Download: The Paranormal
Download Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Download is a series of books aimed at older pupils with low reading ability. It features themes such as extreme sports, fast cars, popular culture, ghosts, monsters, and supernatural elements to engage reluctant and less able teenagers in reading. The series encourages teenagers to explore different stories and form their own opinions about the topics presented. Developed in conjunction with NASEN, each book in the series includes a short story, non-fiction information pages, and a bibliography.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the different paranormal events described in the book? Which one would you like to learn more about?
How do you think the characters felt when they encountered something paranormal? Have you ever felt that way?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the characters in the book?
Why do you think people are fascinated by paranormal activities?
If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, and relate them to their own experiences.
Use the book as a springboard to discuss the difference between reality and fiction, and explore what makes paranormal stories so intriguing.
Help your child connect the story to broader themes such as fear, curiosity, and the unknown, fostering a deeper understanding.
Be open to their interpretations of the paranormal, whether skeptical or believing, and explore those feelings together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Download: The Paranormal' learns to understand and share the feelings of a ghost, despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to appreciate and respect others' perspectives, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The characters face their fears when dealing with supernatural elements, showing bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to confront their own fears and challenges, whether it's trying something new or facing difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book presents characters who must solve mysteries surrounding paranormal events.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically and develop solutions to problems they encounter in school or with peers.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters collaborate to understand and handle paranormal occurrences, emphasizing the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperation and how collective efforts can help tackle complex issues.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters learn to accept and embrace the uniqueness of paranormal beings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be more accepting and inclusive of differences among people, promoting diversity and acceptance.