Monstrous Morgues of the Past (Scary Places)
Scary Places Series
on Goodreads (35)
What’s inside...
Describes the histories and reported hauntings of eleven morgues throughout the world, including locations in Paris and Chicago.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the morgues of the past scary, and how are they different from places we know today?
Can you imagine what it would be like to visit one of these places? What feelings would you have?
Why do you think people from the past handled death and morgues the way they did?
What have you learned about the history and culture from reading about these monstrous morgues?
How do you think stories of scary places affect our understanding of history?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the historical settings described.
Use the book’s illustrations and descriptions to help visualize the past and spark deeper discussion.
Connect the discussions to history lessons or cultural studies to provide context and enhance learning.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and help your child articulate their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The book presents eerie stories about historical morgues which can teach children to confront and handle their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to tackle new challenges or fears they encounter, such as trying out a new activity or facing academic difficulties.
Example Lesson: Historical knowledge
Explanation: ‘Monstrous Morgues of the Past’ enriches children's understanding of history through captivating and spooky tales of old morgues.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate history and can spark interest in learning about their own cultural heritage and that of others around them.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The book encourages readers to think critically about the stories presented, distinguishing between fact and fiction.
Real-World Application: Children can use critical thinking skills in school when assessing information, and this skill can also help them make informed decisions in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: By reading about historical events and how they impacted real people, children can develop deeper empathy and understanding for people in different times and situations.
Real-World Application: This empathy can translate into more compassionate interactions with peers and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives in their community.