Sweet Miss Honeywell's Revenge: A Ghost Story
on Goodreads (956)
What’s inside...
Zibby Thorne discovers that the dollhouse she received for her twelfth birthday is haunted by the ghost of a vengeful former governess named Miss Honeywell. Strange occurrences and bizarre accidents lead Zibby to uncover the dark history of the dollhouse and the malevolent intentions of its ghostly inhabitant. As she delves deeper, she must confront the wrath of Miss Honeywell and uncover the reason behind her enduring malevolence.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Zibby felt compelled to solve the mystery of the dollhouse? What would you do if you were in her shoes?
How did Zibby’s relationships with her family and friends change throughout the story? What does this tell us about dealing with conflicts and misunderstandings?
What role do you think the historical aspects of the book play in the story? How do they add to the mystery and suspense?
How does the author create a spooky atmosphere in the story? Can you think of specific descriptions or events that made you feel scared or anxious?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage your child to think deeply about the characters and their motives, rather than just recalling plot points.
Discuss similar personal experiences with mysterious or unexplained events to make connections between the book and your child’s life.
Highlight the historical elements in the story to help your child understand the different time periods and their relevance to the plot.
Talk about how facing fears and solving problems can lead to growth and change, both in the book and in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: In the book, the protagonist Zibby faces her fears when confronted with supernatural occurrences and mysteries. Her bravery in exploring and resolving the ghostly happenings exemplifies courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges courageously, whether it's trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy for others
Explanation: Zibby learns to understand the ghost's history and motives, which teaches her empathy and compassion towards those who are different or misunderstood.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that people may act based on their past experiences and that empathy can lead to better interpersonal understanding and relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Zibby's quest to uncover the truth about the ghost involves historical research and piecing together information, showcasing the importance of learning and curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore, ask questions, and learn from the world around them, skills that are invaluable in educational settings and in life.
Example Lesson: Taking responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Characters in the story face consequences for their actions, particularly in how they handle the supernatural elements, teaching the importance of accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of children understanding that their actions have effects, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite the challenges and fear, Zibby remains determined and resourceful, which highlights resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming difficulties, an essential skill in all areas of life.