Ghosts: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #14: A Good Night for Ghosts
#20 in Magic Tree House Series
What’s inside...
The Magic Tree House series, the #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time, celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system. Jack and Annie return from their adventure in Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #14: A Good Night for Ghosts with many questions about ghost stories, beliefs, and ghost hunters. The Fact Trackers books provide answers and additional information with up-to-date facts, photos, illustrations, and fun tidbits. These nonfiction companions are perfect for kids to learn more about the topics they read about in the Magic Tree House adventures and help teachers meet common core text pairing needs.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the idea of ghosts so intriguing?
How does learning about the history and stories of ghosts help us understand different cultures?
What feelings did you experience while reading about the various ghost stories, and why?
If you could meet any ghostly character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think ghosts and the supernatural are viewed differently around the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the book as a starting point to explore the history and folklore of different cultures presented in the stories.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the ghost stories, whether they found them scary, funny, or intriguing, and explore why.
Discuss the concept of the supernatural with an open mind, highlighting how different people believe in different phenomena and why.
Connect the ghost stories to any local or family legends and share those with each other to make it more personal and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding different cultures and histories
Explanation: The book delves into the historical and cultural context of New Orleans, including the significance of jazz music and its musicians.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and histories, broadening their understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Bravery in facing the unknown
Explanation: As characters in the story encounter ghostly figures, they learn to overcome their fears and approach the unknown with curiosity rather than fear.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children face new challenges or unfamiliar situations in their own lives with courage and openness.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together and support each other, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in school projects or in resolving conflicts among friends.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The characters show determination in uncovering historical truths and helping ghostly figures find peace, despite challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals or completing difficult tasks in school or in personal pursuits.