Creep Street
on Goodreads (80)
What’s inside...
Creep Street is a young adult fiction book by Australian author John Marsden. The book tells the story of a group of teenagers living on the fringes of society in an inner-city neighborhood known as Creep Street. The novel explores themes such as homelessness, drug addiction, and the struggles of making their way in a harsh world. The story is narrated with a warning to the reader about the dangers that lie within Creep Street, where making the wrong moves can result in encountering blood, flesh-eating spiders, and skeletons, among other horrors.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
214 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they first moved to Creep Street? Why?
How would you have reacted in the same situations faced by the characters?
What did the characters learn about friendship throughout the story?
Can you think of a time you faced a similar challenge as the characters? What did you do?
What would you change about the story if you could and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the book to encourage an open dialogue. Use the questions to explore themes such as resilience, friendship, and courage, ensuring to listen actively to your child’s opinions and feelings. Relate discussions to your child’s experiences to make the conversation more meaningful and personal. Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'Creep Street', the protagonist confronts various challenges and eerie situations. Their determination to overcome fear models bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport or speaking in front of the class.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: As the characters in 'Creep Street' work together to unravel the mysteries, teamwork is shown to be crucial for success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others, whether in school projects or in play, understanding that teamwork can lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter puzzles that require critical thinking and problem solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking critically and creatively in solving problems, both academically and in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters often put themselves in others' shoes, leading to moments of empathy and deeper understanding.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and empathetic towards their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.