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I Was a Sixth-Grade Zombie (Ghosts of Fear Street #30)

#26 of 32 in Ghosts Of Fear Street Series

3.65
on Goodreads (113)

What’s inside...

Valerie and Mark know there is something weird about the new after-school building on Oak Street. It's surrounded by a force field. There's something even weirder about the kids who have joined the clubs. They are being brain-washed. When every member of her class joins a mysterious after-school club, and nobody can remember anything about it, Valerie Martin investigates, but the truth threatens to make her the next victim.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

8-12

Length

117 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think the main character felt when he turned into a zombie and how would you feel in his place?
What are some of the challenges the main character faces and how does he overcome them?
What does this story teach us about friendship and bravery?
If you could give the main character one piece of advice, what would it be?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, enhancing their empathy and understanding of the characters.
Discuss the decision-making and problem-solving in the book to foster critical thinking.
Highlight moments of bravery and friendship in the story to reinforce these values in your child’s daily life.
Engage in creative speculation, such as imagining alternative endings or placing themselves in the story, to enhance creative thinking.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The protagonist, dealing with becoming a zombie, learns how to cope with feeling different from others. The story portrays acceptance and understanding of one's uniqueness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the differences in themselves and others, promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the novel, the main character faces various challenges due to his new zombie identity but learns to navigate these obstacles courageously.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience and perseverance when encountering difficult situations, helping them to manage setbacks in school or social environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The protagonist leans on friends for support and advice, highlighting the value of loyal friendships in overcoming personal difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build and maintain supportive friendships, understanding that collaboration and empathy with peers are crucial in overcoming life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: To adapt to his new life, the protagonist employs creative thinking and problem-solving strategies, showcasing the effectiveness of these skills.
Real-World Application: This instills the benefits of applying thoughtful problem-solving in real-life scenarios, whether in academic tasks or personal problems.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: As the character adjusts to being a zombie, he makes several mistakes but uses them as learning opportunities, which leads to personal growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of viewing mistakes as valuable learning experiences, encouraging children to embrace and learn from their errors without fear of failure.