#13 in Goosebumps Series
The Haunted School
1997 by
on Goodreads (6,698)
What’s inside...
The book follows the plot of a group of students who get trapped in an alternate reality within their school after they attempt to freshen up a creepy, old classroom. They must fight off ghostly encounters and find a way back to their reality.
Why read this book
- Engages kids with thrilling, mysterious storyline.
- Builds tension, enhances focus and attention span.
- Encourages imagination and exploration of emotions.
- Offers suspenseful fun while promoting vital reading skills.
The Big Picture
- Encourages problem-solving skills.
- Facilitates discussion on overcoming fears.
- Resonates with real-life challenges.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases various backgrounds through unique character representations.
- Promotes inclusivity among students of different ethnicities.
- Encourages understanding diverse cultures and friendships.
Book in series
#13
Age
8-13
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did when they discovered the school was haunted?
What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation as the characters in the book?
How do you think the characters felt when they were trying to solve the mystery?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate the characters' experiences to their own life.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at pivotal moments in the story to enhance critical thinking.
Discuss the notion of bravery and fear, highlighting how the characters managed their fear throughout the book.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene, helping them visualize and internalize the story.
Connect the themes of the book with real-world examples to make the discussion more relatable and grounded.
What parents love
Perfect blend of spooky and safe for kids.
Keeps my child engaged and eager to read more.
Teaches valuable lessons through an exciting story.
My kids love the suspense and the brave characters.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery in the face of fear
Explanation: Throughout 'The Haunted School', the characters confront supernatural events that challenge their courage. They learn to face their fears to solve the mystery of the haunted school.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it's trying something new or dealing with difficult situations, fostering resilience and courage.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Haunted School' must work together to uncover the secrets of the haunted school. This cooperation highlights how collaboration can lead to solving problems that seem insurmountable alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate the value of working with others, enhancing their ability to cooperate in group settings like school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book's young protagonists exhibit curiosity and a willingness to explore the unknown, which are crucial in discovering the truth behind the school's haunting.
Real-World Application: Fostering curiosity helps children in their educational journeys and inspires them to learn more about the world around them, potentially sparking a lifelong love for knowledge.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, the characters encounter various obstacles that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of analytical thinking and developing solutions to everyday problems, be it in academic challenges or personal hurdles.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of others
Explanation: In 'The Haunted School', characters from different backgrounds come together, teaching a subtle lesson about accepting others despite differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and embrace diversity in their communities, promoting inclusivity and empathy towards others.