This Newberry Honor Book is one of my fondest reads of my childhood. Originally published in 1971, it still is one of the most entertaining and alluring chapter books written. Full of spooky fun but just shy of being too scary, it is sure to keep kids hooked. It is the first in the Stanley family series starring their four children and their new stepsister Amanda. Strange and mysterious things begin happening in their ancient house and Amanda, who just happens to study witchcraft, believes they have a poltergeist that is responsible for the oddities. A headless statue of a cupid at the base of the staircase railing is just one clue. But is it really something supernatural at work or is there a more human element influencing events?

 

Publisher description:

When the four Stanley children meet Amanda, their new stepsister, they're amazed to learn she studies witchcraft. When she shares her secrets, strange things start happening in their old house. They suspect Amanda until they learn the house was long ago haunted by a ghost that cut off the head of a wooden cupid on the stairway. A Newbery Honor Book.