Prom Dates from Hell
#1 in Maggie Quinn: Girl Vs. Evil Series
on Goodreads (2,696)
What’s inside...
Maggie Quinn, girl reporter and honors student at Avalon High, is six weeks from graduation when she encounters strange occurrences involving the school's elite. While covering the prom for the school newspaper, she detects the smell of sulfur and notices bizarre events affecting the popular students—all named Jessica. Realizing that an ancient evil has been unleashed, Maggie channels her inner Nancy Drew to investigate and stop the demonic forces. With prom being seemingly mandatory and the town's fate at stake, Maggie must brave undesirable situations and confront soul-crushing demons to save her community.
Discussion points
How do you think Maggie handled the challenges she faced, and what would you do in her situation?
What do you think about the friendships portrayed in the book? How important are friends in overcoming difficulties?
How does the blend of supernatural elements and everyday high school life affect the story?
What lessons can we learn about courage and resilience from Maggie's experiences?
What parts of the book did you find most exciting or surprising, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, share your own impressions of the book to encourage an open exchange of thoughts.
Ask your child which character they felt most connected to, and explore why they feel that connection.
Create a comfortable and relaxed environment for the discussion, possibly setting aside a specific time to chat over snacks or drinks.
Encourage your child to compare the challenges faced by Maggie to real-life situations and discuss how they might apply the lessons learned.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to foster confidence and deeper analysis of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Maggie Quinn, demonstrates bravery as she tackles supernatural challenges and high school dilemmas.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Maggie collaborates with friends and allies to solve mysteries, highlighting that teamwork can lead to success even against formidable foes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value cooperation and collaboration, showing that working together can help solve problems more effectively than working alone.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Maggie uses her wit and intelligence to analyze situations and devise strategies to defeat evil forces.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically about challenges they face and to develop creative solutions in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence and personal growth
Explanation: Maggie's journey is one of personal development; she grows more confident in her abilities as she overcomes obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and self-belief in personal development and overcoming life’s challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Characters in the story express a range of emotions, which are crucial to the storyline, showing how understanding emotions can influence outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of recognizing and managing their own emotions and those of others around them.