Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting
#1 of 2 in Serwa Boateng Series
on Goodreads (1,181)
What’s inside...
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents best-selling YA author Roseanne A. Brown's middle grade debut about a pre-teen vampire slayer with a strong helping of Ghanaian folklore. Twelve-year-old Serwa Boateng is not just any pre-teen; she is the best adze slayer her age. Adze are shapeshifting vampires from the forests of Southeastern Ghana that prey on the blood of innocents. Serwa, trained from a young age, has been combating these creatures with her parents, but when an obayifo (witch) destroys her home, she's sent to live with her aunt in Maryland for safety. Adapting to a normal life including mean girls and algebra, Serwa's new life is interrupted when an adze infiltrates her school. She must then train her classmates to fight this monster while uncovering family secrets that could change her perspective on the war between slayers and adze. The book is also endorsed by Rick Riordan and includes references to other middle grade action-adventure titles.
Character compass
Serwa Boateng
Roxy
Ebony
Aunt Boahinmaa
Discussion points
What do you think makes Serwa Boateng a brave and unique character?
How do you think Serwa balances her life as a student and a vampire hunter?
What lessons did you learn about friendship and teamwork from Serwa's adventures?
If you were in Serwa's shoes, how would you handle the challenges she faces?
What are some ways Serwa shows her care and responsibility towards her family and friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily life with Serwa’s, highlighting both the ordinary and the extraordinary aspects.
Discuss the importance of courage and resilience, drawing parallels between Serwa’s battles and personal challenges we face in real life.
Use examples from the book to talk about the significance of teamwork and ask your child about times they had to work with others to achieve a goal.
Prompt your child to think about what qualities make a good leader and friend, as depicted in Serwa's character.
Ask your child to imagine their own magical adventures, encouraging creative thinking and storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Serwa Boateng showcases bravery as she confronts supernatural challenges, demonstrating that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport, speaking in front of a class, or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Importance of knowledge and preparation
Explanation: Serwa uses her understanding of vampire lore effectively to combat threats, highlighting how being well-prepared and knowledgeable is crucial.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child’s life by encouraging them to study and prepare thoroughly for their academic exams or any other challenging tasks in life.
Example Lesson: Value of cultural heritage
Explanation: The story integrates elements of Ghanaian folklore, which Serwa uses to her advantage, emphasizing the importance of one’s cultural roots and history.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and explore their own heritage and that of others, understanding that diversity in backgrounds contributes to a richer, more inclusive community.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Serwa often teams up with friends and allies, showing that teamwork can often be the key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others, whether it's on group projects at school or in community activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Serwa’s journey is fraught with setbacks, yet she persists and adapts, teaching that resilience is essential for overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their own challenges, such as learning a new skill or dealing with changes like moving to a new school.