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Magic Tree House #10
Ghost Town at Sundown
Is this town HAUNTED? Jack and Annie wonder when the Magic Tree House whisks them to the Wild West. But before they can say "Boo!" they rush headlong into an adventure filled with horse thieves, a lost colt, rattlesnakes, and a cowboy named Slim. Will Jack and Annie have time to solve the next Tree House Riddle? The answer may depend on a ghost!
MAGIC TREE HOUSE: Perfect for readers 6-9 who are just beginning to read chapter books—includes this boxed set!
MERLIN MISSIONS: More challenging adventures for experienced readers ages 7-10
The Magic Tree House series has been a classroom favorite for over 25 years and is sure to inspire a love of reading—and adventure—in every child who joins Jack and Annie!
MAGIC TREE HOUSE: Perfect for readers 6-9 who are just beginning to read chapter books—includes this boxed set!
MERLIN MISSIONS: More challenging adventures for experienced readers ages 7-10
The Magic Tree House series has been a classroom favorite for over 25 years and is sure to inspire a love of reading—and adventure—in every child who joins Jack and Annie!
96 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 1997
About the author
Mary Pope Osborne
955 books2,373 followersMary Pope Osborne is an American author of children's books and audiobook narrator. She is best known as the author of the Magic Tree House series, which as of 2017 sold more than 134 million copies worldwide. Both the series and Osborne have won awards, including for Osborne's charitable efforts at promoting children's literacy. One of four children, Osborne moved around in her childhood before attending the University of North Carolina. Following college, Osborne traveled before moving to New York City. She somewhat spontaneously began to write, and her first book was published in 1982. She went on to write a variety of other children's and young adult books before starting the Magic Tree House series in 1992. Osborne's sister Natalie Pope Boyce has written several compendium books to the Magic Tree House series, sometimes with Osborne's husband Will Osborne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 483 reviews
September 1, 2020
Great adventure in the Wild West! I loved their friend Slim because he was protective and kind. Annie had a great horse (the bad guys stole its mother), while her brother was not so sure she can do horseriding. Funny scenes.
June 14, 2024
Another One Bites the Dust
I really liked this installment in the series! These books continue to get better and better as we go along. I loved the twist at the end.
I really liked this installment in the series! These books continue to get better and better as we go along. I loved the twist at the end.
January 23, 2022
predictable 🙄
June 23, 2012
As I always say, my 8 year old niece brought me the first 2 of these books to read. She loves them and she wanted me to read them too so we can talk about them. I find them fun and informative for kids about different time periods and different things around the world.
I decided on book 5 to start reading them aloud for my dogs enjoyment too. (I know, you may think I am crazy - but they like them. Well one gets rather scared sometimes, but the other loves to listen). I think the writing was practically the same as the rest. It is a good children's story and I would recommend it and this series to anyone who has children in their lives. I think these books are especially good for children who like to learn different things in an adventurous way. They may even help kids who do not like to read learn to love the written word. They could help kids improve their reading skills too along with their knowledge.
I don't think my one dog that is sometimes nervous or anxious got too scared with this one. We have been reading them at bedtime though, and she may have dozed off a few times. I really enjoy reading these books. I like to think that it's nice and fun to read them aloud to my dogs. Plus like I said, it gives me something to discuss with my 8 year old niece when I see her.
SPOILERS BELOW
In reviewing a book, the part I enjoy most is making notes on what I liked best and sometimes even least from a story. I like to make notes on things that occurred during the story, so that when I come back later (could be in a day, a week, a month, a year or even many years later), I can see what notes I made about a story and it helps refresh me on it. If I read my notes later, I am often able to remember the majority of the story.
So here goes! With this book. I absolutely loved the Wild West Theme! I think Jack and Annie both found things they learned and enjoyed in the Wild West. I love Old West Stories. I loved the touch of adding the ghost in this story who plays the piano in the hotel "Lonesome Luke." I think it was only fitting that the "Ghost Town" had an actual ghost in it as well.
I can see how the rustlers riding through and scaring the kids into hiding in the barrels could be somewhat scary for little kids. My one dog that sometimes gets scared did shake a little at this part, but she also dozed off a little later in the story too. Reading at the time of night when they have conditioned their bodies as bedtime may not be the best of ideas for them to get to hear the whole story.
