Dracula (In the Footsteps Of...)
In the Footsteps Of... Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
This is one in a series for horror fans that delves into the scary stories of Dracula, exploring the facts behind the tales, and providing a guide to the myths and legends which inspired them. The book examines Dracula and the world of the undead, tracing the roots from Vlad the Impaler to vampire stories across various cultures including Transylvania, India, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Serbia.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Dracula’s actions throughout his journey?
How do the different places Dracula visits affect his character and decisions?
What lessons can we learn from the people Dracula meets along his travels?
If you were in the story, which location would you like to visit and why?
What are the different emotions you feel as you follow Dracula's story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring characters and scenes to life, enhancing the emotional connection to the narrative.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios by asking them how they might react differently than Dracula in similar situations.
Draw parallels between Dracula's experiences and real-world cultures or historical events to deepen their understanding of the themes.
Ask your child to visualize and describe the settings in the book, fostering their imagination and attention to detail.
Highlight the moral and ethical questions raised in the book to encourage critical thinking and personal values discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The protagonist's journey to uncovering the mysteries surrounding Dracula exemplifies bravery despite the palpable fear of the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and the value of courage, which can be applied in situations such as trying new activities or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Importance of knowledge
Explanation: Characters in the book use historical and cultural knowledge to solve mysteries and overcome obstacles, indicating that understanding and intelligence are powerful tools.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that learning and gaining knowledge can help them solve problems in daily life, from academic challenges to interpersonal issues.
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters persist in their goals, ultimately leading to success in their endeavors.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain persistent and determined in their own goals, whether they are educational objectives or personal projects.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters often collaborate and combine their efforts to uncover the truth about Dracula, showing that teamwork can achieve what might be impossible alone.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s everyday life by teaching them the importance of cooperation and working with others in activities ranging from school projects to team sports.