Scary Stories
#3 in Writing Stories Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
The 'Scary Stories' book by Anita Ganeri is a collection of spine-chilling tales designed to thrill and excite young readers. Each story within the book is crafted to introduce elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. The narratives often feature haunted locations, eerie encounters, and ghostly apparitions, all woven together with a touch of folklore and imagination. Aimed at a middle-grade audience, the book serves as an introduction to the horror genre, providing just the right amount of scare without being too overwhelming. Anita Ganeri's storytelling is engaging and accessible, making 'Scary Stories' a popular choice for children looking to explore the thrill of scary tales in a safe and entertaining way. This book introduces readers to the dark and creepy world of writing scary stories in an age-appropriate way. It is a perfect resource for meeting common core state standards in writing. Key features of the genre are explained and readers are guided through the process of writing their own story. Top tips are given covering planning, writing dialogue, developing characters, adding narrative plot twists, using descriptive language and more! Engaging photographs, eye-catching illustrations, and a wealth of ideas bring the genre to life. A spooky story running throughout the book draws readers in, offers concrete examples of how the tips can be put into practice and will inspire readers to get writing their own scary stories.
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading these stories, and which story made you feel that way the most?
Can you think of a time when you overcame a fear, similar to a character in the book?
What lessons do you think the characters learned in these stories?
How would you change the ending of your least favorite story?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, what would you ask and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each story, connecting them to their own experiences.
Discuss the moral and lessons of each story to reinforce positive learning and character development.
Foster empathy by asking how your child would feel in a similar situation as the characters.
Create a comfortable reading environment where your child feels safe to explore the emotional themes in the book.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s understanding and interpretation of the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Through the spooky and thrilling tales, children are introduced to various scenarios that may seem scary at first but are overcome by the characters in the stories.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying something new or dealing with everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The stories often feature characters who are misunderstood or perceived as different. By presenting their perspectives, the book fosters empathy in young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing compassion and tolerance towards their peers who may seem different from themselves.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The imaginative and eerie narratives stimulate the creative minds of children, encouraging them to think outside the box.
Real-World Application: This creativity can be channeled into innovative problem-solving and artistic expression in their daily activities and school projects.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Many of the stories in 'Scary Stories' subtly teach the importance of thinking before acting, as characters face consequences for their decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the impact of their actions on themselves and others, promoting responsible behavior.