There Is a Door in This Darkness
What’s inside...
Gr 9 Up–A fortune teller sets up a card table outdoors in a snowy Harvard Square during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Wilhemina Hart struggles with the loss of her beloved Frankie and the altered plans for her gap year. A magical encounter with a fortune teller who sprouts wings and glitters with light sparks a change, allowing her to meet James Fang who shares similar mystical experiences. As they navigate the tumultuous times and presidential elections, Wilhemina begins to let go of her protective barriers, influenced by the diverse cast of characters and the lasting spirit of Frankie, a visionary who believed in the power of human connection.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the door in the darkness could lead to and why?
How do the characters feel when they approach the door, and have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think is the importance of having friends when exploring new things?
How can we help each other when we are scared or unsure about something?
What would you do if you found a door in the darkness? Would you open it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing a personal story about a time you faced something unknown and what you learned from it.
Encourage your child to use their imagination to visualize scenes from the book, asking them to describe what they see, hear, and feel.
Affirm your child’s feelings and thoughts as they answer, showing them that their opinions are valued and important.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s responses, promoting critical thinking.
Relate the book’s themes to real-life situations your child might encounter, to ground the discussion and make it more relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various challenges in a dark, mysterious environment but learns to overcome fear to find the door.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing and overcoming their fears, which can help them tackle new experiences and adversity in real life.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: Curiosity leads the protagonist to explore unknown parts of the darkness, ultimately leading to growth and new discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and explore the world around them, which fuels learning and personal development.
Example Lesson: Resilience through obstacles
Explanation: Despite the setbacks faced in the darkness, the main character persists and eventually finds the door.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persistence and resilience in difficult times, which is essential for achieving long-term goals.
Example Lesson: Helpfulness and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the protagonist helps and cooperates with others to navigate the challenges.
Real-World Application: Promotes the development of social skills like helping others and working together, which are important in school and community settings.