#51 in Goosebumps Series
Beware the Snowman
1997 by
on Goodreads (4,760)
What’s inside...
Moving to the tiny mountain village of Sherpia, twelve-year-old Jaclyn takes a hike to look for kids her own age and is warned by an old man to beware the monstrous snowman that lives at the top of the mountain.
Why read this book
- Spine-chilling tale sparks thrill and imagination.
- Encourages bravery and problem-solving skills.
- Strengthens reading and cognitive development.
- Ideal for bonding over suspenseful, shared reading.
The Big Picture
- Recognize and overcome personal fears.
- Understand impact of choices on outcomes.
- Build resilience through fictional challenges.
Diversity & Representation
- Promotes understanding diverse cultures through mythical narrative style.
- Features various character backgrounds enhancing multicultural awareness.
- Encourages acceptance of different traditions and histories.
Book in series
#51
Age
8-12
Length
107 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think is the mystery behind the snowman in the story?
How did you feel about the characters and their actions?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the main character?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, its characters, and its conclusion. Use open-ended questions that invite more than just a yes or no response. Make connections between the story and your child’s personal experiences or other books they've read. Revisit the book's themes or interesting scenes after a few days to see if their perspective has changed or deepened. Finally, consider using the book as a starting point for a creative project, like drawing their version of the snowman or rewriting an alternative ending.
What parents love
Perfect mix of thrill and age-appropriate content.
Kids loved the mysterious, adventurous storyline!
Educational yet incredibly engaging for young readers.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist, Jaclyn, overcomes her fears when she encounters the mysterious snowman and the secrets of the town she recently moved to.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and uncertainties, whether it’s a new school, a new friend, or any new experience.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: Jaclyn's quest for answers about the snowman and her mother's past drives the narrative, demonstrating that curiosity leads to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek knowledge and ask questions about their surroundings and history, fostering a love of learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As the story unfolds, Jaclyn learns about the hardships and stories of other characters, which changes her perspective and approach.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of understanding others' situations and feelings, promoting empathy and compassion in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges, Jaclyn persists in her quest, showcasing her resilience.
Real-World Application: Illustrates the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving goals, relevant to personal challenges like school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and trust
Explanation: Jaclyn learns to trust and build friendships even with characters who initially seem strange or scary.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of building trust and working together, skills that are vital in teamwork and community participation.