A Secret from the Deep
What’s inside...
A Secret from the Deep is a thrilling mystery novel by Patricia Gregory Curtis. The story follows a group of friends who stumble upon a hidden treasure while exploring a sunken ship. As they unravel the secrets of the past, they must navigate dangerous waters and outsmart a group of treasure hunters. With suspenseful twists and turns, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Dani, a twelve-year-old girl, is angry and heartbroken at being sent to relatives she hardly knows in Canada while her parents go through a bitter divorce. Dani clashes with her cousin, Mitch, the same age, who frightens her with stories about the monster of Lake Okanagan. Her fear turns to fascination after Dani has several sightings of the ogopogo. She feels protective toward this rare creature and names him Pogo. She soon learns a misguided scientist is out to destroy Ogopogo to prove it exists and that her cousin is helping him. With the help of an old Indian Chief, who is a recluse, and the Na-ha-ha-itk, Dani saves Pogo and in fighting for him, forgets about her own problems.
Age
9-12
Length
154 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the secret from the deep might be and why?
How did the characters' actions help to uncover the secret?
What would you have done if you were in the story?
How do you think the secret changed the way the characters felt about the sea?
What have you learned from this story that you could use in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would react in similar situations. Use follow-up questions to dive deeper into their responses. Discuss the emotions and decisions of the characters to help your child understand different perspectives. Relate the book’s themes to real-life experiences of your child to make the conversation more engaging and relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts a mysterious creature from the depths of the ocean, teaching bravery despite uncertainties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace new experiences and face their own fears, whether it's trying out a new activity or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: The young character's inquisitive nature leads to a significant underwater discovery, showcasing the importance of asking questions and exploring.
Real-World Application: Fosters a love for learning and exploration in children, encouraging them to seek knowledge and ask questions about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The protagonist and their sea creature friend work together to solve an ocean mystery, emphasizing cooperation and trust.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of building and maintaining friendships, and how collaboration can lead to overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Through the adventures, children learn about marine life and the ecosystem, promoting environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Encourages responsible behavior towards the environment, stressing the importance of preserving nature for future generations.