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Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy



Last updated Monday, September 30, 2019

Author: Karen Foxlee
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 0385753543
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2019

Synopsis: This is the story of unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard who doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty, the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help. As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

Vocabulary:

• stammer (pg. 1) -- speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of words

• mosaic (pg. 2) -- a combination of diverse elements forming a more or less coherent whole

• bestowed (pg. 3) -- confer or present (an honor, right, or gift)

• murky (pg. 11) -- not fully explained or understood, especially with concealed dishonesty or immoralit

• wander (pg. 12) -- walk or move in a leisurely, casual, or aimless way

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  This story is set around the holiday seasons (near Christmas time). What is your favorite holiday memory? And if you don't celebrate Christmas/ Hanukkah, what are your family traditions?
•  Do you prefer the hot or the cold weather? What are some of the reasons?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Ophelia's father had taken a new job in the museum. Have you been to a museum? What was your favorite exhibition? If not, what kind of museum would you want to visit?
•  What are some of the exhibitions Ophelia came across?
•  Why are names important to an individual? Do you know the meaning behind your name?
•  Throughout the story, Ophelia has demonstrated friendship, courage and love towards the Marvelous Boy. What do you think are some qualities of a good friend?

Craft ideas:
•  Like the museum that Ophelia's dad is working at, create your own museum with different exhibitions. Draw your own floorplan/ map of your museum. Be creative! It can be anything, even out of this world!
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2019/

*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!