Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "A hundred years ago, Dies Drear and two slaves he was hiding in his house, an Underground Railroad station in Ohio, had been murdered. The house, huge and isolated, was fascinating, Thomas thought, but he wasn't sure he was glad Papa had bought it—funny things kept happening, frightening things... The secret of the house is revealed in an exciting final sequence that maintains beautifully the mysterious and dramatic story of a black family caught in an atmosphere of fear and danger. Written with distinction, an imaginiative and imposing book."

Thomas Small’s world changes radically when he has to go north with his family to Ohio, where his father, a history professor, has rented a house that was formerly an important station on the Underground Railroad. Lynne Thigpen’s deep, resonant voice recreates this journey and the faces along the way--from the young and hopeful Thomas, to the deeply troubled Mr. Pluto--until the house of Dies Drear finally gives up its mystery. Thigpen delivers the narrative slowly and methodically but she changes with her characterizations. She sings, screams and intones all the creatures of this classic ghost thriller. This Newbery Medal and National Book Award-winner is a must for any audio collection. P.E.F. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine