Victorian Ghost Stories (Usborne Library of Fear, Fantasy & Adventure)
Usborne Classics. Series
What’s inside...
Retelling of ghost stories dating from the reign of Queen Victoria, most originally published in magazines, with an introduction and listing of additional stories. Filled with adventure, excitement and suspense, the action-packed illustrations help bring the stories to life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
137 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did the ghost stories evoke in you? Were you scared, excited, or curious?
Which story was your favorite and why? What did it teach you about the Victorian era?
How do you think the characters felt in their ghostly encounters? Would you have reacted differently if you were in their shoes?
What role does the setting play in creating suspense in the stories?
How do the stories use mystery and suspense to keep you interested? What makes a good ghost story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own reactions to the stories. This will make your child feel more at ease expressing their thoughts. Try to relate aspects of the stories to your child’s experiences, such as moments they felt scared or faced the unknown, to deepen their understanding of the characters' emotions. Use emphatic listening, validate their feelings, and ask follow-up questions based on their responses. Encourage them to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to develop their creative thinking. Lastly, emphasize that while ghost stories can be spooky, they are a safe way to explore fear and curiosity in a controlled environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Characters in 'Victorian Ghost Stories' often confront and overcome their fears in supernatural settings, showcasing bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and overcoming obstacles, which can help them tackle new challenges in school or social situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the characters' interactions with ghosts or spirits, children see the importance of understanding different perspectives, even when they are unfamiliar or scary.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more empathetic and considerate towards people who are different from them, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Many stories in the book feature characters whose actions lead to unintended consequences, teaching the importance of thinking things through.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering the potential outcomes of their actions before making decisions, which is a critical skill in personal responsibility.
Example Lesson: Historical context and learning
Explanation: Set in the Victorian era, the stories provide cultural and historical insights, which help children understand different historical periods and societal norms.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can enhance children’s educational foundation, making learning history more engaging and relatable.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: The use of ghost stories to convey moral lessons or warnings showcases the impact of narrative in imparting values.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of storytelling and encourages them to express themselves creatively through writing or oral storytelling.