Wretched Waterpark: Sinister Summer
#1 of 5 in Sinister Summer Series
on Goodreads (2,362)
What’s inside...
A middle-grade mystery series that's spooky, creepy, and filled with gothic twists! Meet the Sinister-Winterbottom twins, who solve mysteries at increasingly bizarre summer vacation destinations in the hopes of being reunited with their parents—or at the very least finally finding a good churro. Meet the brave Theo, her timid twin, Alexander, and their older sister, Wil. They’re forced to spend the summer with their Aunt Saffronia, who doesn’t know how often children need to eat and can’t use a smartphone, and whose feet never seem to touch the floor when she glides—or walks. When Aunt Saffronia suggests a week at Fathoms of Fun Waterpark, they hastily agree. However, the park is even stranger than Aunt Saffronia. The waterslides resemble gray gargoyle tongues, the employees wear creepy black dresses and deliver ominous messages, an impossible figure stands at the top of the slide tower, people are disappearing, and a suspicious goo is seeping into the wave pool. Something mysterious is unfolding at the waterpark, and it's up to Theo, Alexander, and Wil to uncover the truth. Will they manage to solve the mystery, or are they out of their depth?
Character compass
Theodora Sinister-Winterbottom
Alexander Sinister-Winterbottom
Wil Sinister-Winterbottom
Aunt Saffronia
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered the waterpark was haunted?
What would you have done if you were in the characters' shoes at the waterpark?
Why is teamwork important when solving a mystery?
What do you think is the biggest lesson the characters learned from their adventure?
How did the setting of the waterpark contribute to the story's suspense?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask them how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of courage and teamwork in overcoming challenges, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story and relate them to everyday tasks to enhance critical thinking skills.
Explore the emotions of the characters and ask your child to express times they have felt similar emotions.
Use the waterpark setting to discuss with your child about personal safety and awareness in public places.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Wretched Waterpark: Sinister Summer', characters must work together to solve the mysteries they encounter. Their collaboration is key to unraveling the sinister plots within the waterpark.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group activities at school or during team sports, understanding that combined efforts often lead to success.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists use their observation and reasoning skills to navigate challenges, demonstrating the importance of thinking critically.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving in their daily life, such as figuring out solutions to conflicts or puzzles.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: The characters often face scary and uncertain situations, yet they learn to overcome their fears to protect their friends and the park’s visitors.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of bravery and can mirror this behavior by facing their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a new sport, speaking up in class, or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The book highlights the consequences of deceit and the benefits of being truthful through the actions and eventual redemption of certain characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of honesty in building trust and maintaining relationships with peers and adults.