When Dinah is fostered by the Hunters she thinks her biggest problem will be fitting in with her foster-brothers, Lloyd and Harvey. However, once she starts at her new school it’s clear that there’s more to worry about. All the children, apart from a handful including Lloyd and Harvey, are too well-behaved – robotic almost – and oddly keen to please the creepy headmaster. The three children set out to discover the nature of his influence over everyone . . . but then Dinah finds herself saying and doing things she has no power over. Soon they uncover the headmaster’s wicked plan. Controlling the school is just a practice run. He has set his sights on dominating the entire nation! The children must foil him before he succeeds . . . but with Dinah under his spell they’ve got a challenge on their hands. Great fun and just a little bit frightening, Gillian Cross’s beloved classic still holds readers under its hypnotic spell, even after thirty years of being in print. An accessible page-turner, The Demon Headmaster is impossible to resist.
Dive into the thrilling world of Gillian Cross's *The Demon Headmaster*, a captivating children's adventure story that has held readers spellbound for over three decades! In this timeless classic, first published in 1982, Dinah, a young girl entering a new foster home with the Hunters, anticipates the typical challenges of adjusting to life with her foster brothers, Lloyd and Harvey. However, her anxieties soon shift from sibling rivalry to a far more sinister threat at her new school. Something is unsettlingly amiss at the school. The students, with the exception of Lloyd and Harvey, exhibit an unnerving obedience and an unnatural eagerness to please the unsettling headmaster. Their behavior is eerily robotic, sparking Dinah's suspicions and leading her, along with her foster brothers, on a quest to uncover the truth behind the headmaster's influence. As they delve deeper into the mystery, Dinah finds herself inexplicably succumbing to the headmaster's control, uttering words and performing actions against her will. This terrifying development raises the stakes significantly, placing the children in a perilous race against time. The trio soon discovers the headmaster's audacious plan: to control not just the school, but the entire nation! With Dinah increasingly under his hypnotic sway, Lloyd and Harvey face the daunting challenge of thwarting the headmaster's diabolical scheme before he achieves total domination. Can they break Dinah free from his influence and save the country from his wicked grasp? *The Demon Headmaster* is a gripping page-turner, perfect for young readers who enjoy suspenseful adventures with a touch of the supernatural. Gillian Cross masterfully weaves a tale of intrigue, bravery, and the importance of standing up against tyranny. This edition, published by Oxford University Press in 2017, brings this beloved story to a new generation, ensuring its enduring appeal. Gillian Cross is an acclaimed British children's author known for her ability to craft compelling narratives with memorable characters. Her work often explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of friendship in the face of adversity. *The Demon Headmaster* series has been adapted for television, further solidifying its status as a cherished classic in children's literature. This book (the first one) is recommended for readers aged 9-12 (Middle Grade). Readers often praise its fast-paced plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and relatable characters. This Oxford University Press edition (ISBN: 9780192745767), with 160 pages, invites you to experience the thrilling adventure that has captivated readers for generations. *The Demon Headmaster* is more than just a story; it's a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the courage to fight for what is right. Get your copy today and prepare to be hypnotized!