#15 in Goosebumps Series
The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena
1995 by
on Goodreads (5,371)
What’s inside...
The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena is a young adult horror novel by R.L. Stine that follows the story of a teenage boy named Jordan Blake who moves to Pasadena, California with his family. Jordan soon discovers that the town is home to a mysterious creature known as the 'Snowman' who is rumored to roam the streets at night and terrorize anyone who crosses its path. As Jordan and his friends investigate the Snowman's existence, they begin to uncover the dark secrets surrounding the creature and the town's history. The novel is a thrilling and suspenseful tale that explores themes of small-town secrets, urban legends, and the supernatural.
Why read this book
- Exciting adventure story sparks curiosity and imagination.
- Relatable sibling protagonists enhance emotional connection.
- Encourages creative problem-solving and resilience.
- Blends humor with suspense, keeping readers engaged.
The Big Picture
- Encourages facing fears head-on.
- Highlights importance of perseverance.
- Shows adaptability in challenging situations.
Diversity & Representation
- Introduces diverse climates and geographic concepts to young readers.
- Encourages appreciation of different environments and ecosystems.
- Promotes curiosity about world cultures and geography.
Book in series
#15
Age
8-12
Length
127 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the Abominable Snowman reacted the way it did when it arrived in Pasadena?
How would you feel if you encountered a creature like the Abominable Snowman? What would you do?
What do you think is the importance of understanding creatures that are different from us?
How do the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end? What caused those changes?
If you could give the characters advice at any point in the story, what would you tell them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the Abominable Snowman felt during key moments in the story.
Discuss the theme of curiosity and caution. Ask your child about times they have been curious and how caution played a role in their decisions.
Use the book's setting transitions, from Pasadena to a colder environment, as a metaphor to discuss adaptability and coping with changes.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write an alternate ending to the story, discussing the potential different outcomes based on character decisions.
Boost critical thinking by asking them to guess what might happen next if the story continued beyond the ending of the book.
What parents love
Captivates my child’s imagination, loves the adventure!
Great for bedtime reading, both fun and thought-provoking.
Helps address fears, teaches bravery in an exciting way.
My kids look forward to reading every night!
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of the unknown
Explanation: The main characters confront the mysterious Abominable Snowman, showcasing bravery despite their fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face unfamiliar situations with bravery, helping them tackle new challenges at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The siblings in the story work together to handle the challenges posed by the Snowman, highlighting the strength found in collaboration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to work cooperatively in group projects or during team sports, reinforcing the value of teamwork.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Characters deal with the consequences of their decisions regarding the Snowman, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their choices have effects, promoting responsible decision-making in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The quest to discover the truth about the Snowman propels the characters into adventure, emphasizing the role of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore and learn about the world around them, enhancing their educational experiences.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters persist in their quest, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to persevere through difficulties whether in academics, hobbies, or relationships.