Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit
#1 of 4 in Suddenly Supernatural Series
on Goodreads (2,015)
What’s inside...
All Kat Roberts wants is to be normal, or at least to look that way to students at her new school. But her mother is a medium, and not the kind that fits in between small and large; Kat's mom is the kind who sees spirits and communicates with them. And, even worse, Kat has just discovered she can see spirits too. In this first adventure in the Suddenly Supernatural series, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel brings humor and heart to the trials and tribulations of finding out who you are and who you want to be-all while surviving the seventh grade. In the tradition of loveable but flawed heroines, Kat Roberts navigates the complexities of adolescence and the supernatural world, as she discovers her own abilities and confronts the challenge of helping a spirit at her school cross over successfully. The question is can she do it without needing to switch schools herself? This is the first of three books in the SUDDENLY SUPERNATURAL series.
Character compass
Kat Roberts
Jac
Harriet Roberts
Shoshanna Longbarrow
Discussion points
What would you do if you discovered you had supernatural abilities like Kat?
How does Kat's friendship with Jac change throughout the story, and what does that teach us about handling changes in relationships?
Why do you think it's important for Kat to help ghosts, and how does helping others make you feel?
What emotions did you feel when Kat faced challenges with her abilities? Can you relate to these feelings in your own experiences?
How does the author blend the supernatural with everyday school life, and what does that show us about balancing different aspects of our lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Kat’s situation, fostering a deeper understanding of the character’s emotions.
Discuss the role of friendship and trust depicted in the book, highlighting personal experiences from your child's life to make connections.
After reading, use real-life examples of helping others to emphasize the book’s theme of service and kindness.
Highlight moments of courage and fear in the story to discuss personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The protagonist, Kat, navigates her unique ability to see ghosts, learning to embrace her special skill rather than shying away from it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of accepting their own unique traits and talents, understanding that these differences make them special.
Example Lesson: Building Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: As Kat confronts supernatural elements, she develops bravery. Her journey illustrates how facing one's fears can lead to personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or trying out for a sports team, thereby building their confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Kat's relationship with her best friend Jac shows how valuable friendship is in overcoming challenges and not feeling alone.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of forging strong, supportive friendships and being there for others during tough times.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Compassion
Explanation: Kat's interactions with the ghosts teach her about their unresolved issues and histories, cultivating a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children see the importance of understanding others' perspectives and backgrounds, fostering a compassionate approach to differences.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Helping Others
Explanation: Kat uses her abilities to help ghosts find peace, showing responsibility in using her gifts for the benefit of others.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of using their own skills and talents to assist others in need, promoting a sense of community and service.