The Trouble With Spells (Of Witches and Warlocks Book 1)
#1 of 5 in Of Witches And Warlocks Series
on Goodreads (4,783)
What’s inside...
Portia Mullins never dreamed of grandeur, unless it came in the form of Vance Mangum, the school's reclusive hottie. She had no idea her feelings were reciprocated until she discovers she's a witch, part of a family coven tasked to protect Vance from his evil warlock father. As they grow closer, they fail to see the looming threat, leading to a magical mayhem where Portia must save Vance, and their love. 'The Trouble with Spells,' the first installment of Lacey Weatherford's series, combines romance, magic, and adventure.
Character compass
Portia Mullins
Vance Mangum
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Vance and Portia to hide their true identities? How would you feel in their situation?
Portia discovers new powers and responsibilities. How do you think she handles her challenges and what would you do if you were in her shoes?
The story explores trust and betrayal. Can you think of any moments where trust was broken? How were these situations resolved?
How do friendships play a role in this book? Discuss how Portia's relationships influenced her decisions and actions.
If you could have any magical power like Portia, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child first express their favorite parts of the story and characters. This opens up a natural flow into deeper topics discussed in the book.
Use comparisons to real-life situations to make abstract themes more relatable. For example, relate the theme of trust to a situation where the child had to trust someone, and discuss the outcome.
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of the characters' actions, and relate those actions back to their own choices and potential consequences.
Ask your child how they might feel or react if they were in the story. This helps them put themselves in the characters' shoes and makes the discussion more personal.
Celebrate your child's insights during the discussion and reinforce that their thoughts and opinions are valuable and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Portia, learns to handle the great power she inherits responsibly, understanding the impact her choices have on others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the consequences of their actions in their daily interactions and responsibilities, such as in schoolwork or friendships.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Portia faces situations that test her integrity, teaching readers that honesty is crucial in building trust and strong relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of being truthful with family and friends, thereby fostering trust and open communication.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Portia often must confront challenges and dangers, showing bravery and resilience which inspire readers to tackle obstacles courageously.
Real-World Application: Children can draw on this when facing their own challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up against peer pressure.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal growth
Explanation: Portia's journey includes learning from her mistakes and growing as a person, underscoring the importance of self-improvement.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace learning opportunities from their mistakes and continuously seek self-improvement.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating differences
Explanation: Through her interactions with other witches and warlocks, Portia learns to value the differences in others, promoting diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the diverse cultures, abilities, and perspectives of people around them, fostering an inclusive environment.