For Parents & Teachers

Allie Nichols, a girl known for her exaggerations, claims a ghost is after her. When her best friend Karen doesn’t believe Allie heard a voice that helped her down the cliff side, she turns to her old pal Dub who does believe her. Together they try to unravel the mystery.

• What does it take to be a good friend? How is it shown (or not shown) in the book? Allie doesn’t tell Karen about the red journal. Allie doesn’t like the TV show Karen & Pam watch.
  Allie & Dub use his knowledge of computers to look up information on ghosts.
  
• How do Karen & Pam let her down? Talking behind her back, not believing her. Making fun of Dub.
  
• The red journal shows up in Allie’s mailbox and she begins to keep a journal for class.
  Have you kept a journal? How does Allie’s play into the storyline?
  It continues the mysterious happenings, writing itself. Allie is again doubted for the truth.
  
• What can a journal show us about ourselves?
  
• Allie’s parents are concerned about her “over active imagination.” Do you think they re-act reasonably? They are not sure about her telling the truth. She may need professional help.
  
• Have you had similar experiences with your parents when they doubted your word?
  
• Lucy Stiles is the ghost who wants Allie’s help. Do you believe in ghost stories? Does this one seem believable?
  
• The Librarian plays a key role in this story. How so? She helps Allie find the research information.
  
• Another important piece of the puzzle comes into place when Allie’s mom gives her the antique desk. Why is it important? It contains Lucy’s diary. And it explains how Raymond Gagney wanted to get the land, and how he found out that Lucy was wise to him.
  
• Allie’s character faces many challenges. Some physical, as in climbing the cliffs, and some emotional, as in facing her doubting friends & parents, and some frightening, like the dreams and the ghost voices. How well do you think she handled these challenges? Do you like this character? Do you care?
  
• Do you like the ending? Is it too contrived? How would you change it?