Ghost Hunters: Bones in the Wall
#1 of 4 in The Ghost Hunters Series
on Goodreads (72)
What’s inside...
In 'Ghost Hunters: Bones in the Wall,' a middle-grade novel by Susan McCauley, readers follow twelve-year-old Alex, who gains the ability to see ghosts after a severe accident. No longer able to play sports, Alex struggles with his new reality and the haunting of an evil spirit. With the help of friends, his cousin, and friendly ghosts, they uncover a haunted house with bones in its walls, investigate its history, and encounter supernatural events. Together, they must solve the mystery and put the spirits to rest to bring peace to the haunted house and save themselves from a gruesome fate. The novel masterfully combines elements of suspense, adventure, and the paranormal, captivating young readers who enjoy horror and mystery.
Character compass
Alex
Discussion points
What do you think made the characters brave enough to explore the haunted house?
How do you think the characters felt when they found the bones? How would you feel in that situation?
What would you do if you were part of the ghost-hunting adventure?
Why do you think the ghosts were hiding the bones?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use expressive facial expressions and voice modulations to reflect different emotions displayed in the story. This can help your child better understand and connect with the characters’ feelings.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask them what they would do differently if they were one of the characters. This enhances creative thinking and empathy towards characters.
Relate the ghost-hunting adventure to any real-life adventurous experiences you have shared with your child, to make the discussion more relatable and engaging.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene. This can serve as a visual aid to stimulate discussion about why they chose that particular scene and delve deeper into its significance in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: In 'Ghost Hunters: Bones in the Wall,' the main characters confront and solve eerie mysteries, exemplifying courage in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and challenges, understanding that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters must work together to solve the ghostly puzzles, highlighting the importance and effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonists use clues and logical reasoning to uncover the mysteries, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply logical thinking to their daily challenges and become better at solving problems in academic and personal settings.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: As the characters uncover historical secrets linked to the ghosts, children are introduced to aspects of history in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: This can pique children's interest in their own history and heritage, encouraging them to learn more about their past and its impact on the present.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Interactions with the ghosts, who each have their own backstories, teach the characters to be empathetic and understanding towards others' situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy, helping them to build better relationships and be more compassionate in their everyday interactions.