Eva Ibbotson is a fantastic writer - one of those whose stories reach out to all ages.
This is a young adult book, but a very enjoyable story for all ages. An orphaned girl is sent to Brazil to live with distant relatives.
Actually, my favorite Ibbotson book to I've read, even if it isn't about ghosts or monsters.
Good adventure story with a female main character! Loved the message at the end . . . especially coming from the homeschooler's perspective. :)