Use these links to supplement and complement students’ reading of the work and to increase their overall enjoyment of literature. Challenge them to discern parallel themes, engage through visual and aural stimuli, and delve deeper into the thematic possibilities presented by the title.

Recommended Texts for Pairing

“Macavity: The Mystery Cat”

• poem by T.S. Eliot for comparison to Serafina’s cat-like traits
• Discuss skills, identity, power, and secrets.

“The Fall of the House of Usher”

• short story by Edgar Allan Poe for use in Activity 1 (Paragraphs 1-7)
• Discuss connection of plot to setting; discuss secrets, courage.

“The Monkey’s Paw”

• short story by W.W. Jacobs for use in Activity 2
• Discuss suspense, parent-child relationships, courage, secrets.

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

• middle grade novel by R.L. LaFevers featuring a young female protagonist
• represents a similar blend of genres: mystery, history and fantasy

Other Student Resources

Serafina and the Black Cloak Book Trailer

• 2.5-minute YouTube book trailer
• No dialogue; includes instrumental music, sound effects, and blurb-style voiceover
• Watch for recognizable elements and scenes; note use of color and imagery to set mood and atmosphere; discuss reader perception of character appearance (how do actors compare to your imagined visualization?)