Freaks and Shrieks (Mostly Ghostly Book 7)
#7 of 8 in Mostly Ghostly Series
on Goodreads (147)
What’s inside...
Max made a deal with Nicky and Tara, the two ghosts who live in his bedroom: If he helps them figure out how they turned into ghosts, they’ll help Max prove to his dad that he isn’t a worthless wimp. Well, Max is about to make good on his promise. There’s a witness who saw what happened to the kids. A witness who may know the secret to bringing them back to life. The problem is the witness is a chimpanzee! And Max is going to switch brains with him to learn the secret. Will Max find the secret or will he go from a worthless wimp to a worthless chimp?
Discussion points
How do you think Max handled his fears throughout the story? What would you do if you were in his position?
What are the qualities of a true friend that you saw in the characters, especially Nicky and Tara?
How does the author build suspense and excitement in the story? Can you identify any parts that made you feel particularly nervous or excited?
What did you learn about handling unexpected situations from Max's adventures?
If you could give Max one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and the story's events, reinforcing that all perspectives are valuable.
Draw parallels between the fears or challenges faced by the characters and any real-life situations your child might relate to, enhancing their connection to the story.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, altering your voice for different characters and events to boost engagement and understanding of the narrative flow.
Invite your child to predict future plots or alternate endings, boosting their imagination and critical thinking skills.
Discuss the moral lessons or messages within the story, such as bravery and friendship, and relate them to your child’s daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'Freaks and Shrieks', the characters frequently confront supernatural elements, showcasing bravery when encountering the unknown and scary situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by facing their own fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up against a bully, showing resilience and bravery in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the series, the characters rely on each other to navigate through haunting adventures, emphasizing the strength found in friendships.
Real-World Application: This highlights the value of teamwork and trust among friends in real life, encouraging children to cultivate and rely on their friendships during tough times.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonists often encounter problems that require quick thinking and clever solutions, particularly when dealing with ghosts and other supernatural entities.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of thinking on their feet and creatively solving problems they encounter, be it at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The characters in the book make decisions that have certain consequences, both good and bad, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have effects and to think about the outcomes before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As characters interact with various ghosts and supernatural beings, they learn to understand and sympathize with their stories.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and empathetic towards others’ feelings and histories, promoting emotional intelligence in their interactions.