These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

The setting of Serafina and the Black Cloak is the famous Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Imagine you are taking a trip to see the 250-room Biltmore Estate in person. Spend a few minutes on the site to learn about its size, location, and surroundings, and interiors. Watch the short virtual tour on the Biltmore House page.

• What features would you most want to view in person?
• Now imagine living in such a grand home; what might you most enjoy about residing there? What might you most dislike?
• Finally, suppose you lived at Biltmore…but had to sleep in the basement, and keep your presence a secret from everyone upstairs! What challenges might exist in your daily routine? How would you spend your days—and nights?

Teaching Suggestion: Use this prompt to provide students with some visuals of Biltmore and information about the estate and grounds. Remind students that while the setting of Biltmore in Serafina and the Black Cloak is inspired by the historical estate, the premise and most characters are pure fiction. After students write or discuss their responses, let them know that Serafina had only her father for company in her life at Biltmore—no school, no friends—and suggest that readers watch for potential conflicts in Pa’s and Serafina’s parent-child relationship as a result.