Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball: questions to ask and activities to try
Amelia Fang would rather play with her pumpkin than go to the Barbaric Ball. Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball is a gothic, funny illustrated adventure.
What age is it for? Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball is best for ages 7–10. Good for: A little vampire who doesn't fit in.
Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball (Laura Ellen Anderson)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- A little vampire who doesn't fit in
Read a chapter a night. Talk about how Amelia stays true to herself.
What it helps with
- Being yourself
- Friendship
- Spooky-but-funny
- Illustrated chapter books
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Where does Amelia live?”
- “What is the Barbaric Ball?”
- “Who is Tangine?”
- “What happened to her pet?”
- “How did she fix things?”
- “What would Nocturnia be like?”
5-minute activities to try together
Spooky party
Plan a not-scary spooky party menu.
Upside-down world
Draw a world where night is lovely and day is scary.
Free printables: Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Isadora Moon Goes to School (Harriet Muncaster)
- Best for
- Fitting in when you're half fairy, half vampire
- Age
- 5-8
The Worst Witch (Jill Murphy)
- Best for
- Getting things wrong at witch school
- Age
- 6-9
Diary of an Accidental Witch (Honor and Perdita Cargill and Katie Saunders)
- Best for
- Accidentally starting at witch school
- Age
- 7-10
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.