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Witch Finder

#1 of 2 in Witch Finder Series

3.61
on Goodreads (888)

What’s inside...

In 1880 London, apprentice blacksmith Luke faces initiation into the Malleus Maleficorum, a brotherhood dedicated to hunting witches. His final test is to kill a randomly chosen witch from the Book of Witches within a month. Luke picks 16-year-old Rosa Greenwood, but as they get to know each other, he falls in love with her and finds it impossible to kill her. Meanwhile, Rosa faces a dilemma of marrying the rich and cruel Sebastian Knyvet to save her family from bankruptcy or following her heart. As secrets unravel, Luke and Rosa must choose between love and death.
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

12-15

Length

374 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Luke Lexton
Rosa Greenwood
Sebastian Knyvet

Discussion points

What do you think motivated the characters to make the choices they did?
How would you feel if you were in the main character's situation?
What lessons can we learn from the conflicts in the story?
How do the historical elements of the story influence the characters’ actions?
What does the concept of duty versus desire mean to you after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the setting of the book, and ask how they might react in similar situations.
Discuss the historical context of the book, perhaps looking up more information together to deepen understanding.
Focus on the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, and relate them to everyday decisions your child makes.
Ask your child to pick a favorite character and explain why they made that choice, enhancing empathy and perspective-taking skills.
Create a supportive environment where all opinions and feelings about the book are respected and discussed openly.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience.
Explanation: In 'Witch Finder', the protagonist faces numerous challenges and adversities that test their bravery. Throughout the story, they demonstrate courage by confronting their fears and standing up for what they believe in.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery. Whether it's trying out for a team, standing up to a bully, or dealing with a difficult test, the concept of resilience can be applied in many everyday situations.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust.
Explanation: As the characters in 'Witch Finder' navigate their adventurous journey, they form deep bonds and learn to rely on each other's strengths. The story emphasizes how trust and teamwork can overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s life by encouraging them to build trustful relationships with their peers, collaborate in team activities, and support their friends in times of need.
Example Lesson: The significance of making ethical choices.
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Witch Finder' often faces moral dilemmas and has to make difficult decisions that reflect their values. This highlights the complexity of right and wrong and the consequences of one's actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about the impact of their decisions on others and themselves. It encourages them to develop a strong moral compass and to act with integrity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Awareness and opposition to discrimination.
Explanation: In 'Witch Finder', characters confront societal norms and prejudice. This aspect of the book shows the importance of challenging unfair treatment and discrimination.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of equality and justice. They can learn to recognize discrimination and be encouraged to speak out against injustices in their communities.

Witch Finder by Ruth Warburton