Who Knew There'd Be Ghosts?
not part of a series
What’s inside...
For Tommy, Books, and Harry the Blimp, the old Parnell House is more than just a playground for their imaginary games. When they overhear a stranger's plan to destroy the house to find a hidden treasure, they must come up with a plan to save their beloved playground. As they strategize, they discover they are not alone; two ghosts of the Parnell family still reside there and are ready to help.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you moved to a new place like Garth and his siblings? What would you do to feel more at home?
What do you think about the idea of ghosts? Are they something to be afraid of, or can they be friendly?
How did the children's perception of the house change throughout the story? Have you ever changed your mind about something after learning more about it?
Why do you think the author chose a haunted house as a significant part of the story? What does it symbolize?
In the book, teamwork plays a crucial role. Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to overcome a challenge?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the book to model open communication and encourage your child to share theirs.
Focus on the emotional responses of the characters and ask your child how they might feel in similar situations, fostering empathy and personal connection.
Discuss the themes of mystery and adventure. Ask your child what they would do if they encountered a mystery like the one in the book.
Use the book's setting and elements to spark imagination. You could ask your child to draw their version of a 'haunted house' or write a short story about it.
After discussing the questions, consider planning a family activity that ties back to the book’s themes, like a themed game night or creating a simple family 'ghost story'.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The main character, Garth, demonstrates bravery as he explores a rumored haunted house, confronting his fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and overcoming obstacles, which can help them tackle challenges in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and investigation
Explanation: Garth’s adventure is driven by his desire to uncover the truth about the ghosts, showing how curiosity leads to new knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers, fostering a love for learning and critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, Garth and his friends work together to solve the mystery, highlighting the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which is a crucial skill in both academic and personal life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and consequences
Explanation: As Garth interacts with the mysterious elements of the house, he learns about the consequences of his choices, stressing responsibility.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their actions have impacts and teaches them to think about the outcomes before acting.
Example Lesson: Appreciating differences
Explanation: The interactions with a variety of characters in the story, including the so-called ghosts, help Garth to learn the value of understanding and respecting differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to teaching children the importance of inclusivity and respect in diverse social settings.