The House on Hackman's Hill by Joan Lowery Nixon Date of Publication: 1990 ISBN: 0590423703 Number of Pages: 126

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Junior: Average Intermediate: Low
GENRES: Mystery
THEMES : Good versus Evil - Life versus Death - Coming of Age - Survival

SUMMARY:
Twelve-year-old cousins, Jeff and Debbie, go to their Grandparent's house for March Break. Things look like they’ll be pretty boring…until they hear about the “house on Hackman’s Hill” from an elder in town, Mr. Karsten. Apparently the house on the top of the hill is supposedly haunted, and holds many secrets within its walls.

The deserted mansion belonged to Dr. Hackman, who was an Egyptologist. Rumour has it that he hid illegal mummies and ancient artifacts within the mansion walls. As a result, the local museum is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who can produce any evidence. When the story begins, many have attempted, but failed. Jeff and Debbie decide to take on the challenge themselves, and so they embark on an adventure to venture into the house. Can they face the challenges that will test their wills, and overcome their fears in order to survive the night? Will the secrets of the “House on Hackman’s Hill” finally be revealed?

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
- loves mystery and adventure
- likes uncovering and piecing clues together
- is interested in Egyptian gods
- is obsessed with mummies
- likes stories with both male and female characters

WHAT ELSE?
Joan Lowery Nixon was an award-winning author of many books for young readers, as well as young adults. She died in 2003.

RELATED LINKS:
For more information about her, check out
www.teenreads.com/authors/au-nixon-joan-lowery.asp and
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mystery/bio.htm