Continuing my quest to read, not only the Newbery award winning books, but also other works by these authors, I discovered The Trespassers on a sale table at my local library. For .10 I couldn't go wrong!Zilpha Keatley Snyder has the distinct achievement of three Newbery honor and ALA notable books. And, while The Trespassers is not one of her award-winners, it certainly is well worth the time spent in reading.The setting is the coast of Northern California where high up on the cliff is an old, beautiful mansion. A sister and a brother who live nearby are fascinated with the stories surrounding this marvelous empty castle-like structure. Climbing a trellis the children enter the abandoned house wherein they find a beautiful play room filled with antique toys.Shortly thereafter members of the rich family move into the mansion, including the creepy, emotionally disturbed grandson of the original builder.There is suspense and a presumption of haunting, but truly the story is not portrayed in a hokey, silly manner. Rather, there is a deep abiding love between brother and sister and a protectiveness that shines through.A quick, delightful read that is fun. I'll now look for the author's Newbery honor books.
This book was so boring. I read it in between small breaks I had at a school I work at because it was on a shelf. I'd never make a kid read this book. It wasn't scary at all. They mention a ghost named Monica, but you never hear much about her or see her. Nothing was haunted. There was really no character development, or at least very little. It wasn't even about what you think it'll be about. And who names their dog Lion? And what's with the horse on the back cover? There were no horses. Don't let the cover fool you. This book was stupid.
What do You think about The Trespassers (2005)?
Wowzers. What a bold story. Not your typical "haunted house" tale. The Trespassers reminded me of why I loved Zilpha Keatley Snyder so much when I was young. Understated and lyrical, yet pitch dark and chilling in moments throughout. There is so much going on underneath the surface of this story. Even the title is layered... Without giving anything away... Reminds me of a line from the Our Father prayer: "Forgive us out trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." This book is much more than it seems. Snyder is a genius. I'm going back to read more of her books.
—Dan Poblocki
