#2 in Lockwood & Co. Series
The Creeping Shadow
2016 by
on Goodreads (27,236)
What’s inside...
After leaving Lockwood & Co. at the end of The Hollow Boy, Lucy is a freelance operative, hiring herself out to agencies that value her ever-improving skills. One day she is pleasantly surprised by a visit from Lockwood, who tells her he needs a good Listener for a tough assignment. Penelope Fittes, the leader of the giant Fittes Agency wants them--and only them--to locate and remove the Source for the legendary Brixton Cannibal. They succeed in their very dangerous task, but tensions remain high between Lucy and the other agents. Even the skull in the jar talks to her like a jilted lover. What will it take to reunite the team? Black marketeers, an informant ghost, a Spirit Cape that transports the wearer, and mysteries involving Steve Rotwell and Penelope Fittes just may do the trick. But, in a shocking cliffhanger ending, the team learns that someone has been manipulating them all along. . . .
Why read this book
- Engaging mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
- Strong, relatable characters foster emotional intelligence.
- Adventure theme promotes curiosity and imagination.
- Ideal for improving literacy and focus.
The Big Picture
- Encourages teamwork and courage
- Enhances emotional intelligence
- Ideal for discussing overcoming fears
- Emphasizes strength in unity
Diversity & Representation
- Features a variety of cultural backgrounds and characters.
- Promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse societies.
- Characters display a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
Book in series
#2
Age
10-14
Length
445 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think are the main challenges the characters face in 'The Creeping Shadow'? How would you handle similar situations?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the story? What can we learn from how they deal with conflicts?
What are some of the key themes in 'The Creeping Shadow'? How do these themes relate to your own experiences at school or with friends?
The title 'The Creeping Shadow' has a mysterious feel. What do you think it represents in the story? Can you think of any 'shadows' in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the characters' decisions and their consequences. Discuss how empathy and understanding can be drawn from the characters' experiences. Connect the themes of the book to real-world situations your child may face, enhancing their ability to relate and learn from the story. Use the mysterious elements of the book to foster curiosity and critical thinking about the 'shadows' or challenges they perceive in the world around them.
What parents love
Perfect balance of thrill and teachable moments.
Captivating story, my child couldn’t put it down!
Handles sensitive topics with care and understanding.
Encourages critical thinking and imagination.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Creeping Shadow', the characters must work together to solve mysteries and overcome obstacles. Their success is largely due to their ability to collaborate and utilize each other's strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities or team sports, learning to value each member’s contributions and understanding the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: The young protagonists frequently face dangerous and frightening situations. Their bravery in these moments is a central theme, demonstrating how courage enables them to tackle challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to face their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class, trying out for a team, or standing up against unfair treatment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Integrity
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters are faced with decisions that test their integrity. Choosing what is right over what is easy is a recurrent challenge, highlighting the value of ethical behavior.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of honesty and making morally sound decisions, even when it might be easier to lie or cheat. This can help in building their character and trustworthiness.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The characters in 'The Creeping Shadow' encounter numerous setbacks. However, their resilience in difficult times serves as a powerful example of persistence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in the face of adversity, whether it’s dealing with academic challenges, personal setbacks, or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the characters interact with a variety of supernatural beings, they learn to understand and empathize with perspectives different from their own.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to show empathy towards classmates and friends who may be different from them, promoting inclusiveness and understanding in their everyday interactions.