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#13 in The Magic Tree House Series

A Good Night for Ghosts

illustrations by
4.07
on Goodreads (3,970)

What’s inside...

In their magic treehouse, Jack and Annie are again transported to King Arthur's realm, where invisible beings, giant ravens, and mistaken magic spells have a duke's castle in an uproar on Halloween night.
In series
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
144 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

Why do you think Jack and Annie decided to help the young musician in New Orleans?
How do Jack and Annie show bravery and kindness throughout their adventure?
What did you learn about the importance of music and culture after reading this story?
How would you feel if you met a ghost, and what would you do?
If you could go on a magic tree house adventure, where would you like to go and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story's atmosphere to life—alter your voice for different characters and emphasize dramatic moments to keep your child engaged.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story. This not only keeps them engaged but also helps in developing critical thinking skills.
After reading, connect the story to real-life events or personal experiences to help your child relate to and reflect on the themes of the book.
Discuss the historical and cultural aspects of New Orleans mentioned in the book. This could be a great opportunity to explore more about the place and its music together.
Create a small art project based on the book, like drawing their favorite scene or character. This helps in reinforcing their understanding and appreciation of the story.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'A Good Night for Ghosts', the protagonist faces fears of ghosts and the unknown during an adventurous night in New Orleans centered around the legendary musician, Louis Armstrong. This scenario provides a backdrop where courage is tested and ultimately prevails.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their personal fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or sleeping alone in the dark, understanding that bravery can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, teamwork and support among friends play a crucial role in overcoming challenges. The characters work together, demonstrating how cooperation and empathy are key elements of friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value and nurture friendships, understanding that working together can solve problems that might seem insurmountable alone.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of cultural history
Explanation: The story highlights the cultural impact of Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, weaving historical facts with the fictional narrative and celebrating the influence of jazz music.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and appreciate their own cultural heritage or delve into the history of other cultures, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation of diversity.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: The characters encounter numerous obstacles throughout their adventure but continue to persevere. This illustrates the importance of resilience and persistence.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in the face of their own difficulties, whether in schoolwork, hobbies, or relationships, emphasizing that persistence often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements of the story, such as the concept of time travel and interactive ghosts, encourage a creative and imaginative mindset among readers.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in play or creative pursuits, which can enhance problem-solving skills and enrich their cognitive development.