The Midnight Thief
on Goodreads (94)
What’s inside...
A captivating boarding school mystery from Sylvia Bishop, author of Erica's Elephant, The Bookshop Girl and The Secret of the Night Train. Transplanted from her exciting life as an explorer's daughter, Freya finds herself miserable at a posh boarding school. Freya hates all the boring rules, the other girls are mean to her, and the headmistress is frosty good manners personified. When a bat removal expert is called in to deal with an infestation, Freya meets his irrepressible children - and finds herself making friends at last. Together they explore the city, with particular interest in the grand exhibition showing priceless artefacts for the first time. When the objects are stolen in a dramatic heist, Freya is sure her new friends are responsible - but the true culprit might be closer to home... Warm, witty and packed full of gorgeous characters, this is a boarding school mystery with a twist. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens' Murder Most Unladylike series Sylvia Bishop is the author of The Bookshop Girl, The Secret of the Night Train, and Erica's Elephant
Age
9-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the Midnight Thief to start stealing?
How do you feel about the way the characters handled conflicts?
What would you do if you were in the Midnight Thief's situation?
Why is it important to consider the consequences of our actions like the characters did in the story?
How can we learn from the mistakes that characters made in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to place themselves in the characters' shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of motivations.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the story and ask your child what they would do differently, promoting critical thinking.
Relate the story's themes to real-life situations your child may encounter, making the conversation relevant and practical.
Praise your child’s opinions and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement in reading and conversational skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'The Midnight Thief,' the protagonist learns that deceit can lead to unforeseen consequences and ultimately realizes the value of being truthful.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that honesty builds trust and strengthens relationships both in their family and with friends.
Example Lesson: The value of courage
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face challenging situations requiring bravery. Their courage helps them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team or standing up for what's right, is a crucial part of growing up and self-discovery.
Example Lesson: The significance of friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'The Midnight Thief' support each other in times of need, demonstrating the true meaning of friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of supporting their friends and how cultivating strong friendships can provide comfort and happiness in their lives.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book depicts characters brainstorming and collaborating to solve mysteries, showing the effectiveness of working together to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use creative thinking and teamwork in school projects or daily challenges, fostering a collaborative spirit.