The Ghosts of War
What’s inside...
Recounts supposedly true stories about ghosts connected in some way with war, from haunted battlefields to soldiers' premonitions of death. A collection of stories starring ghosts associated with wars features tales of Samurai ghosts, the Headless Lady of Recruit House, and the Polish mercenary of the American Revolution. Reprint.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the ghosts in the story represent, and why do they appear to the characters?
How do the characters change throughout the book after encountering the ghosts?
What feelings did you experience while reading about the wars and the ghosts?
If you were in the story, how would you react to meeting a ghost from the past?
What do you think the author wanted us to learn from the ghosts’ stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, discuss with your child what they know about ghosts and war, setting a knowledgeable groundwork for the themes they’ll encounter.
Encourage your child to express their feelings after each chapter, maintaining open communication about the heavier topics covered in the book.
Draw parallels between the historical events in the book and current events, fostering a deeper understanding of the book’s themes.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after major events or ghostly encounters, enhancing their critical thinking.
Consider reading some sections together, particularly those that might be emotionally challenging, to provide support and discuss difficult topics immediately.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding history through personal stories
Explanation: The book offers historical narratives through engaging, ghostly tales, allowing children to learn about significant past events.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing more interest in their own family histories and the historical contexts of their communities.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy for others' experiences
Real-World Application: This can help children to understand and be compassionate towards people in their lives who have experienced difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about sources of information
Explanation: The book sparks curiosity about the supernatural while grounded in historical events, prompting readers to differentiate between fact and fiction.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to question the source and accuracy of stories and information they encounter daily.