Happy Boo-Day to You (Ghostville Elementary #6)
#6 in Ghostville Elementary Series
What’s inside...
In 'Happy Boo-Day to You,' the sixth installment of the Ghostville Elementary series by Marcia Thornton Jones, the students of Class 3B are preparing to celebrate the birthday of their ghostly classmate, Cassidy. However, the celebration takes an unexpected turn when the school's resident ghosts become upset, fearing that they are being forgotten. The children must find a way to include the ghosts in the festivities and assure them that they are still an important part of the school. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, inclusion, and celebrating differences. The book combines humor and suspense as the students navigate the challenges of having ghosts as classmates and work together to ensure that everyone, living or spectral, feels appreciated on this special day. Get ready for more spooky fun from the best-selling authors of THE BAILEY SCHOOL KIDS. And you thought YOUR school was scary? These third-graders are haunted by a classroom full of GHOSTS! It's Nina's birthday and she's going to have the best birthday party ever. But someone or something is trying to scare Nina and her party guests. Did one of the classroom ghosts follow her home? Or is Nina's birthday party being haunted by something much scarier than a Ghostville ghost? Nina and her friends can't be sure. But they know one thing: It's time to bust these birthday bashers - once and for all!
Discussion points
What are some ways the characters in the story celebrate their friend's birthday? How does it compare to how you like to celebrate?
What would you do if you were in a school like Ghostville Elementary? Do you think you'd enjoy having ghost classmates?
How do the characters handle scary or unexpected situations? Can you think of a time when you were brave like them?
Which character in the book would you like to be friends with and why?
If you could plan a ghostly birthday party, what fun activities would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the book to make your child feel more comfortable in expressing their opinions.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. This can help them recall details and engage more deeply with the story.
Encourage your child to compare aspects of Ghostville Elementary to their own school to help them relate to the story.
Utilize the questions to guide your child in thinking critically about the characters' decisions and actions and how they might use similar judgment in their own lives.
Focus on the fun and creative aspects of the book to inspire your child’s imagination, asking them to brainstorm their own ghostly adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'Happy Boo-Day to You', the characters work together to plan a surprise birthday party, demonstrating the power of collaboration and support among friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their relationships by working together with their peers in group activities or projects at school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: The characters encounter various challenges while organizing the party, which they overcome by brainstorming and finding creative solutions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach obstacles in their own lives calmly and creatively, whether in resolving conflicts with friends or facing difficult tasks at school.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Differences
Explanation: The book highlights a diverse group of characters, each with unique traits, coming together to celebrate. This integration shows the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and celebrate differences in others, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Taking Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the story take on specific roles for the party preparation, showing accountability for their tasks.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by taking responsibility for their own tasks, such as homework or chores, and understanding how fulfilling commitments contributes to group efforts.