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Serafina and the Black Cloak
Last updated Monday, December 30, 2019
Author: Robert Beatty
Date of Publication: 2015
ISBN: 1484709012
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2020
Synopsis:
A brave and unusual girl named Serafina lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate amidst the splendor of the Gilded Age. Serafina's pa, the estate's maintenance man, has warned her to keep herself hidden from the fancy folk who live on the floors above, but when children at the estate start disappearing, Serafina and her friend Braeden Vanderbilt must work together to solve a dark and dangerous mystery
| Note to readers: |
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If you can, you might want to bring a map of the United States to show the kids where North Carolina is and where Asheville, North Carolina, is, since that is where the Biltmore Estate is located.
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This book starts slowly. You don't get much excitement or suspense until chapter 2. You can skip the occasional sentence in until you get to about page 10.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Where is the setting of the story take place? What is an "estate?"
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What does the title tell you about the story?
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What does the cover illustration make you think of? Describe it.
Vocabulary
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defiance - disobedience, going against something or someone
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domain - territory owned or controlled by someone
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tantalizing - teasing with the sight or promise of something
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bandy - discuss lightly
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cloak - an outdoor overgarment, usually without sleeves
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pall - a cloth spread over a coffin/ a dark covering of smoke
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What has Serafina learned and/or how has Serafina changed by the end of the story?
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What are the qualities of good and what are the qualities of evil in this story? What does good and evil mean to you?
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The Black Cloak allows a person to gather incredible knowledge and skills. Is wearing and using the Black Cloak right or wrong? Or does it depend on how you use it?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Design your own Cloak! What color would it be? Would it have patterns? What power would you give it?
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Cut out props mentioned in the story! (e.g. mouse, forest trees)
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2020-mysteries-new-adventures/
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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