by Gaby Triana
Wake the Hollow Readers’ Group Guide
Prepared by Nancy Cantor, media specialist, NSU University School
1. Micaela had visions of spirits that haunted her, day and night. Did the supernatural elements of the story feel realistic? How did the residents of Sleepy Hollow react to her visions? Have you experienced any supernatural phenomena?
2. In the novel, the humans were strikingly more frightening than the ghosts. Give examples. Why would the author present the story in this way?
3. Rumors and gossip played an essential role in the novel. The residents explained them away by stating that that was life in a small town. Do you believe rumors and gossip are more prevalent in small towns? Could your high school be compared to a small town?
4. How did the rumors and gossip affect Micaela and the other characters?
5. The title indicates an awakening. Discuss how Micaela’s return to Sleepy Hollow awakened both the town and herself.
6. Both the original Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Wake the Hollow involve a love triangle. Before Bram’s betrayal became obvious, which suitor did you think Micaela would choose, and why?
7. When Bram first reveals his jealousy toward Dane, Micaela asks herself, “Does first love ever die?” What are your thoughts and experiences with first love?
8. Micaela had trust issues with almost everyone she encountered in Sleepy Hollow. Why do you think this was the case? How did her discoveries contribute to the atmosphere of horror that permeated the novel?
9. Betty Anne tells Micaela, “…no parent wants their child thinking they’re defective, but we are. We’re all defective.” How do parents shield their children from their flaws? Should they?
10. Micaela discovers that her parents never legally divorced. Discuss their marriage and how it affected Micaela’s choices.
11. In her meeting with Dr. Tanner, she questions him about why her father believed his wife was having an affair. Dr. Tanner states that “People believe whatever they want. Whatever makes them happier about their own lives.” Do you agree? Give examples from your experiences.
12. Micaela states that, “…my mother is no longer here in the flesh, but I’m more connected with her now than ever before. It took separation, it took death…it took empathy.” Do you believe this can be true? Have you experienced the loss of a loved one?
13. Quotes from the original short story began each chapter. Discuss how they added to your overall understanding of the novel. Which was your favorite?
14. The affair between Mary Shelley and Washington Irving was never proven. In fact, they were acquaintances and nothing more. What were your thoughts on the “Double Creation” before you learned the truth? Did the author create a believable story line using this rumor? How?
15. Both the original short story and Wake the Hollow end ambiguously. Do you think Micaela will find Dane? What does her future look like to you?
Spindle
by Shonna Slayton
Sunrise Valley, Vermont, late 1800s
Briar Rose’s life has never been a fairy tale. She’s raising her siblings on her own, her wages at the spinning mill have been cut, and the boy she’s desperately trying to get to notice her has started dating someone else. Most days it feels like her best friend Henry is the only one who supports her, though his jokes about secretly being in love with her are starting to sound less and less like jokes…
When Briar meets a local peddler offering her a “magic” spindle, things finally start looking up. The new spindle works so well, sneaking it into the mill seems worth the risk. But then one by one, her fellow spinner girls come down with Polio, commonly known as the sleeping sickness. When Briar becomes ill, too, the only way to stop an epidemic might be to start believing in fairy tales…and in the power of her best friend’s kiss.
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But Cinderella’s dresses are just the beginning. It turns out that the priceless glass slippers might actually exist, too, and they could hold the power to reunite lost loved ones like her father—missing in action since World War II ended. As Kate and her boyfriend, Johnny, embark on an adventure from New York to Italy and Poland in search of the mysterious slippers, they will be tested in ways they never imagined.
Because when you harness Cinderella’s magic, danger and evil are sure to follow...
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Tossed from foster home to foster home, Olivia’s seen a lot in her sixteen years. She’s hardened, sure, though mostly just wants to fly under the radar until graduation. But her natural ability with computers catches the eye of Z, a mysterious guy at her new school. Soon, Z has brought Liv into his team of hacker elite—break into a few bank accounts, and voila, he drives a motorcycle. Follow his lead, and Liv might even be able to escape from her oppressive foster parents. As Liv and Z grow closer, though, so does the watchful eye of Bill Sykes, Z’s boss. And he’s got bigger plans for Liv...
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True Born
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After the great Plague descended, the population was decimated...and humans’ genetics damaged beyond repair. But there’s something about Lucy Fox and her identical twin sister, Margot, that isn’t quite right. No one wants to reveal what they are. When Margot disappears suddenly, Lucy is forced to turn to the True Borns to find her. But instead of answers, there is only the discovery of a deeply buried conspiracy. And somehow, the Fox sisters could unravel it all...
