Season of the Witch
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Like Fredericks's The Girl in the Park, here is a page-turner that perfectly captures the world of New York City private schools, as it explores the notion of power among teenage girls. Publisher's Weekly , in a starred review, raves, "Fredericks again proves her gift for conveying the intensity of adolescence, while exploring the ways girls’ sexuality is used against them and asking why 'we all have to be predators and prey.'"
Queen Bee Chloe is going to make Toni suffer for whatever transpired between Toni and Chloe's boyfriend, Oliver, over the summer. From day one of eleventh grade, she has Toni branded as a super slut, and it isn't long before things get so ugly that Toni fears for her safety. What's a scared, powerless, and fed-up teenager to do? Guided by Cassandra—a girl with some serious problems of her own—Toni decides to stop playing the victim and take control. Cassandra has been experimenting with witchcraft, and together they cast a spell on Chloe that may actually cause her death. Could Toni have really made such an awful thing happen?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Toni
Cassandra
Hélène
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel when reading about the witch’s journey? Can you explain why?
How do you think the witch felt during different parts of the story? What made you think that?
What would you do if you were in the witch’s place at key points in the story?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What is the main message of the story, and why is it important?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore 'Season of the Witch' with your child, focus on understanding their perspective and feelings about the story. Ask questions that require more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to encourage deeper thinking. Validate their feelings and thoughts to make them feel heard and understood. Relate themes or situations from the book to real-life scenarios that your child can connect with, enhancing their empathy and understanding of the story. Lastly, enjoy the journey of discussion, making it a warm and shared family learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Characters in the story face challenges and adversities that require them to be brave and show courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or trying a new activity.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: The story demonstrates the importance of friends who support each other in times of need.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing their friendships, being loyal and supportive friends in their daily interactions at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: Characters learn to accept and embrace differences, leading to a more harmonious community within the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of diversity and encourage them to be accepting of people from different backgrounds and cultures in their community.