The Sacrifice
#3 of 3 in The Bone Witch Series
on Goodreads (3,666)
What’s inside...
An island oasis turns deadly when a terrifying legend threatens to kill off visitors one by one in this haunting novel from the highly acclaimed author of The Girl from the Well and the Bone Witch trilogy. Pristine beaches, lush greenery, and perfect weather, the island of Kisapmata would be the vacation destination...if not for the curse. The Philippine locals speak of it in hushed voices and refuse to step foot on the island. They know the lives it has claimed. They won't be next. A Hollywood film crew won't be dissuaded. Legend claims a Dreamer god sleeps, waiting to grant unimaginable powers in exchange for eight sacrifices. The producers are determined to document the evidence. And they convince Alon, a local teen, to be their guide. Within minutes of their arrival, a giant sinkhole appears, revealing a giant balete tree with a mummified corpse entwined in its gnarled branches. And the crew start seeing strange visions. Alon knows they are falling victim to the island's curse. If Alon can't convince them to leave, there is no telling who will survive. Or how much the Dreamer god will destroy. Creepy and suspenseful, The Sacrifice is perfect for readers looking for spooky, scary books for young adults, horror novels, ghost story books for teens, and East Asian folklore.
Discussion points
How did the characters' decisions impact their lives and the lives of others around them?
What would you have done differently if you were in the protagonist's place?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult choice? What did you decide, and why?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in today's world?
What did you learn from the book about sacrifice and its importance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the moral dilemmas in the book and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Use examples from the book to teach life lessons about sacrifice, bravery, and consequence.
Create a comfortable and open environment where your child feels safe to express their feelings and opinions about the story.
Highlight the positive outcomes from characters' tough decisions to show the value of sacrifice and hard choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-sacrifice
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Sacrifice' makes a significant personal sacrifice for the greater good, demonstrating the value of putting others before oneself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to prioritize the needs of others in situations like sharing toys, helping with chores, or supporting friends in distress.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing difficulties
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face daunting challenges bravely, showing children how to confront fears and adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tackle school assignments, sports, or new social situations with bravery, even if they initially feel scared or unsure.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the effectiveness of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: In real life, this teaches children to value cooperative group work at school, during playdates, or in family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience after setbacks
Explanation: The story emphasizes rebounding after a setback, with characters learning and growing from their failures.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that setbacks like a poor grade or a lost game are opportunities for learning, not just failures.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The characters often show empathy and understanding, which is crucial in resolving conflicts in the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider the feelings and perspectives of their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment in classrooms and playgrounds.