Crooked Castle: A Twisty Thriller from the Casey Grimes Fantasy Universe
Casey Grimes Series
What’s inside...
Don't mind the dragon. When Brook, an orphan with a knack for survival, is dumped on a deadly island by a beast that shouldn't exist, all she knows is she's far from her group home in Weed, California, and haunted by a past that stays just out of reach. Brook knows the towering castle at the island's heart is her ticket to a better life. As near-death experiences stack up, she and her accomplice, Fox, make plans to infiltrate the stronghold. With room to breathe, she'll figure out who she is and why she's on the island - no matter what the cost. CROOKED CASTLE is a YA contemporary fantasy/thriller about an orphan flung into a survival puzzle with a hulking mystery in the middle.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-18
Length
246 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Casey Grimes in his adventures at the Crooked Castle?
How do Casey's friendships affect the decisions he makes? Can you relate to any of his relationships?
What would you do if you found yourself in a mysterious castle like Casey? How would you feel?
How do the events in the castle challenge Casey and change him by the end of the book?
What parts of the story make you feel excited, scared, or surprised? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Casey's world, asking what they would do differently and why.
Discuss Casey's problem-solving strategies to help your child connect his experiences with real-world scenarios.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to ask your child to visualize and describe their own version of the Crooked Castle.
Talk about the themes of courage and friendship in the story and ask your child to share personal experiences that felt similar.
Highlight the thrilling elements of the story to keep the conversation lively and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery in facing the unknown
Explanation: In 'Crooked Castle', the protagonist, Casey Grimes, demonstrates bravery as he navigates through uncharted territories filled with surprises and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of courage and stepping out of their comfort zones, which is essential when trying new activities or facing difficult situations at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Casey works together with friends who each bring different skills to the table, showing that collaboration is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the importance of cooperative play and learning to work in group settings, which are crucial skills in classroom projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Casey continues to push forward on his quest, displaying a great deal of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and not give up easily, whether it's mastering a new skill, completing homework, or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: The twisty, unpredictable nature of the Crooked Castle requires Casey to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to puzzles and problems.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of creativity in problem-solving, applicable in real-life situations where conventional methods might not work.