BOOK BRIEF

The Doll in the Garden

Mary Downing Hahn
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The Doll in the Garden

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1990

Book Brief

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Mary Downing Hahn

The Doll in the Garden

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1990
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Whitesville, New York • 1980s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

800L

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Super Short Summary

In The Doll in the Garden by Mary Downing Hahn, after moving to a new home, a young girl named Ashley discovers an ancient doll buried in the backyard. This leads her to uncover a mystery involving past friendships, unresolved conflicts, and the garden’s hidden history, while navigating her own challenges in adjusting to life changes.

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

9,713 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Doll in the Garden by Mary Downing Hahn is praised for its engaging, spooky atmosphere and relatable characters, making it a compelling read for young audiences. However, some critics note predictable plot elements and limited character development. Overall, it's a charming ghost story that effectively blends mystery with themes of friendship and forgiveness.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Doll in the Garden?

Fans of The Doll in the Garden by Mary Downing Hahn typically enjoy atmospheric mysteries and ghost stories. Readers who appreciated Coraline by Neil Gaiman or Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson will find the blend of suspense, fantasy, and emotional depth appealing.

4.4

9,713 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Whitesville, New York • 1980s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

800L

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