The Shadow People
What’s inside...
The Shadow People is a gripping psychological thriller by V. Corinne Renshaw that follows the story of a woman who starts experiencing terrifying encounters with shadowy figures. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers dark secrets from her past and must confront her own inner demons. The novel is a haunting exploration of trauma, paranoia, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. In another story, Jenny and Gareth discover a cave in the mist, thinking they have found King Arthur and his Knights in their long-lost resting-place. However, the shadow people they encounter are stranger than any sleeping King, and the malice of Bran, the hunter of wild things, brings both them and the children into the greatest danger they have faced for 600 years.
Age
12-18
Length
142 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they first encountered the Shadow People?
What do you think the Shadow People represent in the story?
Why is it important for the characters to understand and accept the Shadow People?
Can you think of a time when you were misunderstood, like the Shadow People?
What would you do if you met the Shadow People?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the characters and the situations they face. This helps in understanding their perspective.
Discuss the symbolism of the Shadow People and what they might represent in real life, guiding the conversation towards themes of acceptance and understanding.
Relate the story to personal experiences or current events to make the discussion more relevant and engaging for your child.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to foster creative thinking and empathy towards the characters.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as changing your tone or voice for different characters, to make the storytelling more dynamic and intriguing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'The Shadow People,' characters often encounter beings who are different from themselves. Through these interactions, they learn to understand and empathize with perspectives unlike their own.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and value the feelings and viewpoints of others, promoting inclusiveness and reducing bullying.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The protagonists of the story often face frightening situations but find the courage to confront their fears. This encourages resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: This can help children deal with their own fears, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves and others in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters achieve their goals by working together, emphasizing that teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate effectively with peers in school projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often produces superior results.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in 'The Shadow People' experience the results of their choices, which illustrates the concept of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think before they act and understand that their actions have impacts on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: The characters often face setbacks and challenges but learn to overcome them and grow stronger, showcasing the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that setbacks are a natural part of life and that persistence can lead to overcoming them.