The House Guest
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
Gunno belongs to a gang that steals from houses. But when he and the other children break into The Big House, Gunno finds that his life begins to change. He is attracted back to the house and, against all the rules of the gang, he goes there again and again until he begins to think of it as his own. But he has a growing sense of urgency while he is there, a feeling that there is something he has to do, something that only he can do. This feeling is connected with Hugh, the mysterious lost boy of the house. It is his fascination with the house, and with Hugh, that finally leads him into great danger.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
166 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the house guest felt when they visited a new place?
How did the characters in the story show kindness to the house guest?
Can you think of a time when you were a guest somewhere? How did you feel?
Why do you think it's important to make guests feel welcome?
What would you do to make a guest in our home feel comfortable?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences with the theme of being a guest or hosting someone.
Ask follow-up questions about their responses to dig deeper into their thoughts and emotions.
Draw parallels between the story and real-life situations of welcoming or being welcomed to foster empathy and understanding.
Validate their feelings and share your own stories related to the book’s themes to model open, heartfelt communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The protagonist shows kindness to a mysterious guest, teaching children about understanding other's feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these values by being considerate and supportive towards their peers and family members, helping to foster a caring community.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of the house guest teaches children about the importance of being responsible for others.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that their actions have consequences and that they should think about how they can contribute positively to those around them.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The main character's interaction with the guest stimulates questions and learning about new perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek out knowledge in everyday life, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the world.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story presents various challenges that the protagonist must overcome, illustrating effective problem solving.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach their personal obstacles with resilience and creativity.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Building a bond with the house guest under unusual circumstances highlights the value of friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to build and maintain meaningful relationships, regardless of their backgrounds or situations.