The Girl in the Castle
on Goodreads (10,315)
What’s inside...
Beloved #1 bestselling authors James Patterson and Emily Raymond deliver a thrilling novel about a teen named Hannah Dory caught between two worlds: the present, where she is detained in a psychiatric facility with alleged hallucinations, and the past in 1347, where she seeks to save her village from starvation. With the help of an abnormal psych student named Jordan, Hannah must navigate her complex reality to save her sister and potentially free herself from an endless cycle between timelines.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to live in a castle like the girl in the story?
How did the girl's actions show bravery? Can you think of a time when you were brave?
What would you do if you were in the girl's place during her adventure?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
What did you learn from the girl's relationship with her friends and family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story's setting, fostering creativity and enhancing their understanding of the narrative. Ask them personal reflection questions to connect the story themes with their own experiences, deepening their empathy and self-awareness. Allow pauses after each question for your child to think and articulate their thoughts, promoting their communication skills and confidence in expressing ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Girl in the Castle' confronts various challenges within the castle, showcasing bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by tackling their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of a class or trying a new activity, understanding that courage is vital in overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The curious nature of the girl leads her to explore the mysterious castle and uncover its secrets, which is pivotal in driving the narrative.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore the world around them, which fuels learning and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Value of kindness and friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey in the castle, the girl meets various characters and forms friendships, learning that kindness is key in building relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the importance of being kind and making friends in real life, showing how positive interactions can lead to meaningful connections.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The girl encounters puzzles and challenges in the castle that she must solve to proceed, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply similar critical thinking strategies when they face challenges or need to solve problems, whether in academic settings or daily interactions.