Scholastic Classics: The Best Ghost Stories Ever
Scholastic classics Series
on Goodreads (229)
What’s inside...
Scholastic Classics: The Best Ghost Stories Ever, curated by Christopher Krovatin, is a collection of spine-tingling tales from some of the most acclaimed authors in the genre. This anthology brings together a selection of chilling narratives that explore the supernatural, the unexplained, and the macabre. Each story delves into the eerie world of ghosts and spirits, offering readers a mix of classic and contemporary tales that are sure to haunt their imaginations. From Victorian-era hauntings to modern-day phantoms, this compilation is designed to captivate fans of horror and suspense with its diverse range of ghostly encounters.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the ghosts in these stories? Are they all scary, or do some seem friendly?
How do the characters in the stories react to encountering a ghost? How would you react in a similar situation?
If you could create your own ghost story, what would it be about? What lesson would it teach?
Why do you think people enjoy reading ghost stories? What emotions do they make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each story, whether they found it scary, funny, or surprising. You can also share your own experiences with ghost stories, making the reading a shared, bonding experience. Highlight that, while ghost stories can be spine-chilling, they also offer creative lessons on problem-solving and understanding different emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The protagonists in the stories often confront eerie and frightening situations. Their bravery in dealing with ghosts and the unknown exemplifies courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or dealing with difficult situations at school or home.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: Characters in the ghost stories often explore mysterious occurrences driven by curiosity, leading to discoveries and sometimes resolving unsettled matters.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them, enhancing their learning and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: In some stories, characters face consequences for their actions, particularly when they meddle with supernatural elements without understanding them.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think about the outcomes of their actions and to be careful in decision-making.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters often need to understand the backstory of the ghosts, revealing themes of loss and misunderstanding.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop empathy for others’ experiences and challenges, promoting emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges and scares, characters persist in their quests, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to be resilient in overcoming obstacles and challenges in their own lives.