Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel
Hocus Pocus And The All-New Sequel Series
What’s inside...
Hocus Pocus is beloved by Halloween enthusiasts all over the world. Diving once more into the world of witches, this electrifying two-part young adult novel, released on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 1993 film, marks a new era of Hocus Pocus. Fans will be spellbound by a fresh retelling of the original film, followed by the all-new sequel that continues the story with the next generation of Salem teens. Shortly after moving from California to Salem, Massachusetts, Max Dennison finds himself in hot water when he accidentally releases a coven of witches, the Sanderson sisters, from the afterlife. Max, his sister, and his new friends (human and otherwise) must find a way to stop the witches from carrying out their evil plan and remaining on earth to torment Salem for all eternity. Twenty-five years later, Max and Allison's seventeen-year-old daughter, Poppy, finds herself face-to-face with the Sanderson sisters in all their sinister glory. When Halloween celebrations don't quite go as planned, it's a race against time as Poppy and her friends fight to save her family and all of Salem from the witches' latest vile scheme.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
521 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Poppy Dennison
Travis Reese
Isabella Richards
Max Dennison
Allison Dennison
Sarah Sanderson
Mary Sanderson
Winifred Sanderson
Discussion points
How do you think Max, Dani, and Allison's friendship changed over the course of the two stories?
Why do you think the Sanderson sisters are so determined to be young forever? What does that tell us about how they view their lives?
In the sequel, what challenges does Poppy face and how does she overcome them?
How do the themes of bravery and family loyalty appear in both the original story and the sequel?
If you could use magic for one day, what would you do and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare and contrast the characters’ behaviors and decisions in the two different time periods.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make, such as the importance of doing what's right even when it's difficult.
Explore with your child how the setting influences the mood and actions of the characters throughout the stories.
Help your child connect the themes of the book to their own life, such as facing fears or the importance of teamwork.
Use examples from the book to discuss with your child the consequences of actions, both good and bad.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists work together to overcome challenges posed by the revived witches. Their success is heavily based on their collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which is applicable in school projects, sports teams, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The characters in the story come from varied backgrounds and have different strengths. The book portrays how embracing diversity strengthens the group.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives, promoting inclusivity in their interactions at school and within the community.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: The young characters confront frightening witches, demonstrating bravery in the face of danger. Their courage is pivotal to the story’s resolution.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears, whether it’s speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for actions
Explanation: Characters in the book deal with the consequences of their actions, both good and bad, which shapes their development and the story’s outcome.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking before acting and taking responsibility for their actions, which is crucial for personal development and social interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonists persistently tackle obstacles despite numerous setbacks, showing determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up easily, fostering a resilient mindset that is beneficial in their education and personal growth.