13 Days of Midnight
#1 in 13 Days of Midnight Series
on Goodreads (1,306)
What’s inside...
When Luke Manchett’s estranged father dies unexpectedly, he leaves his son a dark inheritance: a Host of eight unique, powerful, and restless spirits. Unfortunately, Luke has no clue how to manage them, which the ghosts figure out pretty quickly. Armed with only his father’s indecipherable notes and a locked copy of The Book of Eight, Luke struggles to adapt to his new role as a necromancer. Meanwhile, the increasingly belligerent Host mutinies, possesses Luke’s mother, and forces him out of his own house. Halloween, the night when ghosts reach the height of their power, is fast approaching, and Luke knows his Host is planning something far more trick than treat. With the help of school outcast Elza Moss, who knows a bit about ghosts herself, Luke has just thirteen days to uncover the closely guarded secrets of black magic and send his unquiet spirits to their eternal rest. And if you thought it was going to be easy, you’d be dead wrong.
Character compass
Luke Manchett
Elza Moss
The Shepherd
Discussion points
What do you think Luke learns about responsibility and courage throughout his journey with the ghosts?
How do the characters' relationships change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
How would you handle the situation if you were in Luke's shoes?
What are the different ways the ghosts influence Luke’s decisions? Do you think their guidance is helpful or harmful?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ dilemmas, promoting empathy and understanding of complex emotions.
Discuss the moral challenges Luke faces to help your child explore the concept of right versus wrong in complicated situations.
Relate the supernatural elements to real-life responsibilities that your child may face, to help bridge the gap between fantasy and reality.
Ask your child what they would do differently if they were a character in the book, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Highlight moments in the book where characters show growth or learn lessons to emphasize the importance of personal development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Luke Manchett, inherits his father's supernatural responsibilities, forcing him to make mature decisions about legacy and duty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and understanding the consequences that follow.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the book, Luke faces various challenges from the supernatural world, demonstrating bravery and courage in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges confidently, whether at school, in social situations, or during personal trials.
Example Lesson: The complexity of relationships
Explanation: Luke deals with complex relationships with his estranged father, his schoolmates, and his supernatural companions, illustrating the multifaceted nature of interpersonal interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of empathy, communication, and understanding different perspectives in maintaining relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Luke must use his intellect and creativity to solve the mystery of his inherited curse and deal with the ghosts bound to him.
Real-World Application: This encourages critical thinking and creativity in children, showing them the importance of thinking outside the box to resolve issues.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: As Luke navigates his new responsibilities, the theme of every action having a consequence is prevalent throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think before they act and to consider the potential outcomes of their decisions.