Mary Downing Hahn's The Old Willis Place is praised for its engaging atmosphere and gripping mystery, which effectively blend elements of horror and historical fiction. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and suspenseful plot. However, some critique the pacing and desire more complex resolutions. Overall, it's a compelling read for young audiences.

Readers who enjoy the eerie mysteries of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman or the haunting elements of Coraline will be captivated by Mary Downing Hahn's The Old Willis Place. This book is perfect for young adults who love ghost stories intertwined with themes of friendship and overcoming past traumas.

The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn follows siblings Diana and Georgie, who secretly live on the grounds of an old, abandoned mansion. When new caretakers move in nearby, Diana yearns for friendship and interacts with the landlord's daughter, Lissa, leading to a series of events that uncover tragic pasts, ghostly hauntings, and themes of forgiveness and healing.

Mysterious / Unnerving / Dark / Melancholic / Contemplative

- Mary Downing Hahn, the author of The Old Willis Place, often draws inspiration from her own experiences and fascination with ghost stories, reflecting a consistent theme of the supernatural in her body of work.
- The Old Willis Place has received multiple accolades, including being recognized as one of the ALA's Notable Children's Books, showcasing its popularity and impact in children's literature.
- The novel cleverly intertwines historical elements and folklore, providing readers with a deeper appreciation of the storytelling traditions that shape ghostly narratives.

**Diana**  
A 12-year-old protagonist who loves reading and seeks friendship, spending her days at Oak Hill Manor with her younger brother, Georgie.

**Georgie**  
Diana's 8-year-old brother known for his pranks and cautious nature, who stays close to his sister at Oak Hill Manor.

**Lissa Morrison**  
The 12-year-old daughter of the new caretaker of Oak Hill Manor, who is curious about ghosts and experiences a lonely lifestyle due to frequent moves.

**Mr. Morrison**  
The father of Lissa and the newest caretaker of Oak Hill Manor, a kind writer who does not believe in ghosts.

**Miss Lilian Willis**  
A ghost at Oak Hill Manor known in life as a wealthy and cruel former owner who lived a solitary life.

Mary Downing Hahn

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Old Willis Place reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Old Willis Place | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Old Willis Place and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Old Willis Place Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The Old Willis Place Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The Old Willis Place Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

The Old Willis Place Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

The Old Willis Place Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Old Willis Place Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Old Willis Place Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Old Willis Place Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Old Willis Place Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Old Willis Place Essay Topics

Introduction

The Old Willis Place Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Old Willis Place Before Reading

During Reading

The Old Willis Place During Reading

After Reading

The Old Willis Place After Reading

The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Old Willis Place?

Reading Age

Book Details