Ghost Detectors Book 4: I Dare You!
#4 in Ghost Detectors Series
What’s inside...
At the county fair, ten-year-olds Malcolm and Dandy face a real ghost in the Screaming Mansion, while at home, Malcolm's sister Cocoa's attempt to become Fair Queen has the family in turmoil. It's time again for the Franklin County Fair! Malcolm and Dandy can't wait to ride the rides and eat the fair food, even if they have to watch Malcolm's sister, Cocoa, compete for Fair Queen. But something strange is going on in the Screaming Mansion. When the carnival worker, Gus, dares them to enter, they discover more than just a stray cat. The Ghost Detectors never get time off! Calico Chapter Books is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Group. Grades 2-5.
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when reading about Malcom and Dandy’s ghost detector adventures?
If you were Malcom or Dandy, how would you have reacted to the ghosts in the story?
What do you think makes a good team, like Malcom and Dandy? How do they help each other out?
How do you think the ghosts feel about being detected? Would you be scared, excited, or something else?
What would you dare to do if you had a ghost detector? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which helps deepen their understanding and empathy. Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically and reflect on the characters’ actions and reactions. Share your own thoughts about the story to model thoughtful discussion and active engagement with the text. Validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they express them, making them feel heard and valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Malcom, consistently faces his fears throughout the series, and especially in 'I Dare You!' as he confronts the unknown aspects of ghosts and the supernatural.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their own fears and realize that facing fears is often less daunting than anticipated, promoting bravery in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: Malcom's quest to understand the supernatural phenomena exemplifies a strong desire to learn and understand the world around him.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers about their world, motivating them to learn more about subjects that pique their interest.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Malcom and his friends work together to solve the mysteries they encounter, demonstrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working with others to achieve common goals and solve problems, skills that are applicable in school projects and other areas of life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and reliability
Explanation: Malcom takes responsibility for his actions when using his ghost-detecting gear and dealing with the consequences of those actions.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being accountable for their actions and the impact they can have on others.