The Serafina Series, Willa of Dark Hollow, and Willa of the Wood are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide. Students love the books for their mystery, fast-paced action, and compelling characters. Teachers love the historical elements, figurative writing, engaging themes, and rich vocabulary. With its combination of Gilded Age / Turn-of-the-Century American history, the real-life Biltmore Estate setting, and its intense mystery and action, Serafina and the Black Cloak and the rest of the Serafina Series are excellent novels to engage young readers in the rewards of historical fiction.
Willa of Dark Hollow and Willa of the Wood capture the mystery and magic of the Great Smoky Mountains, including both its natural wonders and its rich history. Teachers will find the books to be well suited for English Language Arts, History, and Social Studies from 4th to 10th grade. School Library Journal (SLJ), Kirkus Reviews, and the Historical Novel Society have all given Serafina and Willa extremely strong praise.
We have also found that the books have been highly effective for engaging reluctant readers, especially when combined with watching the book trailers and other classroom activities.
A note from the author:
“I wrote the Serafina Series and the two Willa books to be engaging and educational stories for my three daughters. I wanted to give them stories of brave and unusual girls with heroic hearts who must face not only many dangers, but the mystery of their own developing identities. Since then, I've become a strong supporter of teachers who are using Serafina and Willa in their classrooms.” —Robert Beatty
COMPREHENSIVE TEACHING MATERIALS
Robert Beatty’s books include a full set of comprehensive teaching materials for teachers to draw upon as they see fit. The links below provide free PDF files, which have been designed for easy access and printing. The books and their teaching materials are compatible with state standards and Common Core. These teaching materials were developed through the joint effort of the author and a small team of experienced teachers and curriculum developers.
Willa Series
WILLA OF THE WOOD
Willa of the Wood - Vocabulary
Willa of the Wood - Writing & Discussion Prompts
Willa of the Wood - Activities, Assignments, & Quizzes
WILLA OF DARK HOLLOW
Note: Willa of Dark Hollow can be read as a stand-alone story. Students do not need to read Willa of the Wood first.
Willa of Dark Hollow – Vocabulary
Willa of Dark Hollow – Writing & Discussion Prompts
Willa of Dark Hollow – Activities, Assignments, & Quizzes
Serafina Series
SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
Black Cloak - Vocabulary
Black Cloak - Writing & Discussion Prompts
Black Cloak - Activities, Worksheets & Quizzes
SERAFINA AND THE TWISTED STAFF
Twisted Staff - Vocabulary
Twisted Staff - Writing & Discussion Prompts
Twisted Staff - Activities
SERAFINA AND THE SPLINTERED HEART
Splintered Heart - Vocabulary
Splintered Heart - Writing & Discussion Prompts
Splintered Heart - Activities & Quizzes
SERAFINA AND THE SEVEN STARS
Seven Stars - Vocabulary
Seven Stars - Writing & Discussion Prompts
Seven Stars - Activities & Quizzes