#5 in Goosebumps Series
Don't Go to Sleep!
1997 by
on Goodreads (4,236)
What’s inside...
Matt Amsterdam has had enough of being just a kid. So what does he do about it? He changes the story so he's no longer the youngest in the family. But every time he makes a wish he ends up in another reality. Will he ever be able to find his way home?
Why read this book
- Suspenseful story keeps young readers engaged.
- Encourages creativity through unique plot twists.
- Characters demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness.
- Perfect for bolstering independent reading skills.
The Big Picture
- Empowers children to face and overcome their fears.
- Encourages curiosity and questioning the world around them.
- Promotes resilience through engaging, relatable storytelling.
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse characters from various ethnic backgrounds.
- Promotes cultural awareness and understanding through storytelling.
- Encourages empathy and inclusivity among young readers.
Book in series
#5
Age
9-12
Length
113 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the main character keeps waking up in different places?
How would you feel if you were in the main character's situation?
What do you think is the reason behind the mysterious happenings in the book?
How do the characters' choices affect the outcome of the story?
What would you have done differently if you were the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and express how they would feel or react differently. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their thoughts and emotions regarding the plot and characters. Relate the book's themes to real-life scenarios to help them connect and reflect on the story’s message. Lastly, foster a supportive atmosphere where they feel comfortable sharing their fears or excitements about the book’s events.
What parents love
Effectively calms bedtime fears, very relatable.
Engaging story, children ask to read every night.
Love the educational aspects hidden in a fun story.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of facing fears
Explanation: In 'Don't Go to Sleep!', the protagonist learns to confront and overcome their fears by facing mysterious and challenging situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of confronting their own fears in real life, whether it's trying something new or dealing with a difficult situation.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The story illustrates how the protagonist's choice of not following bedtime rules leads to unexpected and challenging adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices have consequences, teaching them to think about the effects of their actions on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and problem-solving
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters various bizarre scenarios, they must adapt and think critically to navigate through them safely.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop adaptability and problem-solving skills, which are essential in school and in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles, the protagonist persists in finding a way back to normalcy, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in overcoming challenges, whether in completing a difficult task or achieving a personal goal.
Example Lesson: Importance of sleep
Explanation: The book highlights, in a fantastical way, the disturbances that can arise from a lack of proper sleep.
Real-World Application: It subtly educates children on the importance of having a proper sleep routine for maintaining overall health and wellbeing.