Younger MGMatthew is the new kid in school and--worse--starts after school has been in session for a month. His insecurity leads him to tell lies about his family and himself, lies the other kids see through and tease him about. Basically a bum time.Charlie, who is a particular tormenter, dares Matthew to stay in the schoolhouse, reputedly haunted, after hours. As Matt walks the dark hallway a tall figure appears--having emerged through the door of Room 11--and calls out his name. It is the ghost of Mrs. Whipple, a stern and effective teacher who died several years earlier.Mrs. Whipple appears to Matt again and again, and gradually he begins to realize she has an important message for him, one that will help him regain his confidence and do better in school.The chill factor in this book is minimal, although Mrs. Whipple's first two appearances, while quick, are nicely creepy. This is one story in which author Wright presents a ghost devoid of malice (however scary she may be to present-day and past students), a ghost bent on continuing her helping habits in the classroom. [In PRINCESS FOR A WEEK Wright also has a friendly ghost, Mrs. Mortimer] Matt's acting out of his insecurity--lying, neglecting his homework, not communicating with his parents--ring true enough to make this not only an enjoyable, if lightweight, ghost story, but to convey a reassuring message that self-acceptance may be followed by social acceptance.
