Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Staff Picks - Teen Middle

The House on the Gulf by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Mystery abounds in this heart-felt story centered around a single mother struggling to raise two teenagers.  Told from the thirteen year old daughter’s perspective, the tale begins as Britt and her mother and brother, Bran, move into a spacious home by the ocean in Florida, where Bran has arranged to house sit for the summer.   Having previously lived in a sparse apartment, their living conditions seem like grandeur to Britt.  This is a dream come true for their family, but Bran begins to act very peculiar, and when questioned, he behaves even more mysteriously.   Because the house is located in an area primarily occupied by senior adults, Britt’s only friendship is with Mrs. Stuldy, the next door neighbor.  Through this relationship, Britt learns facts that cause her to become even more curious about everything.  She begins digging, only to become increasingly confused.  This quick read will keep you guessing up to the end where everything satisfyingly comes together.


Julie Boyd
Youth Services Supervisor

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