The Witches of Pendle
#3 of 4 in The Ghost Hunters Series
What’s inside...
In 'The Witches of Pendle', readers delve into the exhilarating journey of a modern-day ghost hunter entangled in the enigmatic Pendle witch trials history. As secrets from the past unravel, they confront supernatural forces and life-threatening dangers that challenge their grasp of reality. Meanwhile, a new family moving into Pendle discovers a witch's bottle, unleashing the spirits of the accused from the infamous 1612 trials, causing chaos. Eve, Clovis, and Tom, along with their mentor, Professor Rufus, undertake their most daunting task yet to combat the vengeful ghosts seeking to possess the descendants of their persecutors. The ghost-hunting team races against time to thwart the possessions and restore peace.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the witches in the story? Do you think their actions were justified?
How did the characters' choices affect the outcome of the story? Can you think of different choices they could have made?
What role does courage play in the book? Can you identify a moment when a character showed bravery?
How does the setting of Pendle influence the events in the story? How would the story change if it was set somewhere else?
If you could talk to any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the characters’ situations.
Promote critical thinking by discussing the consequences of the characters' actions and decisions.
Enhance understanding of the setting by looking up information about Pendle and its history together.
Foster imagination by asking your child to create an alternative ending or a new adventure for the characters.
Validate your child’s thoughts and opinions to encourage open and honest discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'The Witches of Pendle' often face daunting challenges, yet they show resilience and bravery. This is evident in their determination to stand against the witch trials despite personal risk.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be brave when facing their own challenges, such as standing up against bullying or speaking out when they see something wrong.
Example Lesson: Importance of understanding and tolerance
Explanation: The story delves into the misunderstandings and fear surrounding the accused witches, highlighting the consequences of ignorance.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of empathy and acceptance, encouraging them to be open-minded and understanding toward people who are different from them.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and questioning
Explanation: As the protagonist questions the ethics of the witch trials, readers are invited to think critically about justice and morality.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question and analyze situations in their own lives, fostering a healthy skepticism and a deeper understanding of right and wrong.
Example Lesson: Strength in unity and teamwork
Explanation: The characters often need to work together to overcome obstacles, showcasing how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value teamwork and seek collaborative solutions in group settings like school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: Set during an actual historical event, the book provides a gateway to learning about the past and understanding its impact on the present.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop an interest in history and learn to draw lessons from past events to better understand their world today.