Discussion Guide
This discussion guide is designed to help foster conversations about The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts. Below, you’ll find a range of discussion questions that touch on key themes, character development, plot twists, and author intentions. These questions are meant to spark thoughtful conversation, but beware: There are spoilers below!
** Don't read these questions until you have finished reading the book. **
Discussion Guide for The Witches of Willow Cove
1) Not long after her thirteenth birthday, Abby’s friendship with Robby is tested in new and unexpected ways. What mistakes do the two friends make that lead to confusion and hurt feelings? Do you think their "break up" was important in helping them develop connections with other people? Why or why not? Is their friendship weaker or stronger by the end of the story?
2) When we first meet Amethyst Jones, she has been living alone in her grandfather’s house for some time. Why do you think she never told anyone about her grandfather’s death? Did she make the right decision? Is she telling the truth when she says she doesn’t want anyone to take care of her?
3) Early on, Amethyst is rude, defensive, and standoffish to Abby. Yet despite their differences, the two girls grow as close as sisters over the course of the novel. Why do you think they become such good friends? How does Amethyst change as the story progresses? How does Abby?
4) For much of the story, Miss Winters’ motives are viewed with suspicion by many of the characters. By the end of the story, do you think she is truly a villain? Why or why not?
5) In what ways, large or small, does Miss Winters have an effect on Abby’s life? Does she have more or less influence than the other adults in her life, such as Abby’s mother, Tina, or Mr. O’Reilly? If so, why do you think that is?
6) Robby and Zeus are motivated to learn more about Miss Winters’ intentions by their feelings for Abby. But it’s only once they let Becca in on their secret mission that the revelations begin to unfold. Were you surprised that three nonmagical kids played such a large role in uncovering the secrets of Willow Cove? What lesson can readers take from the fact that the ordinary kids were just as important as the witches in putting a stop to Miss Winters’ plans? Whose storyline did you enjoy more, Abby’s or Robby’s?
7) In addition to Abby and Amethyst, there’s a strong mix of personalities in the young coven: Piper and her connection with animals; Daisy, with her borrowed accent and penchant for quoting Shakespeare; Delphi, who can sometimes predict the future; and Olivia, a popular girl who doesn’t fit in with the rest of the group. Who was your favorite witch and why? Were there any you didn’t like? Did your opinions about any of them change by the end of the story? Do you think they each played an important role in the outcome?
8) Just before she dies, Miss Winters warns Abby not to trust the Council of Witches. Abby appears to take her warning seriously, even though Miss Winters has lied to her for much of the novel. Do you think Miss Winters really cares about Abby? Do you believe she was telling the truth about the Council, or are her final words yet another lie?
9) Miss Winters tells Abby, “Nobody is just one thing.” Abby repeats this message to Miss Winters at the end. Do you think Miss Winters deserved Abby’s empathy? Do you think Abby could have saved her coven without that empathy?