Harriet Hall and the Kaiser's Curse
#2 in The Harriet Hall Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Trapped in the middle of nowhere and accused of a major crime, thirteen-year-old Harriet Hall, an aspiring journalist in Canada, 1941, finds herself caught in a thrilling adventure. Unwelcome in her small town and yearning for her London home, Harriet seizes the chance for a story when valuable items vanish. However, her investigation turns disastrous as she becomes the prime suspect. To clear her name, Harriet and her sasquatch friend flee to the woods to gather evidence. Facing bee stings, a broken arm, and the wrath of local authorities, she worries this story could ruin her budding career. Harriet Hall and the Kaiser's Curse, the captivating second installment in the Harriet Hall children’s series, combines brave amateur sleuthing, Canadian mythology, and suspenseful twists. Dive back into the forest with Sonia Garrett’s latest page-turner and follow Harriet as she fights to prove her innocence.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Harriet to solve the mystery of the Kaiser's Curse?
How did Harriet change from the beginning of the book to the end?
What would you have done differently if you were in Harriet's shoes?
How do you think the curse affected the characters' decisions throughout the story?
What did you learn about courage and friendship from Harriet's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story's setting, asking how they might feel or react to the events described.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character in the book and why they are drawn to them, fostering a deeper connection to the narrative.
Discuss the moral dilemmas that Harriet faces, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter to teach empathy and decision-making.
Use the book’s historical elements as a springboard for a mini-research project you can do together, enhancing the educational value of reading.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw a scene or a character from the book, helping them express their interpretation and understanding creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist, Harriet Hall, consistently faces challenges and obstacles while unraveling the mystery of the Kaiser's Curse. Her determination and bravery shine as she confronts these difficulties head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and overcome challenges, whether it be at school, in sports, or in social situations, embodying the courage demonstrated by Harriet.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Harriet collaborates with various characters to solve the puzzle. This teamwork proves essential in overcoming the challenges posed by the Kaiser's Curse.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value collaboration and seek help from peers and adults to achieve common goals, exemplifying the power of working together.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: Harriet employs critical thinking and logical deduction to solve the mystery. Her ability to piece together clues and think critically serves as the key to her success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of observing, analyzing, and solving problems in their daily lives, enhancing their decision-making and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: History and Culture Appreciation
Explanation: The narrative incorporates elements of history and cultural significance tied to the Kaiser's Curse, providing children with educational content in an intriguing format.
Real-World Application: This facet of the story encourages children to explore and appreciate different cultures and historical contexts, broadening their knowledge and understanding of the world.