The Haunted Carousel
#4 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (655)
What’s inside...
In The Haunted Carousel, Nancy Drew and her friends investigate mysterious occurrences at a nearby amusement park's carousel, believed to be haunted by its deceased owner who hid a valuable jewel. In a separate story, Sherry Carrigan O'Toole, a bestselling self-help author, struggles to apply her own advice to her life. After her marriage falls apart and she loses custody of her son, Scott, she hopes to reconnect with him during a ski trip. However, Scott embarks on a risky adventure, flying through a storm to attend a concert, which results in a crash and leaves him struggling to survive in the wilderness. Meanwhile, his parents confront their past conflicts as they fight to continue the search for him.
Discussion points
What do you think the carousel's haunting symbolizes in the story?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the book?
Which part of the adventure would you have liked to explore and why?
What are some ways the characters showed courage?
If you could talk to the main character, what advice would you give them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to relate the characters' experiences with their own.
Discuss the moral lessons of the story and ask your child how they might apply them in their own life.
Use expressive reading to enhance intriguing scenes, making the story more engaging for your child.
Pause at suspenseful moments to predict what might happen next, fostering your child's analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'The Haunted Carousel', the main character shows bravery when confronting the spooky mysteries of the carousel.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport or standing up in class to give a presentation.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to solve the mystery of the haunted carousel, demonstrating effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others in group projects or team sports, teaching them the value of working together towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The young protagonists' quest to uncover the truth about the carousel ignites their curiosity and drives their investigative efforts.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions and seek answers in their learning environments, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters face various challenges and puzzles that require critical thinking and decision-making skills to solve.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques to their academic challenges and personal obstacles.