Ghost Attack (Monster Itch #1)
#1 of 2 in Monster Itch Series
What’s inside...
When Alex and his cousin Sarah are visiting their grandparents, Alex develops terrible red, itchy hives and discovers he's allergic to a ghost. The persistent ghost seeks their help to solve a mystery, and Alex and Sarah must find a way to help the ghost and alleviate Alex's allergic reaction before it ruins their visit.
Character compass
Alex
Sarah
The Ghost
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in Alex’s shoes and discovered you could see ghosts?
How did Alex's ability to see ghosts change his feelings about himself and his surroundings?
What do you think is the most important message the story conveys about friendship and bravery?
Can you think of a time when you were scared like Alex, but found the courage to face your fears?
What would you ask a ghost if you met one?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story’s events by relating them to their personal experiences. Ask them how they would handle similar situations and discuss the outcomes of different choices. Highlight the themes of bravery and friendship, discussing real-life applications. Finally, foster imagination by asking creative questions about the supernatural elements like, 'What kind of ghost would you want to befriend and why?'
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Ghost Attack,' the protagonist, Alex, confronts ghosts despite his initial fear. His journey teaches children that it's okay to be scared and that bravery can lead to overcoming one's fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Alex relies on his friends for support and teamwork as they tackle the ghostly challenge together. This highlights the value of having friends to lean on during scary or challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships and understand that teamwork can help solve problems that seem insurmountable alone.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Alex and his friends use creative solutions to deal with the ghosts, demonstrating that thinking outside the box can be effective in resolving difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own challenges, be it in academic tasks or personal issues.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and reliability
Explanation: As the story progresses, Alex realizes that he has a responsibility to protect his friends and community from the ghosts. This teaches children about taking ownership of challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by being more accountable in their actions, whether it's doing their homework on time, completing household chores, or standing up for a friend in need.