The Black Book of Secrets
#1 of 4 in Tales From The Sinister City Series
on Goodreads (5,421)
What’s inside...
A boy named Ludlow Fitch arrives in a remote village to escape his terrible past. He finds a job as an assistant to a mysterious pawnbroker who trades in people's darkest secrets, recording them in the Black Book of Secrets. While Ludlow yearns to trust his enigmatic mentor, he discovers that in a town filled with secrets, the most troubling ones may be his own.
Character compass
Ludlow Fitch
Joe Zabbidou
Jeremia Ratchet
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to share their secrets in the book?
How do you feel about the way the secrets affect the characters in the story?
If you had a secret like the ones in the book, who would you trust to tell it to?
What lesson do you think the main character learned by the end of the story?
How do you think secrets can impact friendships or trust between people?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the secrets in the book. Ask them how they would handle similar situations, fostering empathy and moral reasoning. Discuss the importance of trust and honesty in relationships, drawing parallels to their real-life experiences. Highlight key moments in the book that showcase character development and moral dilemmas to deepen their understanding of the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: In 'The Black Book of Secrets', characters learn that honesty leads to trust and stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being truthful in their interactions, strengthening their relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The importance of helping others
Explanation: The protagonist helps various people by keeping their secrets and offering solutions, demonstrating compassion and community support.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of supporting those around them, whether by helping a friend in need or participating in community service.
Example Lesson: The power of redemption
Explanation: Characters in the book overcome past mistakes by making positive choices, showing that everyone has the capacity for change.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it is never too late to correct mistakes and make amends, fostering a mindset of growth and forgiveness.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: The negative outcomes for greedy characters in the book highlight the dangers of valuing material wealth over relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of prioritizing personal connections and ethical behavior over material gains.