There's a Dead Person Following My Sister Around

by Vivian Vande Velde

Book Overview

When Ted's five-year-old sister, Vicki, invents an imaginary friend, no one is too concerned . . . except that Vicki's friend has the never-popular name of Marella, and unlike most imaginary friends, Marella can move things. Ted might think Marella is a ghost, but why would a ghost haunt Vicki, of all people? And why would she suddenly move into a house Ted's family has lived in for ages? And why is Marella terrified of another ghost, a dark figure...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152064672
• ISBN13: 9780152064679
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 7.4"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

There is a Dead Person Following My Sister Around

Children often have imaginary friends sometimes, within their lives. But how often can these friends move objects or haunt the dreams of their brother. Ted is convineved that his five-year-old sister's new friend is a ghost and evil ghost. Whydoes she choose Vicki to play with, and what does she want? Who is her mother, and why is she haunting Ted's dreams? Why doesn't she want Ted in the attic? What's up their that is so important? When Ted calls his grandparents to find out what is in the attic, he learns of hi great-grandmothers diary. As Ted reads through the diary,he finds who the ghosts are and what happened to them. But can he help Vicki before it is too late?This is a fast-paced, stimulating book. I was reeled in from the beginning. It is the style of book that cannot be put down. It keeps the reader's attention with twists and turns on every page. This book keeps you guessing what will happen nextand I feel it is a very excellent book, combining fact and fiction.

From Fear to Facts

What do a five-year old, a twelve-year, two ghosts from the past, a house located on the Erie Canal, and the Underground Railroad all have in common? Vivian Vande Velde incorporates all these elements by using historical fiction to educate young readers about the many truths of the Underground Railroad. Ted, a twelve year old middle child, begins to realize that his life is not so normal when his five year old sister, Vicki, invents an imaginary friend who turns out not to be so imaginary. This imaginary friend is actually a ghost who has haunted their house for a hundred and fifty years. Ted begins a journey to discover his family's past with the Underground Railroad through his and Vicki's encounters with the ghosts. When Ted uncovers the family secret, he is lead to many revelations of the connection between past and present. This book reminds us to never underestimate the imagination of a child. History classes could benefit greatly from this book because, it shows different perspectives of the Underground Railroad, and it has a significant amount of history about events prior to the Civil War.

Great book for kids!

I read this book with my fifth grade classes for the past 2 years, and they LOVED it. They begged me to read more each day. There are actually 2..count 'em...2 ghosts inhabiting Teddy's house, and one is befriending his little sister, Vicky. Things are not as clear cut as they seem, and it's up to Teddy and his cousin Jacqueline, (not Jackie), to solve the mystery and rid their home of the ghosts.

WOW! Unexpected ending.

I am 14 years old and I read this book in the 7th grade. I am now in the 8th grade, and this book still sticks in my mind. It blew me away, and I never expected this book to turn out this good! When I saw the title of this book I thought what a waste of time, but how wrong I was. To any young readers out there who are looking for a good book to read I would advise you to check this book out.

Hooray for Fantasy!

I am a college student taking an Adolescent Literature course that requires me to read 25 adolescent books over the course of the semester. I was not eager to read this book because my professor designated it as a FANTASY book, a genre I am not particularly fond of. However, "There's a Dead Person Following My Sister Around" has changed my attitude about FANTASY literature and I am now a fan.Vivian Vande Velde's character development and imagery is superbly done. The story is surprisingly educational in the historic references to the Underground Railroad and the plot twists are creative and entertaining.Anyone who has a teenaged sibling will relate to twelve-year old Ted and five-year old Vicki's relationship with their obnoxious older brother, Zack. Zack thinks he knows everything, but he is not the hero of the story. It is Ted and his cousin who unearth the sad history of the "dead person following his sister." Their discovery enables them to bury the haunting past and provides two very deserving souls the peace and freedom they so richly desire."There's a Dead Person Following My Sister Around" is educational, suspenseful, funny, sad and a must-read for all ages. I was pleasantly surprised and I look forward to recommending this book to my future elementary school students.