But hey, what can I say? They are dogs. Hearing my voice reading to them helps them settle in and they usually go to sleep quite easily during or after our readings instead of tossing and turning and panting and being up and down as on some other nights - so it works out well enough. I always recap each story to them when they are awake again so if they really do understand me they can get the gist of the story. :)
I was pleased by the author's continuation of the kids being on a mission to find the answer to a riddle in this book. They are looking for answer number 2 of 4 in this book in order to see if they have what it takes to become master librarians. They have to be brave, be able to research, be smart and figure out the answer to 4 riddles before they can move up to becoming master librarians to help Morgan with her magical library.
The hats, boots, and the ghost playing the piano were great add-ins for a wild west story. As I mentioned before, the rustlers coming through herding the wild mares along was the somewhat scary adventure point in the story. I was interested in the piece being added about the mare and her cold that was left behind. I especially liked after the rustlers had passed when the colt showed up and Jack reading about how Wild Mustang colts have to be with their mother. The bit about the wild mustang families being close and the bond between the Mare and her young being strong was a great educational element added to the story. It also was a great plot addition.
Of course with Jack learning this through his quest for knowledge and always pulling facts out of the books they carry with them on their travels added to Annie's way of bonding with and talking to animals; it led the reader to expect nothing less than Annie and Jack wanting to reunite the colt with his mother. Annie likes to name the animals she meets, and she did so quickly and they were convinced they were going to take "Sunshine" back to his mother.
This is added to the could-be scary run-in they have with Slim Cooley who first accuses them of being horse thieves. However, Slim believes them when they say they aren't horse thieves and they tell him of the rustlers who had just gone through the town. The three team up to help take "Sunshine" back to his mother and for Slim to get his mustangs back from the rustlers.
When the three of them do make it to where the rustlers are keeping the mustangs, it gets a little intense as Annie stays with Sunshine, Jack stays with Dusty (Slim's horse) and Slim goes in to rescue Sunshine's mother. There are gunshots and the rustlers are mad and they all ride away on horseback as quickly as possible to escape. This is another part I figure may be a little too much conflict or action for some kids to handle. I bet it is scary to some children. However, they make it away safe and sound as usual!
I like that the kids sitting at the camp with Slim talk him into letting the wild mustangs go free as they are born to do. He decides to make a positive life change and to become a writer instead. He helps them solve their riddle (not giving them the answer - but letting them find out for themselves that the answer is an echo) and says goodbye. The final piece of great information I liked in this book is that once the kids returned home to Frog Creek, they discovered that the book they were reading that took them to the Old West in the first place was written by Slim Cooley himself.
I decided on book 5 to start reading them aloud for my dogs enjoyment too. (I know, you may think I am crazy - but they like them. Well one gets rather scared sometimes, but the other loves to listen). I think the writing was practically the same as the rest. It is a good children's story and I would recommend it and this series to anyone who has children in their lives. I think these books are especially good for children who like to learn different things in an adventurous way. They may even help kids who do not like to read learn to love the written word. They could help kids improve their reading skills too along with their knowledge.
I don't think my one dog that is sometimes nervous or anxious got too scared with this one. We have been reading them at bedtime though, and she may have dozed off a few times. I really enjoy reading these books. I like to think that it's nice and fun to read them aloud to my dogs. Plus like I said, it gives me something to discuss with my 8 year old niece when I see her.
SPOILERS BELOW
In reviewing a book, the part I enjoy most is making notes on what I liked best and sometimes even least from a story. I like to make notes on things that occurred during the story, so that when I come back later (could be in a day, a week, a month, a year or even many years later), I can see what notes I made about a story and it helps refresh me on it. If I read my notes later, I am often able to remember the majority of the story.
So here goes! With this book. I absolutely loved the Wild West Theme! I think Jack and Annie both found things they learned and enjoyed in the Wild West. I love Old West Stories. I loved the touch of adding the ghost in this story who plays the piano in the hotel "Lonesome Luke." I think it was only fitting that the "Ghost Town" had an actual ghost in it as well.
I can see how the rustlers riding through and scaring the kids into hiding in the barrels could be somewhat scary for little kids. My one dog that sometimes gets scared did shake a little at this part, but she also dozed off a little later in the story too. Reading at the time of night when they have conditioned their bodies as bedtime may not be the best of ideas for them to get to hear the whole story.
