We Played With Fire
What’s inside...
Maggie has witnessed impossible things but no one believes her. Her family relocates her to a remote farmhouse for the winter where she and her sister Kate, bored and angry, start playing tricks like rapping on floorboards and cracking toes. However, the house begins making unexplainable sounds, suggesting a presence trying to communicate with them. Inspired by the true story of the Fox Sisters who claimed to speak to ghosts and gained fame in nineteenth-century America.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Maggie to become involved with spiritualism? How do you feel about her decisions?
How do the characters in the book handle fear and the unknown? Can you relate to any of their reactions?
What role does friendship play in this story? How do the relationships affect the outcomes for the characters?
The setting of this book is during a significant historical time. How do you think the era influenced the events and characters?
What lessons do you think we can learn about truth and belief from the experiences of Maggie and her sisters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters’ motivations and their environment. Highlight the historical context of the story and discuss how it impacts the characters' decisions and beliefs. Use comparisons to your child’s own experiences to deepen their connection and understanding of the themes. Finally, reinforce the importance of learning from character experiences and choices as real-life lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in pursuing the truth
Explanation: The protagonist, Maggie Buckley, boldly confronts societal norms and supernatural claims surrounding the Fox sisters' spirit communications, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of truth.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of questioning and critically evaluating information before accepting it, helping them navigate a world full of misinformation.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: As the Fox sisters gain fame for their supposed ability to communicate with spirits, the burden of their initial deceit grows, showing the complex consequences that can arise from dishonesty.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of honesty and the potential negative impact of lying, even if it seems harmless at first.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through knowledge
Explanation: Maggie’s journey illustrates how knowledge and education empower her to make informed decisions, despite the societal and supernatural pressures she faces.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek knowledge and education as tools for empowerment and making wise decisions in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, Maggie learns to understand and empathize with various other characters, including her family and the Fox sisters, despite their differences and flaws.
Real-World Application: Promotes empathy and understanding towards others, teaching children the importance of compassion in building meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: Strength in facing adversity
Explanation: Maggie shows resilience in facing both personal and societal challenges, be they related to her gender or her controversial beliefs.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain steadfast and courageous when faced with challenges, reinforcing the importance of resilience in personal growth.