Another ghost story from the 80s! FYI: This is a middle grade book about a restless spirit named Helen who haunts a blended family, especially the youngest daughter, Heather. I love how they lived in an old church out in the middle of nowhere, with a cemetery just a few yards away from their bedroom windows. Creepy. The author did a great job with the creep-factor, though nothing over the top scary. It was fun trying to figure out why Helen was _targeting Heather, and what connection, if any, they had to each other. My daughter read this book in 4th grade, and she enjoyed it too. ( )

In Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn, the theme of confronting fear is central to Molly's character, who struggles with insecurities and the frightening presence of her ghostly stepsister, Helen. Molly’s character development is important; she transitions from a fearful child to someone who learns to face her anxieties and empathize with others.
Hahn’s use of symbolism is significant in developing this characterization, particularly in how Helen represents unresolved conflicts within the family and the emotional struggles of the characters. As a ghost, Helen embodies the lingering effects of trauma and grief that Molly and her family face. Her tragic backstory reflects Molly's feelings of isolation and fear, highlighting the need to confront hidden emotions rather than allowing them to fester. Through Helen, the narrative emphasizes that addressing one's fears and acknowledging the past is essential for personal growth and healing. Many readers will connect with this, including me.
Personally, I connect with Molly's journey when reflecting on my own experiences with fear and the need to confront it. When I had to overcome a serious childhood illness, I also had a hard time understanding and confronting all the ways it impacted me. I was too young to notice how facing my fears was similar to Molly, but reading it as an adult, I can see why I was so obsessed with this book. ( )

This was a very decent book with a decently developed story that had a bit of a creepiness to it. ( )

Because it's supposed to more thoughtful & literate than a plain old ghost story... see all the awards!
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Yes, it is deeper than many. The _target audience is totally justified to love it; even I would have back then.

Now there are bits that are terribly dated, and I don't mean just the use of a cassette player. Like Dave not taking Heather to therapy to help with her grief. And the extremely selfish parents who are only interested in their art, taking the kids away from their enrichment programs and then trying to make them by Heather's minders. And Mr. Simmons offering to teach "boy" (Michael) to fish, not even considering whether Molly might want to. And indeed, what's the difference between digging up Indian burial mounds and church graveyards?

But if you discuss those issues with your kids, I'd otherwise recommend you consider encouraging them to read this classic. It'll give them a lot to think about, for a long time. ( )

By far, my favorite book from childhood. I read this in a couple of hours when I was home sick one day. ( )