#10 in Goosebumps Series
The Ghost Next Door
on Goodreads (12,202)
What’s inside...
When an odd new boy moves in next door, Hannah's neighborhood starts to get more and more eerie, and she suspects that the pale boy must be a ghost.
Character compass
Discussion points
How did you feel about the way Hannah handled her fears? What would you do if you were in her place?
What do you think the author wanted us to learn about friendship from this story?
Why do you think the ghost appeared to Hannah? What does that tell us about the past and the present?
How did your feelings about the characters change throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on each character’s actions and their consequences. Use comparisons to real life situations to make it more relatable. Highlight the importance of friendship, bravery, and understanding. Ask your child to predict what might happen next at crucial plot points to keep them engaged. Discuss the resolution of the story to help them grasp the message and values conveyed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Ghost Next Door', the protagonist, Danny, learns the importance of understanding and empathizing with others, especially when Hannah, the mysterious girl next door, reveals her true identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and empathize with the feelings and situations of others around them, promoting kindness and stronger interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: Throughout the book, both Hannah and Danny face their fears as they uncover the truth about the ghostly happenings. This demonstrates the value of courage and bravery even when situations are frightening or unclear.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to confront their own fears, whether it be speaking in public, trying new activities, or standing up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Danny’s actions, such as leaving candles burning, leads to unforeseen consequences. This highlights the importance of considering the potential effects of one’s actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of responsibility and thinking ahead about the consequences their actions might have on them and others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The evolving friendship between Danny and Hannah shows how valuable friendships can be, providing support and companionship even in unusual circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of building and maintaining friendships, illustrating how vital it is to have friends to share experiences and challenges.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Loss
Explanation: Hannah grapples with the realization of her own situation and losses. This aspect of the story can help kids understand and process the concept of loss and grief in a supportive manner.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cope with and understand their feelings of loss, whether it’s a pet, moving away from friends, or other forms of grief, in a healthy and constructive way.