Mary Downing Hahn's Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story receives high praise for its engaging narrative and atmospheric tension, appealing to middle-grade readers. Critics appreciate its historical context and ghostly elements that captivate young audiences. However, some find the plot predictable and characters underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a solid choice for introducing children to the genre.

Fans of spooky tales with a touch of history and adventure will enjoy Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn. Ideal for readers who loved Wait Till Helen Comes or The Dollhouse Murders, this book blends time-travel and ghostly elements, perfect for middle-grade enthusiasts of eerie and suspenseful narratives.

Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn follows 12-year-old Drew, who, while spending the summer with relatives in their old house, encounters a ghostly boy named Andrew from 1910 who is dying. Drew and Andrew switch places, and Drew must navigate early 20th-century life to help Andrew, leading to challenges that result in mutual growth as they strive to return to their own times.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Nostalgic / Contemplative / Emotional

- Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story is set in Missouri, a location often chosen by Mary Downing Hahn for her atmospheric and suspenseful tales.
- The book explores themes of time travel, a concept Mary Downing Hahn finds intriguing as it allows characters to connect across different eras.
- Mary Downing Hahn, known for her ghost stories, crafts Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story with a focus on overcoming fears and understanding family history.

**Drew**  
A 12-year-old protagonist who initially struggles with courage and confidence while navigating life in a different time period, trading places with his great-uncle Andrew to aid him with medical treatment.

**Andrew**  
Drew’s great-uncle, characterized by his confident and mischievous nature, who temporarily trades lives with Drew and faces challenges from early 20th-century life.

**Hannah**  
Andrew’s playful and spirited older sister who helps Drew adjust to his new life by teaching him skills like playing marbles and offering her support.

**Theo**  
The rambunctious younger brother of Andrew and Hannah, who admires Andrew and expects Drew to display similar masculine traits.

**Edward**  
The story's antagonist, first encountered as an ornery old man in the present and later as a bullying cousin in the past, who challenges Drew in perilous situations.

**Aunt Blythe**  
Drew’s caring and empathetic aunt who manages household responsibilities while providing support and understanding for Drew’s situation.

**Papa**  
Andrew's authoritative father who upholds the expectations of his time through strict discipline but shows underlying warmth towards the boys. 

**Mama**  
Andrew’s kind and attentive mother who cares for Drew during his stay in the past, protecting him and showing concern for his well-being.

**Martin**  
The bully from Drew’s life in Chicago, whose tactics resemble those of Edward, indirectly helping Drew gain confidence through his experiences.

Mary Downing Hahn

Middle grade

Novel

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Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story Background

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Chapters 1-6

Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-24

Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story Chapters 19-24 Summary & Analysis

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Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story Character Analysis

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Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story Symbols & Motifs

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