Ghostly Alcatraz Island (HorrorScapes)
HorrorScapes Series
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
The Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, a nearly escape-proof prison located on a small island in San Francisco Bay, housed America's most dangerous criminals who endured harsh conditions, including solitary confinement in dark cells. The penitentiary was closed in 1963, but visitors have reported hearing mysterious cries from empty cells and seeing ghostly figures that suddenly vanished. An exciting narrative format brings the hair-raising history of Alcatraz to life and provides creepy details for young horror fans, with chilling photos and clear, age-appropriate text.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading about the ghost stories in Alcatraz?
Why do you think Alcatraz Island has so many ghost stories attached to it?
If you could talk to one of the characters from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
What do you think makes a place haunted, based on the stories from the book?
How did the author build suspense throughout the book? Can you think of a specific part that felt particularly eerie?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings about the stories to create a comfortable environment for discussion.
Ask follow-up questions to their responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the book's themes.
Connect the ghost stories to real-life emotions like fear, curiosity, and excitement to help children express and manage their feelings.
Discuss the historical context of Alcatraz Island to enrich the conversation and add educational value.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or additional ghostly encounters to foster creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The story portrays characters who explore the eerie and legendary Alcatraz Island, showcasing their bravery as they encounter supernatural elements.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and understand that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared, but rather acting despite those fears.
Example Lesson: Historical appreciation
Explanation: Through the ghostly tales of Alcatraz, readers gain insights into the rich history of the island, including its function as a federal prison.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and respect historical sites in their own communities and fosters a curiosity about history in general.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: As characters in the book analyze clues about the island’s past, readers learn to think critically about the information presented to them.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children to not accept everything at face value and encourages thoughtful questioning and analysis in daily life.
Example Lesson: Understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The book showcases multiple viewpoints about the paranormal, encouraging readers to see situations from various angles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy and considering diverse perspectives before making judgments.