Scritch Scratch

Write a piece describing a supernatural experience using the style of Claire’s voice in the novel. Consider how Lindsay Currie constructs her tone, structure, vocabulary, and pace.

How important is it to the story that the protagonist is a girl? How does the novel explore gender through her character’s experiences and relationships?

Imagine that Claire is your friend. Write her a letter giving her advice on the difficult situations she faces in Scritch Scratch. Consider the themes of the story when writing your letter.

Analyze the pattern of clues and compare these to the characters’ points of realization. How does Currie balance giving the reader clues with maintaining respect for her characters’ intelligence?

Claire Koster is a dynamic character. Write a character portrait explaining who she is at the beginning of the story and who she is at the end.

Do your own research into one of the ghost stories discussed in Scritch Scratch, like the Iroquois Theater Fire, the SS Eastland disaster, or the Dexter Graves monument. How has what you learned enriched your experience of reading the book?

What does the book have to say about the importance and role of parents? Make sure that your answer considers the wider portrayal of parents, not just Claire’s mom and dad.

The title Scritch Scratch refers to one of the recurrent sounds of Willie’s haunting. Look closely at the paranormal episodes: What other sensory images does Currie create, and how does her use of language convey the bodily experience of being haunted?