The Language of Ghosts
#1 in The Language of Ghosts Series
on Goodreads (1,058)
What’s inside...
The Penderwicks meets Howl’s Moving Castle in this thrilling middle grade fantasy adventure about a trio of royal siblings who unlock a long-forgotten magical language in their bid to reclaim their stolen throne—from Ember and the Ice Dragons author Heather Fawcett. Perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Robert Beatty. Forced into exile on an enchanted, moving island, ex-princess Noa Marchena has to reclaim her family’s stolen throne and ensure that the dark powers her older brother, Julian, possesses don’t go to his head in the process. But between babysitting her annoying little sister, Mite, and keeping an eye on the cake-loving sea monster that guards the moving island, Noa has her hands full. When the siblings learn that their enemies are searching for a weapon capable of defeating Julian—whose legendary spell weaving is feared throughout the kingdom—once and for all, they vow to get to it first. To everyone’s surprise, the key to victory turns out to be a long-lost magical language—and only Noa can speak it. But what if by helping her brother, Noa ends up losing him?
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were in Moth's position on the quest to save the kingdom?
Why do you think friendship and courage are important in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What does 'The Language of Ghosts' suggest about the importance of understanding different perspectives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters to deepen their understanding of the story's moral values. Use dramatic pauses during the reading to emphasize suspense and emotion, making the experience more impactful. Finally, relate the story’s themes to real-life scenarios to help your child connect the story's messages to their own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Language of Ghosts,' the characters face numerous challenges that require determination and relentless effort to overcome. This narrative demonstrates the power of persisting in the face of difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the lesson of perseverance in their academic and personal endeavors, understanding that challenges can be opportunities for growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strength and support family members provide to each other, particularly in tough times. The characters rely on each other’s unique strengths to navigate their adventures.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate and lean on their family, recognizing the importance of familial support in everyday challenges and successes.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: The protagonists often encounter unknown territories and mysterious elements. Their bravery in exploring these aspects is a pivotal part of the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace new experiences and face unfamiliar situations with confidence, which is crucial in fostering adaptability and resilience.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters meet diverse groups, and learning to understand and accept these differences is central to their success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to meeting people who are different from them, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their real-world interactions.