Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse
#1 of 4 in Goth Girl Series
on Goodreads (3,966)
What’s inside...
Meet Ada Goth, the only child of Lord Goth who lives in the enormous Ghastly-Gorm Hall. Lord Goth prefers children to be heard and not seen, so Ada wears large clumpy boots to be audible. Feeling lonely and without friends, her life changes when she meets a ghostly mouse named Ishmael. Together with Ishmael and new friends, William and Emily Cabbage, they uncover and thwart a sinister plot by the indoor gamekeeper, Maltravers. The story is filled with adventure, mystery, and humor as they explore the creepy house and solve its mysteries.
Discussion points
What do you think Ada Goth learned about friendship throughout her adventures?
How do the different characters in the story show their unique personalities? Can you relate to any of them?
Why do you think the ghost of the mouse decided to help Ada? What does that tell us about helping others?
What was the most surprising part of the story for you, and why?
If you could create your own adventure at Ghastly-Gorm Hall, what would it look like and which characters would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and plot. Ask them to draw their favorite scene, or to think of an alternative ending. Share your own thoughts and reactions to the story to model thoughtful reading and to create a space for mutual exchange and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist Ada shows kindness and understanding to the ghost of a mouse and other quirky characters she meets. Her actions demonstrate the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the feelings and perspectives of others, both in their interactions with friends and in understanding people who are different from themselves.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Ada confronts challenges and mysteries throughout the book, showcasing her bravery. Despite uncertainties, she presses forward to uncover the truth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges in life, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to overcome it.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Ada finds loyal friends who stand by her side. This highlights the importance of building strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of making and maintaining friendships, and how teamwork and cooperation can help solve problems.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Ada’s inquisitive nature leads her to explore and learn about the mysterious world around her.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be curious about their own world, to explore new ideas, and to actively seek knowledge.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite setbacks, Ada persists on her quest, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and that persistence is key to achieving goals.