But hey, what can I say? They are dogs. Hearing my voice reading to them helps them settle in and they usually go to sleep quite easily during or after our readings instead of tossing and turning and panting and being up and down as on some other nights - so it works out well enough. I always recap each story to them when they are awake again so if they really do understand me they can get the gist of the story. :)
I was pleased by the author's continuation of the kids being on a mission to find the answer to a riddle in this book. They are looking for answer number 2 of 4 in this book in order to see if they have what it takes to become master librarians. They have to be brave, be able to research, be smart and figure out the answer to 4 riddles before they can move up to becoming master librarians to help Morgan with her magical library.
The hats, boots, and the ghost playing the piano were great add-ins for a wild west story. As I mentioned before, the rustlers coming through herding the wild mares along was the somewhat scary adventure point in the story. I was interested in the piece being added about the mare and her cold that was left behind. I especially liked after the rustlers had passed when the colt showed up and Jack reading about how Wild Mustang colts have to be with their mother. The bit about the wild mustang families being close and the bond between the Mare and her young being strong was a great educational element added to the story. It also was a great plot addition.
Of course with Jack learning this through his quest for knowledge and always pulling facts out of the books they carry with them on their travels added to Annie's way of bonding with and talking to animals; it led the reader to expect nothing less than Annie and Jack wanting to reunite the colt with his mother. Annie likes to name the animals she meets, and she did so quickly and they were convinced they were going to take "Sunshine" back to his mother.
This is added to the could-be scary run-in they have with Slim Cooley who first accuses them of being horse thieves. However, Slim believes them when they say they aren't horse thieves and they tell him of the rustlers who had just gone through the town. The three team up to help take "Sunshine" back to his mother and for Slim to get his mustangs back from the rustlers.
When the three of them do make it to where the rustlers are keeping the mustangs, it gets a little intense as Annie stays with Sunshine, Jack stays with Dusty (Slim's horse) and Slim goes in to rescue Sunshine's mother. There are gunshots and the rustlers are mad and they all ride away on horseback as quickly as possible to escape. This is another part I figure may be a little too much conflict or action for some kids to handle. I bet it is scary to some children. However, they make it away safe and sound as usual!
I like that the kids sitting at the camp with Slim talk him into letting the wild mustangs go free as they are born to do. He decides to make a positive life change and to become a writer instead. He helps them solve their riddle (not giving them the answer - but letting them find out for themselves that the answer is an echo) and says goodbye. The final piece of great information I liked in this book is that once the kids returned home to Frog Creek, they discovered that the book they were reading that took them to the Old West in the first place was written by Slim Cooley himself.
July 28, 2022
Cowboys and horses and ghosts--what more could you ask for?
You could ask for a Magic Tree House that would take you anywhere you find in a book. Wait! A book CAN take you there!
Love this series, and kids and teens will too.
You could ask for a Magic Tree House that would take you anywhere you find in a book. Wait! A book CAN take you there!
Love this series, and kids and teens will too.
December 3, 2009
Lots of good facts in this one, the kids are well on their way to becoming Master Librarians. I enjoyed the mustangs the most, of course. It was cute that the kids got cowboy nicknames, Smiley and Shorty. Annie's seemed most appropriate. I love the classic time travel paradox at the end. And that as usual, the kids appreciate the pleasures of being home after their adventure.
December 27, 2017
a dear friend read it to me and my best friend last night!
such a flashback to childhood!
such a flashback to childhood!
May 10, 2021
***2.5***
Oh! We struggled with this one a bit. My kid didn't know much about this horse riding, cow boy thing. I had to elaborate so many things to him which was tiring (for me). Also the pet names shorty and smiley confused him a lot which again raised a ton of interruptions and questions.
SO... it was ok but not a very good smooth sailing read.
Happy reading!!
Oh! We struggled with this one a bit. My kid didn't know much about this horse riding, cow boy thing. I had to elaborate so many things to him which was tiring (for me). Also the pet names shorty and smiley confused him a lot which again raised a ton of interruptions and questions.
SO... it was ok but not a very good smooth sailing read.
Happy reading!!
September 18, 2022
3.5/5
How many horse books have I read this year and WHY does the number keep growing????
How many horse books have I read this year and WHY does the number keep growing????
May 1, 2020
I disegni sono davvero o belli. La storia noiosetta
January 8, 2023
That was haunted. I liked it. There were ghosts but they made a cowboy friend.
