The Crow Haunting
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
In this enthralling time travelling story, a girl goes back to the Stone Age in search of her brother and manages to avert an ancient disaster. Meanwhile, there is something sinister about the new supermarket which Medi uses. Crows are always wheeling over the building and her young brother Davey is terrified of the swing doors. When she learns that the store has been built on the site of a Stone Age woodhenge, Medi realizes it is haunted.
Age
8-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the crow symbolizes in the story?
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the book?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the protagonist?
Why is it important to understand and respect wildlife like the crow?
How can we apply the lessons learned in the book to our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life and emphasize the emotional journey.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to foster critical thinking.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or current events to make the conversation more relevant.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene, which can lead to discussion about the reasons behind their choice.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives, as portrayed in the interactions with the crow.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'The Crow Haunting', the protagonist confronts his fear of crows and learns to understand them better.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's fear of the dark, insects, or trying something new, and understand that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Example Lesson: Importance of understanding and empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates how understanding creatures or people that seem frightening at first can lead to empathy and better relationships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be open-minded and compassionate towards those who are different from them, whether it's a new classmate from a different background or a neighborhood stray animal.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The central character’s journey is propelled by curiosity about the crows, leading to unexpected discoveries and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore, ask questions, and learn more about their environment. This natural curiosity can be applied in academic subjects or in learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: By exploring the life of crows, the book subtly highlights the role of wildlife in our ecosystem and the importance of respecting nature.
Real-World Application: This can foster a sense of responsibility in children to care for their surroundings and be mindful of how they interact with nature.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: As the protagonist overcomes obstacles related to his fear of crows, he learns resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that enduring challenges and overcoming them is a vital part of growth and development.