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If I Have To Be Haunted

3.61
on Goodreads (4,330)

What’s inside...

In 'If I Have To Be Haunted,' Miranda Sun crafts an enthralling narrative around protagonist Elise, who inherits an old Victorian mansion and finds herself amidst its ethereal occupants and hidden past. She unravels the mystery of the hauntings tied to her own lineage while navigating suspense, historical enigma, and romantic elements. Parallelly, the story follows Cara, dealing with her ability to communicate with ghosts, which she inherited from her grandmother. Her life takes a turn when she encounters the spirit of Zach, a recently deceased popular student, leading to a journey filled with conflict, mother-daughter dynamics, first love, and cultural introspection. This debut novel combines a heartwarming and haunting exploration of personal strength, family ties, and supernatural encounters.
Age

13-17

Length

368 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Cara Tang
Zach

Discussion points

What would you do if you met a friendly ghost, like the one in the story?
How did the characters in the book react when they realized they were haunted? Would you react the same way or differently?
What does the story teach us about understanding and accepting others who are different from us?
Why is it important to face our fears, just like the characters did in the story?
How can we help others who might be scared or upset, as shown in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy and inviting reading environment to make the experience enjoyable and calming.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they feel about the events or actions taking place.
Relate the book's themes to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss your own thoughts and feelings about the book to model open communication and show that all perspectives are valued.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist of 'If I Have To Be Haunted' confronts various spooky scenarios, learning to overcome their initial fear.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by managing their own fears, whether it’s trying new activities or facing challenging situations at school or home.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The story shows characters understanding and helping each other despite their differences, such as a ghost and a human becoming friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic and supportive peers, helping them build strong, understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The book's whimsical and imaginative setting inspires children to think creatively and view the world in new ways.
Real-World Application: Enhancing creativity in real-world problem solving and in expressing themselves through art, writing, or play.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: As challenges arise in the haunted house, the characters adapt and persevere, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist and adapt in difficult times, a valuable skill in academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Despite scary circumstances, the characters in the book find strength in friendship and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of teamwork and how building positive relationships can provide support and strength.