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

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

In Wait Till Helen Comes, the brother and sister, Michael and Molly, have different opinions about ghosts and the afterlife. What do you think? Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not?

Teaching Suggestion: Death is an important theme in many books, including Wait Till Helen Comes. Students may have questions, opinions, and differing beliefs about death. Be mindful in class discussion that some students may be experiencing loss or grief. Consider notifying the school counselor that your class is discussing issues of death and dying.

Personal Response Prompt



In Wait Till Helen Comes, one of the characters is keeping a serious secret. Write a journal response about the ways in which secrets can be good or bad. Can keeping a secret hurt you? How? Have you known someone who kept a secret that made them sad? Did they want to share their secret, and if so, what prevented them from doing so? How did they resolve their feelings?

Teaching Suggestion: Secrets inform the novel’s theme of The Painful Effects of Guilt. As students read, guide them to observe the effects of Heather’s secret on her emotions.