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Ghoulia (Book 1)
Last updated Friday, October 13, 2023
Author: Barbara Cantini
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 1419732935
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2023
Synopsis:
Ghoulia lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and spends most of her time playing with Tragedy, her beloved albino greyhound. But things aren't as easy as they seem for this little zombie girl - all she wants is a real friend. She tries to venture past the manor's walls, but she can't hide her pale green skin or the deep purple circles under her eyes. The other children will be afraid of her, and no one will want to be her friend.
But when Halloween rolls around, Ghoulia hatches a brilliant plan. All the other ordinary children will be dressed up like monsters, so Ghoulia can go out into the town and be entirely herself. In the end, all the kids realize that Ghoulia is (almost) just like them and learn that friendship can come in many forms.
| Note to readers: |
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There are lots of pictures on each page, take a moment to point them out when you think necessary.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you ever felt lonely? What do you do about it?
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Do you know any kids in your neighborhood? How did you meet?
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What are some good ways to make new friends?
Vocabulary:
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Ordinary: with no special or distinctive features; normal.
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Manor:a large country house with lands; the principal house of a landed estate.
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Albino: Albinism is a rare genetic condition caused by mutations of certain genes that affect the amount of melanin your body produces.
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Forbade: order (someone) not to do something.
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Venture: dare to do something or go somewhere that may be dangerous or unpleasant.
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Reluctantly: in an unwilling and hesitant way.
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Swelled: be intensely affected or filled with a particular emotion.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why did Ghoulia want to leave Crumbling Manor?
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Why did the kids give Ghoulia a big hug at the end of the book?
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If you celebrate Halloween, what do you like about it?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw a picture of yourself in a monster costume.
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Draw a picture of a haunted mansion like Ghoulia’s home.
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| Special activities: |
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Instead of Duck Duck Goose, play Kid Kid Zombie!
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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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