Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches
#1 of 2 in Archibald Finch Series
What’s inside...
What happened 500 years ago was never supposed to resurface. Exploring his Grandma’s scary manor, Archibald stumbles upon a dark family secret, linked to a time of great fears and superstitions. Key to that mystery: an ancient terrestrial globe, populated by the most fantastic creatures. When he unlocks the storm inside by accident, the risk-averse boy gets whisked into the underworld of Lemurea, where a battle started in the Middle Ages has yet to be settled. Down here, it’s light versus darkness, magic versus fire, witches versus dragons. But not any kind of witches —an army of young girls, with the most magical weapons. And not any kind of dragons —Marodors, enigmatic monsters, part beast, part human, which will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about dragons. While Archibald is thrust into an amazing adventure that will test his survival skills, on the flip side of the Earth, his sister Hailee faces her own challenges. Seeking to solve Archibald’s disappearance, she uncovers the grim plans of a dark priest. Two breathtaking stories, running parallel with one another, but tightly intertwined. Two worlds, on a dangerous collision course. The first installment in a phenomenal series, The Lost Witches reads like an addicting thriller—and sets the stage for more adventures to come for Archibald Finch.
Discussion points
What do you think Archibald felt when he discovered the magical world? How would you feel in his place?
Why do you think teamwork is important in Archibald's adventures?
How did Archibald change from the beginning of the story to the end? What caused those changes?
What lessons did Archibald learn about friendship throughout his journey?
If you could have a magical power like one of the characters, which one would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Archibald’s world, asking them what they would do differently.
Discuss the importance of bravery and friendship found in the story and relate it to your child’s own experiences with friends.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to ask your child to draw or describe their version of the magical world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Archibald Finch exhibits bravery as he navigates the mysterious and sometimes frightening world of Lemurea, confronting challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and overcoming obstacles, which can inspire them to tackle difficult tasks in school or social situations with bravery.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Throughout the story, Archibald's quest for knowledge about the mystical elements of Lemurea drives the plot, showing how his curiosity leads to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek out information, fostering a love for learning that can enhance their educational journey.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Archibald often collaborates with friends he meets along the way. This cooperation is crucial for overcoming the various adversities they face.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of working with others to achieve common goals, a vital skill in classroom projects and peer interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience through setbacks
Explanation: As Archibald encounters obstacles and setbacks during his adventure, his ability to persevere and not give up is highlighted.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that setbacks are part of life and that persistence is key to success, encouraging them to keep trying despite difficulties.