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44 pages 1 hour read

Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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Mary Downing Hahn

Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • 1910s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

710L

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Super Short Summary

Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn follows 12-year-old Drew, who, while spending the summer with relatives in their old house, encounters a ghostly boy named Andrew from 1910 who is dying. Drew and Andrew switch places, and Drew must navigate early 20th-century life to help Andrew, leading to challenges that result in mutual growth as they strive to return to their own times.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

4,723 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mary Downing Hahn's Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story receives high praise for its engaging narrative and atmospheric tension, appealing to middle-grade readers. Critics appreciate its historical context and ghostly elements that captivate young audiences. However, some find the plot predictable and characters underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a solid choice for introducing children to the genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story?

Fans of spooky tales with a touch of history and adventure will enjoy Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn. Ideal for readers who loved Wait Till Helen Comes or The Dollhouse Murders, this book blends time-travel and ghostly elements, perfect for middle-grade enthusiasts of eerie and suspenseful narratives.

4.4

4,723 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Drew

A 12-year-old protagonist who initially struggles with courage and confidence while navigating life in a different time period, trading places with his great-uncle Andrew to aid him with medical treatment.

Drew’s great-uncle, characterized by his confident and mischievous nature, who temporarily trades lives with Drew and faces challenges from early 20th-century life.

Andrew’s playful and spirited older sister who helps Drew adjust to his new life by teaching him skills like playing marbles and offering her support.

The rambunctious younger brother of Andrew and Hannah, who admires Andrew and expects Drew to display similar masculine traits.

The story's antagonist, first encountered as an ornery old man in the present and later as a bullying cousin in the past, who challenges Drew in perilous situations.

Drew’s caring and empathetic aunt who manages household responsibilities while providing support and understanding for Drew’s situation.

Andrew's authoritative father who upholds the expectations of his time through strict discipline but shows underlying warmth towards the boys.

Andrew’s kind and attentive mother who cares for Drew during his stay in the past, protecting him and showing concern for his well-being.

The bully from Drew’s life in Chicago, whose tactics resemble those of Edward, indirectly helping Drew gain confidence through his experiences.

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • 1910s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

710L

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