The House on the Gulf

By Margaret Peterson Haddix

Book Overview

NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS. When Britt's older brother, Bran, lands a summer job house-sitting in Florida, it seems like a great opportunity. Britt's family has just recently moved to Florida, and could use the extra money while her mom finishes college. There's only one problem: Britt starts to suspect her family isn't supposed to be there. Britt starts poking around, and makes a startling discovery -- the owners of the house aren't who Bran says they are. So whose house are they living in, and why has Bran brought them there?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416914064
• ISBN13: 9781416914068
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

The House on the Gulf

The House on the Gulf is one of the best books I probably ever read. It is such an amazing book and I could never put it down! It's filled with suspenseful events and you think you know what happens next, but then something else suddenly happens. I love how Margaret Peterson Haddix handled this book and I recommend it to anyone. I love how Margaret Peterson Haddix ended the book, too. The fact that the mom had a horrible life when she was in high school was very sad, but this book shows how the mom, Bran and Britt stick together without fighting or showing hatred towards each other. It shows how even though a family might not see each other every minute of everyday, but they still stick together and help each other out. Definitely a 5-star book!

The House on the Gulf BY Willis Magahee

16 year old Brandon Lassiter has stumbled upon something so great that it almost seems unreal. He gets a house sitting job in this great neighborhood in Florida for the whole summer-rent free. Brandon, his 12 year old sister Britt, and his mom all move there. That way, his mom can finally finish college and get a decent job after a not so good past with her parents. But something is definately wrong with Brandon and Britt is determined to find out. With something as great as this just falling into their laps, how could he possibly be so paranoid? With suspense and mystery lurking with every turn of the page, Haddix will have you on the edge of your seat! Margarett Peterson Haddix does and outstanding job of combining suspense and mystery, creating the perfect balance for a sure to be bestseller. This book will have you begging for more!

Twists and turns around every corner!

Bran has always been the perfect brother and son; Britt and her mom look to him like a dad-figure. So when Bran finds a housesitting job for them all over the summer, they're thrilled. The arrangement is just what they need to make it through the summer, while Mom goes to college and Bran works to make a little money. It seems like the perfect setup...until Bran starts to change. Britt watches as his behavior becomes stranger and stranger...and whenever she tries to talk to him about it, he becomes defensive and angry. Very unlike her protective, kind brother. Britt decides she must discover on her own the reasons for her brother's sudden change. Read it to find out Bran's terrible secret that could leave his whole family in danger. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Peterson will take you for a twist you never expected! I highly recommend this book for those enjoying a suspenseful, creepy plot!

An excellent read full of suspense and mystery

When 12-year-old Britt's older brother, Bran, gets a housesitting job for the summer, it seems perfect. Bran, Britt and their mother will get paid to live there for three months. Their mom will be able to quit waitressing and go to college full-time, thereby qualifying her for a badly needed scholarship. But things don't seem quite right when Britt and Bran accidentally meet up with the owner of the house, Mr. Marquis. In fact, Bran cuts off Britt's attempts to introduce herself and sends her away so he can speak with Mr. Marquis in private. Bran even sweats, which is totally unlike her cool brother. Britt can't help but noticing more and more ominous signs after the family moves into the house. Bran instantly puts away the Marquises' plates after Britt comments on how old they are. He asks them not to use the air-conditioning (in scorching Florida summer heat) or the washer and dryer. A neighbor comments that Bran had secretly moved boxes into the Marquises' shed before they moved into the house, which explains why there are no pictures or knick-knacks inside. When Bran says he wants to be sure nothing is broken or stolen, Britt notes that a VCR is still in the house. Strangely, Bran seems to have only put away older possessions. Bran's personality changes, too. He appears panicked much of the time. His normally sweet temperament is mostly missing in action, leaving an unusually mean attitude. What could be going on with him? Britt's attempts to speak with her mother are unsuccessful, since Mom is overwhelmed with her college load. Britt is sick with worry because obviously something is seriously wrong. When she does solve the mystery, Britt's world is rocked. And it will never be the same. THE HOUSE ON THE GULF is truly suspenseful and is paired with a sensitive exploration of some major issues --- family, loyalty, and forgiveness --- making for an excellent read. --- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon (terryms2001@yahoo.com)

Margret Peterson Haddix is a the Best Author in the WORLD!!!

Every single book Margret writes is amazing!!! Especialy the Shadow Children Series!!!!!!!!READ you won't be let down. Now it's a fad at my school! :)