The Gathering by Dan Poblocki

Poppy discovers a letter from a distant relative in her file at the children's home, an invitation to come live at the beautiful family  estate called Larkspur House.  Marcus accepts a scholarship to study music at the magnificent Larkspur Academy. Dash and Dylan are invited to star in a horror movie at Larkspur Studios, and Azumi discovers Larkspur when searching for a boarding school. 

However, when the children arrive, Larkspur is nothing like any of them could have imagined.  There is something sinister about this place, not the least of which is the absence of adults, or even any other people when they arrive.  Are the children ready to face the mysteries and secrets of The Shadow House?

The Gathering (Lexile: 750; Interest Level: Grades 4-7) by Dan Poblocki, the first book in The Shadow House series, is a truly haunting tale for lovers of very scary books.  Fans of Mary Downing Hahn's ghost stories and horror films that children shouldn't watch will probably love this creepy book.  Read it if you dare. (224 p.)

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