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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSTwelve-year-old Ophelia Harrison, called Ophie, is living in 1923 Pittsburgh after her family was forced to flee rural Georgia when her father was murdered by white men who objected to him voting. Since that terrible night, Ophie has been able to see ghosts everywhere she goes, a gift she keeps secret from her grieving mother. When Ophie and her mother take jobs as household servants at a grand old mansion called Daffodil Manor, Ophie discovers the house is packed with the dead, including a mysterious and glamorous young woman named Clara who shows up to help Ophie on her first day at work.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Ophie's Ghosts
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Ophie's Ghosts. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a father send his daughter for a coffee can hidden under the third floorboard?
✓ Answer
Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland
Robert's spirit urges Ophie to fetch the family's saved money from beneath a squeaky floorboard so her mother can flee. The hidden coffee can holds the savings they will use to reach Pittsburgh.
- First half
In what book is a girl forbidden from opening a closet that smells of cedar, lilac, and decay?
✓ Answer
Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland
Searching for spare sheets, Ophie opens a closet in the mistress's room and is met by a sickly sweet stench. The old woman snaps at her to stay out, deepening the mansion's mystery.
- First half
In what book does an old woman compare a spirit to a mosquito, unable to help what it is?
✓ Answer
Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland
Aunt Rose explains that the dead are made of nothing but want and need, no more good or bad than a mosquito. She wants Ophie to fear and avoid them rather than try to befriend them.
- Second half
In what book does a girl leave shortbread cookies out for a spirit who can touch but not eat them?
✓ Answer
Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland
Ophie pockets sweets from Mrs. Caruthers's tray and lays them out for Clara, who strokes the cookies and seems to grow stronger from touching the sugar and flour.
- Second half
In what book does a confused businessman spirit wander from his study looking for his daughter Isabel?
✓ Answer
Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland
Old Edward Caruthers, who died of a heart attack while working on accounts, leaves his study searching for his daughter, and Ophie helps reunite them so both can move on.
- Near the end
In what book does a sweet shop window reflect a different, paler face than the girl sitting there?
✓ Answer
Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland
Over ice cream, the dark glass reflects Clara's smiling pale face instead of Penelope's, revealing that the dead maid has taken over the girl's body.
