Down a Dark Hall, by Lois Duncan

Reviewed by Elsa Waldman, 13, Hopewell, NJ

Down a Dark Hall is a wonderfully written novel, especially for readers who enjoy a suspenseful journey through time. Down a Dark Hall would be an excellent selection for readers who are interested in the uses of the mind, in psychic ways, which in this case turn physical.

Down a Dark Hall is the story of a young girl who goes away to boarding school. This is no ordinary boarding school. This boarding school is full of horrifying secrets, and its walls are terror-stricken. Down a Dark Hall is a chilling yet intriguing story of how people of the past can possess the minds of people today, and control their bodies and actions

Lois Duncan wove a story out of bits and pieces of a child's life, that is easy to relate to. She involves the reader thoroughly in the story, not once losing their interest until the last page is turned. She creates a whirlwind of terror by entwining the past and present, building up to a climax of terror.

"Elsa Waldman is a student at Timberlane Junior School. She enjoys writing, drawing, and playing music. She likes to swim and do gymnastics."

Teacher: Pat Coats

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