November 30, 2022
Ok, I am done reading these. These are cute, but from an adult standpoint, makes you want to high five your face because of Annie.
This time...let me jump on a wild horse and chase after murderous bandits!
Yeah, like I said, I hit my logic level on this one.
Cute....maybe I will revisit for potential kids, nieces or nephews.
This time...let me jump on a wild horse and chase after murderous bandits!
Yeah, like I said, I hit my logic level on this one.
Cute....maybe I will revisit for potential kids, nieces or nephews.
December 6, 2009
Ghost Town at Sundown is the second of the four riddles and the tenth book in the Magic Tree House series. In this one, Jack and Annie go back to a ghost town in search of the answer the riddle.
While there they are frightened by a ghost, threatened by horse thieves and befriended by a wrangler of wild mustangs. Jack and Annie learn how to ride horses and Annie once again shows her talent at talking with animals.
Best of all is the time travel aspect of the book. In the other books I've read Jack and Annie's travels have been self contained. Where and when they go don't have any link between the present of their adventure and their present time in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. In Ghost Town at Sundown, Jack and Annie directly affect their future through their friendship with the wrangler.
The inclusion of the ghost town also gave Sean and me a chance to talk about my favorite ghost town, Bodie, California. We talked about the how and why behind a town being abandoned and what sort of things are left behind.
While there they are frightened by a ghost, threatened by horse thieves and befriended by a wrangler of wild mustangs. Jack and Annie learn how to ride horses and Annie once again shows her talent at talking with animals.
Best of all is the time travel aspect of the book. In the other books I've read Jack and Annie's travels have been self contained. Where and when they go don't have any link between the present of their adventure and their present time in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. In Ghost Town at Sundown, Jack and Annie directly affect their future through their friendship with the wrangler.
The inclusion of the ghost town also gave Sean and me a chance to talk about my favorite ghost town, Bodie, California. We talked about the how and why behind a town being abandoned and what sort of things are left behind.
July 25, 2018
We listened to this one just before our trip to Bannack, Montana (a real ghost town that is now a state park). It did a great job of giving the kids some context. And it was just fun.
December 7, 2019
good read
April 2, 2020
this book has a good story, and it is sometimes funny. I love Magic Tree House books.
March 1, 2021
I would have gone buckwild for this if I had read it as a kid
November 4, 2021
Jack and Annie travel back in time and visit a haunted ghost town in the Wild West in this fun sequel!
We've been flying through these little books even though we only read 2 chapters a night, and it somehow timed out perfectly that we started this 'Ghost Town' sequel with an actual ghost story in it right before Halloween! And I was worried that we wouldn't get to read anything spooky if we were hooked on this series!
We've been flying through these little books even though we only read 2 chapters a night, and it somehow timed out perfectly that we started this 'Ghost Town' sequel with an actual ghost story in it right before Halloween! And I was worried that we wouldn't get to read anything spooky if we were hooked on this series!
January 31, 2024
Legit read this while donating blood today--needed a book set in the wild west for a prompt in a reading challenge and this was both quick and available.
Only my third experience with Magic Tree House...not my favorite, but that's probably due to the setting.
Only my third experience with Magic Tree House...not my favorite, but that's probably due to the setting.
June 9, 2018
Per L: I like when Jack and Annie they found out the magic word was echo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2020
I just don’t get the appeal of Magic Tree House, but Sam likes them and they seem like an early chapter book rite of passage, so onward we proceed.
September 29, 2022
I’m a country girl
September 29, 2022
3.75 stars
January 26, 2022
I like how Jack and Annie told Slim to be what he came to the Wild West for.To write a book called days of the Wild West.This book made me feel so happy happier then the happiest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2024
Dies war mein Lieblingsband von "Das magische Baumhaus". War etwas schaurig, aber super spannend. Hat als Kind sehr Spaß gemacht zu lesen :)
January 31, 2024
Kids loved it
June 30, 2020
2.5 to 3 Stars
My son said he liked book #9 Dolphins at Daybreak more than this one. He wasn’t too interested in the setting for this story.
My son said he liked book #9 Dolphins at Daybreak more than this one. He wasn’t too interested in the setting for this story.
April 16, 2024
Minimale Kritikpunkte, ganz tolles Ende
Displaying 1 - 30 of 483 reviews