A Patchwork of Ghosts (Hippo Ghost)
Hippo Ghost Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
Lizzie and her mother move to Bankside, an old and cold house that feels unwelcoming. Lizzie soon realizes the house is haunted by a malevolent ghost who seems intent on hurting her. She must uncover who the ghost is and why it wants to cause her harm.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different ghosts in the story make you feel? Which one was your favorite and why?
What do you think the patchwork quilt represents in the story?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What can we learn about friendship and bravery from the characters?
If you could add another ghost to the patchwork, what would it be like and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each ghost, discussing the emotions and personality traits each ghost might represent.
Use the patchwork quilt as a metaphor to discuss how different experiences and memories make up our 'life quilt'.
Highlight the character development by pointing out specific actions or decisions in the story that show growth or change.
Discuss the themes of friendship and bravery by asking your child to share personal experiences related to these themes.
Let your child get creative by imagining their own ghost character, encouraging them to describe its qualities and how it would fit into the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story showcases a variety of ghosts from different backgrounds and eras, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of accepting and celebrating differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The ghosts, despite their differences, come together to solve common problems, demonstrating the power of friendship.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate and support their friends in achieving common goals or overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book face various challenges but manage to overcome them through bravery and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges courageously, knowing that perseverance often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of History
Explanation: The book includes ghosts from different historical periods, providing a gateway to learning about history in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: This can stimulate an interest in learning about their own and others' cultural and historical backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: As the characters navigate through their adventures, they employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in their daily life situations, enhancing their decision-making capabilities.