On the Ghost Trail: A Bloomsbury Reader
Bloomsbury Readers Series
What’s inside...
Join young Henry and his friends on a thrilling adventure as they unravel the mysteries of their haunted school, facing fears and discovering courage and friendship. Meanwhile, Ben's brother dares him to hunt for a ghost in the church graveyard at midnight. This spooky comedy by Chris Powling, with illustrations by Loretta Schauer, is perfect for developing readers. The Bloomsbury Guided Reading series offers a wide range of book-banded stories by award-winning authors to encourage independent reading in Key Stage 2 children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a good ghost story exciting?
How would you feel if you were in the main character's shoes on their ghost trail adventure?
What do you think is the most important lesson the main character learns during their adventure?
Can you think of different ways the characters could have solved their problems?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion with your child's favorite part of the book to spark interest. Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Relate the story's themes or characters' experiences to your child’s own life to deepen their understanding. Ask your child to imagine different endings or continue the story to build their creative thinking. Encourage them to draw their favorite scene or character to make the discussion more interactive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates bravery when confronting spooky and mysterious elements while on the ghost trail.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their fears directly, whether it's trying new activities or dealing with nighttime fears, fostering confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The storyline encourages exploring new places and seeking answers, igniting a sense of adventure and inquiry.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be curious about their surroundings, ask questions, and actively learn from their environment, both in school and out.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the ghost trail, the characters face various challenges that they need to solve to move ahead.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these problem-solving skills in academic settings or in social scenarios, helping them navigate obstacles effectively.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The characters often work together to uncover clues and solve the mysteries they encounter.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of cooperating in group settings such as in projects or sports, promoting harmony and collective success.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: As characters explore various haunted sites, they learn about the history connected to these places.
Real-World Application: Children become more aware of and interested in history and its impacts, encouraging them to explore and respect cultural heritage.