Dial a Ghost

How the book presents it: The story appears to value companionship, care and belonging through the kindly ghosts’ relationship with Oliver.

Talk about: How do the ghosts and Oliver help one another feel less alone, and does their relationship change what ‘home’ means?

How the book presents it: The scheme is presented as a dastardly or evil plan, while suspense comes from waiting to see whether it succeeds or backfires.

Talk about: What makes the plan wrong: the intended harm, the abuse of power, Oliver’s vulnerability, or all three?

How the book presents it: This may invite a critical discussion of whether the story links appearance with virtue, rather than treating that link as a sound moral rule.

Talk about: Does the book give any character a personality that challenges the connection between looking pleasant and being good?