A Mary Downing Hahn Ghostly Collection: 3 Books in 1
#3 in A Mary Downing Hahn Ghostly Collection Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
The ultimate gift for young readers who love thrills, chills, and spooky stories, here are three haunting tales from award-winning master of middle grade horror Mary Downing Hahn, together in one ghostly collection. Are you ready for a hauntingly good read? There are scares aplenty in this enticing collection of three of Mary Downing Hahn's most popular books: Took, The Girl in the Locked Room, and The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall. Daniel’s little sister disappears in a forest haunted by witches and beasts. Jules is sure that someone—or some thing—lurks in the upstairs of her new house. Vengeful Spirit Sophia stalks the shadows of a gloomy manor, and dreams of the girl inside. Three of award-winning author Mary Downing Hahn’s spookiest tales come together in this gathering of ghosts. Guaranteed to give you goosebumps!
Discussion points
How did the characters' reactions to the supernatural events shape your thoughts about courage and fear?
What similarities and differences can you find between your experiences and the main character's journey?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character’s position?
How do you think the ghost’s story impacted the other characters, and what does that teach us about understanding others?
What important lessons about friendship and trust can be learned from the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by expressing your own thoughts on the supernatural elements of the story to make your child feel comfortable sharing.
Relate the challenges faced by characters to real-life situations your child might encounter to make discussions more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or actions by the characters to foster creative thinking and empathy.
Discuss the emotions depicted in the book and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations, promoting emotional understanding.
Highlight the moral or lesson from the book and ask your child how they can apply it in their daily life, reinforcing the values conveyed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In Mary Downing Hahn's ghostly tales, characters often confront and overcome supernatural fears, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or trying out for a sports team, understanding that courage is about facing challenges head-on.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The stories typically involve understanding the backstory of the ghosts, leading characters to empathize with spirits who may initially seem frightening.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to seek to understand people who are different from them, promoting a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Hahn's narratives often explore how the actions of characters can affect others, directly or indirectly, teaching a sense of responsibility and morality.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of considering the impact of their actions on others in their community and family.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Characters in the book often encounter problems that must be solved, which involves critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of using their intellect and creativity to overcome obstacles in their own lives, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The value of history and past
Explanation: Through the stories of the ghosts, the books convey the importance of history and the stories of those who came before us.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to show interest in their own heritage and the history of their community, fostering a sense of respect and continuity.