Fear Ground
#2 of 6 in Dread Wood Series
on Goodreads (324)
What’s inside...
The brand new must-read middle-grade novel from the author of Crater Lake. Perfect for 9+ fans of R.L.Stine’s Goosebumps. There’s a new craze at Dread Wood High. Flinch is a game of fear. The more you scare your friends, the more points on the app you get. At first it’s fun, but soon fun is replaced by fear. And Angelo and his friends notice that everyone is behaving more and more strangely every day – almost as if something is taking over their brains. With the fair arriving in town, adrenaline and excitement levels are high. But who are the people behind the super-creepy clown masks? With fights breaking out and Flinch in full force, it’s time for the final showdown at the Fear Ground. Let the REAL games begin!
Discussion points
What are some ways that the characters in 'Fear Ground' show courage? Can you think of a time when you were brave like them?
How do the friendships in the book change or grow because of the challenges the characters face?
The characters in the book often have to make tough decisions. What would you have done in their place?
What lessons do you think the book teaches about fear and facing it?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about fear as you discuss the characters’ experiences in the book. This can help them relate personally to the story.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of teamwork and asking for help when facing one's fears.
While discussing the book's events, ask your child to predict what might happen next or how they would like the story to continue. This can help enhance their creative thinking and engagement with the narrative.
Link discussions to real-life situations by asking your child how they might use the lessons from the book in their own life.
Praise your child’s thoughts and responses to encourage deeper thinking and confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: In 'Fear Ground', the protagonist overcomes terrifying challenges in a haunted theme park, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their own fears, whether it’s speaking in front of a class or trying out for a sports team.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters support each other in overcoming spooky obstacles, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of supporting friends and working together to solve problems in school projects or playground activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience Through Adversity
Explanation: The characters encounter numerous setbacks but persistently find creative solutions to escape the theme park.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in the face of difficulties, whether in learning new skills or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The group uses their unique strengths and clever strategies to navigate through the park’s mysteries.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of thinking outside the box, applicable in tasks such as school assignments or games.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Characters learn about each other's fears and personal stories, growing closer and more understanding.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of listening and empathizing with peers, useful in building interpersonal relationships at school and home.