Betty R Wright: 16 books

This fifth-grader is not too fond of her new step-grandmother—“an affecting funny story” (Publishers Weekly). When summer comes, Emily is looking forward to spending more time with Grandfather. Ever since Grandma Ellen’s death, Emily has felt especially close to him. He’s never too...

A girl’s scary dream may come true in this “fast moving” story starring “a likable and believable heroine” (School Library Journal). Meg’s nightmare about a thin, gray-haired man who beckons her to follow him through a dark doorway will no doubt come true. That’s the way it is...

As two brothers try to reunite the lonely ghosts of a farmer and a sheepdog, “readers will be cheering them on every step of the way” (Publishers Weekly). In this short-chapter winner of the IRA Children’s Choices, Peter and Martin enjoy living atop Popcorn Hill, except for two things:...

While staying at her aunt’s farm, a girl searches for her missing dog—and a mysterious vandal. Vannie Kirkland is spending the summer on her Aunt Bert’s farm while her parents are looking for work in California. At first, she feels uncomfortable: Aunt Bert is cranky and plainspoken, and...

Meg’s dreams seem to predict the future—but can she make a better future for herself? “Filled with sensitivity and warmth” (Children’s Book Review Service). “It was crazy to have dreams that came true. If you talked about them, it’d upset the people you loved and make them angry....

Two girls suspect an abandoned mansion is haunted—but will anyone believe them before it’s too late? “[A] well-written, shivery ghost story” (Booklist). Beware! At first, Charli is excited about the Crandall family’s newest endeavor—fixing up the town’s old mansion and turn it...

Something chilling lurks underground, and two step-siblings must unite to uncover the truth in this “engrossing mystery” (Booklist). Katie knows that something eerie is happening in the old, deserted town where she, her stepbrother, and her newly widowed mother are spending the summer taking...

Jenny’s new house has an unwanted ghost: “Readers will enjoy the imaginative pranks of the specter and the resourceful way [Jenny] solves her problem” (School Library Journal). Jenny knows she should be excited about the beautiful old house that her mother has inherited from Miss Nagle....

“Boys and girls alike will appreciate the mix of classic and contemporary elements in this creepy, suspenseful middle-grade mystery” (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books**).** Roddy Hall overhears his mother saying “Princess” is coming to visit. He’s excited—he’s...

A vengeful ghost haunts a small town—until two cousins confront her—in this “fast-paced, entertaining” story (School Library Journal). While thirteen-year-old Rachel dreams of becoming Pike River’s Sunbonnet Queen, her cousin Charlie Hocking dreams of leaving. But both dreams are...

What do you do when you’re being bullied—by a ghost? Find out in this story that “nicely blends the comic and the sinister” (Booklist). Three months ago, when Ernie P. Barber came to Treverton from Los Angeles, he’d been like a missile aimed at trouble. And Ernie had chosen Jeff to...

The new kid in school accepts a dare—and finds himself facing some spooky and surprising consequences: “[A] page-turner” (Booklist). Matthew Barber thinks that being the new kid in school will be the scariest thing about fourth grade. But is he ever wrong! When the class bully challenges...

Erin’s new adopted brother has ruined everything—but there are scarier things than having to share the spotlight in this “compelling summertime adventure.” (School Library Journal). Erin enjoyed being Erin Lindsay, the much-loved only child of schoolteacher parents. Everything in her...

The big piano recital is coming up soon, and Rosie feels anything but ready—“captures the down-to-earth rhythms of suburban life, spiced with humor” (Kirkus Reviews). Even though Rosie has only nine fingers, she’s always managed well. Until now. For some reason, she can’t master the...