The Keeper
What’s inside...
A young Black girl named Aisha has suffered a devastating loss when her parents were killed in a car crash. She moves to Detroit to live with her ailing grandmother, but shortly after her grandmother's health worsens and she dies, summoning a dark spirit to protect Aisha. This spirit, referred to as the Keeper, initially appears to care for Aisha but soon starts preying on other residents to sustain itself. Aisha and her friends must come together to destroy the Keeper or face fatal consequences. The horror graphic novel, written by Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes and illustrated by Marco Finnegan, delves into the daily horrors faced by Black Americans while staying true to the genre.
Age
12-18
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' decisions impact their lives and the lives of others around them?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and fear from the protagonist?
In what ways do the relationships in the book show the importance of trust and understanding?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge, like the characters in 'The Keeper'?
What did you think about the book’s ending? Would you have ended it differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express their thoughts fully.
Connect topics from the book to your child’s personal experiences to make discussions more relatable.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story to foster curiosity and active engagement.
Discuss the emotions portrayed in the book, helping your child understand and articulate their own feelings.
Praise your child's responses, even if they're different from the book’s perspectives, to build their confidence in expressing their views.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Keeper' faces numerous challenges and demonstrates bravery in overcoming them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and challenges boldly, whether it's during school presentations or in standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'The Keeper,' the main characters develop strong bonds of friendship which help them in their journey.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to cultivate and cherish friendships in their life, understanding the support system friends can provide.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: The characters in the book often encounter setbacks, yet their persistence in facing these obstacles is highlighted.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist in their endeavors, such as learning a new skill or completing a difficult school project.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book showcases characters from diverse backgrounds learning from each other's experiences and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect differences in others in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards others
Explanation: Characters in 'The Keeper' take actions that reflect their responsibility towards others, particularly in protecting and helping each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility in their actions, understanding the impact they can have on others around them.