Keyholders #4: The Wrong Side of Magic (Keyholders Series)
#4 of 4 in Keyholders Series
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
When Penny, Luke, Natalie and their links return home after rescuing Mr. Leery from the clutches of the evil Queen of the Boggarts, they find a lot of changes in Morgantown. Mrs. Bender, the principal, has decided on longer school days with no recess. The cafeteria ladies are serving up some extremely yucky food (even more than usual). And their teacher, Mr. Crandle, is giving them twice as much homework. What is wrong with all the adults in town? Could it be another scheme from the Boggart Queen? It's up to the apprentice Keyholders to find out. The Wrong Side of Magic is the fourth in a series of light fantasy chapter books set in Morgantown, a town on the border between the real world and the magical world, by the authors of the Publishers Weekly best selling BAILEY SCHOOL KIDS—a series of 50 books with more than 30 million copies sold.
Character compass
Penny
Natalie
Luke
Mr. Leery
Morgant
Discussion points
What do you think is the most exciting adventure in the book and why?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate teamwork? Can you think of a time when you worked as a team?
What would you do if you found yourself on the 'wrong side of magic'? How would you react?
Which character do you relate to the most and what qualities do you share with them?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the concept of magic and ask them how they would use magic in everyday life.
Discuss the theme of bravery by recalling instances where your child felt brave and relating it back to the characters' experiences.
Use the characters’ adventures as a springboard to talk about the importance of teamwork and problem-solving.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This can lead into a deeper discussion about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Wrong Side of Magic' must work together to overcome magical obstacles and challenges. Their success is built on cooperation and pooling their diverse skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities where teamwork is essential, such as sports or school projects, to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters encounter creatures and allies who are vastly different from themselves. Learning to understand and accept these differences is key to their journey.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open and accepting of people who may have different backgrounds or viewpoints in their own lives, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and facing fears
Explanation: As the protagonists navigate the magical world, they face various fears and uncertainties. Demonstrating courage despite these fears is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children learn that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it. This can help them tackle new challenges and unknown situations with confidence.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: The book explores the outcomes of decisions made by the characters, emphasizing that choices have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to think critically about the potential impacts of their decisions on themselves and others, encouraging responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Persistence in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Characters often face setbacks in their magical adventures but persist through difficulties, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals and overcoming difficulties in daily life, whether in academics, friendships, or personal growth.