Curse of the Mummy
Fighting Fantasy Series
on Goodreads (400)
What’s inside...
This narrative nonfiction tells two thrilling stories about ancient Egyptian tombs. The first follows a reader helping an archaeologist discover the tomb of Akharis and dealing with the Curse of the Mummy. The second story, by Candace Fleming, recounts the famous search for Tutankhamun's tomb, the myths of a curse, and the fight for the treasures found within. This book combines historical facts with engaging storytelling to enlighten middle-grade and young adult readers about ancient Egypt, critical thinking, and the consequences of historical explorations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Howard Carter
Lady Evelyn Herbert
Lord Carnarvon
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to explore the mummy's tomb?
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the characters?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and curiosity from the story?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Why do you think mummies are often associated with curses in stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief background on what mummies are and their historical significance to pique your child's interest.
While discussing, relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or similar stories to make the conversation more relatable for your child.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw or write a short story about their own adventure inspired by the book.
Reinforce the moral lessons from the story by discussing real-life applications of bravery and curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The protagonist faces his fears by exploring the mysterious mummy's curse despite the dangers.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears head-on can lead to overcoming them, which is applicable when they encounter new or intimidating situations in real life.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonist’s quest to understand the curse involves researching and learning about ancient history and cultures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive and pursue learning about topics that interest them, understanding that education is a tool to solve problems.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters must work together to solve the mystery of the mummy’s curse.
Real-World Application: Children are shown the importance of teamwork and how collaborative efforts can achieve goals that might be impossible to reach individually.
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: The book introduces elements from an ancient culture and portrays them with respect and accuracy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect cultural differences, promoting a more inclusive attitude towards diverse backgrounds in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As the characters encounter various obstacles and puzzles related to the mummy's curse, they must think critically and creatively to progress.
Real-World Application: The narrative promotes developing problem-solving skills, which are crucial for academic success and effective handling of personal challenges.