Alice Jones: The Ghost Light
#2 of 25 in Alice Series
on Goodreads (76)
What’s inside...
Old refurbished theatre, the Beryl, is re-opening. Days before opening night, the ghost light - left on at night to appease the ghosts of actors - is extinguished. Alice digs into the Beryl's past, sleuthing in a network of dark backstage corridors and cobwebby storage rooms. Gradually, she starts to uncover the hundred-year-old secret of the theatre: a stolen diamond. Is the Beryl haunted by a ghost - or a living thief?
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Alice to solve mysteries, and how does her curiosity help her?
How do the different characters in the story show bravery or fear? Can you relate to any of them?
What are some of the important clues that Alice finds, and why are they significant to the mystery?
If you were in Alice's place, what would you have done differently in her investigation?
How do you think teamwork is portrayed in the story? Can you give examples of how working together helped the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to predict what might happen next or how they would solve the mystery themselves.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and curiosity, as demonstrated by Alice, and relate it to real-life situations your child might face.
Highlight how the characters deal with fear and ask your child about times they have felt brave.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing a scene from the book or creating a map of the mystery settings discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and inquiry
Explanation: Alice Jones, the protagonist, demonstrates a keen sense of curiosity and a strong desire to uncover the truth behind the mysterious ghost light. Her investigative approach drives the plot and encourages critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their own questions and curiosities with a similar spirit of inquiry, fostering a love for learning and discovery in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Alice collaborates with others to solve the mystery, showcasing the effectiveness of working together and respecting different opinions and skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of teamwork in school projects or collaborative activities, teaching them to coordinate and cooperate with peers.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Alice's determination to solve the mystery, despite various challenges, highlights the importance of persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in their own tasks and challenges, whether it's completing homework, learning a new skill, or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Alice faces moral dilemmas and makes ethical decisions that reflect integrity and justice, important aspects showcased in the story.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to face their own ethical decisions and consider what is right or wrong in various situations at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Dealing with fear and the unknown
Explanation: As Alice confronts the ghost light and uncovers its secrets, the story explores themes of handling fear and the unknown.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that facing fears, rather than avoiding them, is a courageous and necessary part of life.