Long Lost
Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (3,590)
What’s inside...
Eleven-year-old Fiona uncovers a gripping mystery novel in her new town's library that resonates with her surroundings and details an unsolved century-old crime. Based on true events, she teams up with quirky locals to unravel the mystery, learning about the town’s haunted past and discovering that help and danger can come from unexpected places, including her distant sister. This atmospheric and eerie mystery, filled with suspense and a strong bond between sisters, will captivate readers with its blend of ghostly tales and family secrets.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Fiona
Arden
Discussion points
What do you think Fiona feels when she discovers the mysterious letter addressed to Myrtle? How would you feel in her place?
How do the characters change throughout the story? Who do you think changed the most?
Why is it important to solve mysteries? What does Fiona learn from her adventures?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a mystery or a problem? What did you do?
How do the settings in the book contribute to the story? Which place in the book would you like to visit?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Fiona’s shoes. This helps them connect personally with the character’s challenges and achievements.
Discuss the differences between the characters at the beginning of the book and at the end. This can lead to a conversation about growth and change over time.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and courage in the face of the unknown, as demonstrated by Fiona’s journey.
Encourage your child to describe a place from the book in detail, which can help sharpen their memory and recall skills.
Ask open-ended questions to foster critical thinking and deeper comprehension of the story’s themes and moral lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Long Lost', the characters face numerous challenges and obstacles as they uncover mysteries within the library. Their determination to solve the mystery, despite the difficulties, underscores the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying dedicated to their tasks, whether it’s completing homework, learning a new skill, or solving a problem, showcasing that effort leads to achievement.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonists rely on each other’s strengths and support to navigate their adventures. This highlights how teamwork and trusting relationships are pivotal to overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to nurture friendships, cooperate with others, and appreciate diverse perspectives, which enhances their social interactions and teamwork skills.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The characters often venture into unknown parts of the library and face unexpected events, demonstrating bravery in uncertain situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace new experiences, whether trying out a new sport, meeting new friends, or asking questions in class, which is crucial for personal growth and learning.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and knowledge
Explanation: As the characters dive into the mysteries of the library, their quest for knowledge is a central theme. Their curiosity opens up new worlds and possibilities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inquisitive and explore subjects that intrigue them, fostering a lifelong love for learning and critical thinking skills.