. This Newbery Medal-winning book follows the story of Claudia and Jamie, two siblings who run away from home and hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As they try to avoid getting caught, they stumble upon a mystery involving a statue and its mysterious creator. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of adventure and a focus on mystery and discovery.
Learn MoreEllen Raskin
The Westing Game
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'The Westing Game' by Ellen Raskin. This Newbery Medal-winning book is a mystery about a group of people who are invited to the reading of the will of a wealthy man named Samuel W. Westing. As they try to solve the puzzle of who will inherit his fortune, they uncover secrets and lies. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of mystery and a cast of unique and interesting characters.
Learn MoreE.L. Konigsburg
The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World' by E.L. Konigsburg. This book tells the story of a young boy named Amedeo Kaplan who discovers a mysterious painting in his grandmother's attic. As he tries to uncover the truth about the painting, he uncovers secrets about his family and himself. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of mystery and a focus on discovery and self-identity.
Learn MoreJeanne Birdsall
The Penderwicks
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'The Penderwicks' by Jeanne Birdsall. This book follows the story of four sisters - Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty - as they spend the summer at a cottage in the country. As they explore their surroundings and get to know the people in the nearby town, they have a series of adventures and learn about themselves and each other. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of adventure and a focus on family and self-discovery.
Learn MoreJennifer L. Holm
The Fourteenth Goldfish
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'The Fourteenth Goldfish' by Jennifer L. Holm. This book tells the story of a young girl named Ellie who discovers that her scientist grandfather has discovered the secret to eternal youth. As she tries to understand what this means for her family and herself, she learns about the power of science and the importance of family. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of mystery and a focus on discovery and self-identity.
Learn MoreJacqueline Kelly
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate' by Jacqueline Kelly. This book tells the story of a young girl named Calpurnia Tate who is growing up in Texas at the turn of the 20th century. As she learns about the natural world and the scientific method from her grandfather, she discovers her own passions and interests. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of mystery and a focus on discovery and self-identity.
Learn MoreMaryrose Wood
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place' by Maryrose Wood. This book tells the story of a young governess named Penelope Lumley who is hired to teach three wild children who have been raised by wolves. As she tries to civilize them and uncover the secrets of their past, she has a series of adventures and learns about the power of love and friendship. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of mystery and a focus on discovery and self-identity.
Learn MoreLynne Cherry
The Great Kapok Tree
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'The Great Kapok Tree' by Lynne Cherry. This book tells the story of a man who goes into the rainforest to cut down a giant kapok tree, but is stopped by the animals who live in the tree and the forest. As he learns about the importance of the rainforest and the interconnectedness of all living things, he has a change of heart. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of mystery and a focus on discovery and self-identity.
Learn MoreKatherine Applegate
The One and Only Ivan
If you enjoyed 'The Dark Stairs' by Betsy Byars, you might like 'The One and Only Ivan' by Katherine Applegate. This book tells the story of a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a mall and longs for freedom. As he tries to find a way to escape, he learns about the power of art and the importance of friendship. Like 'The Dark Stairs,' this book features a strong sense of mystery and a focus on discovery and self-identity.
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