The Monster in the Room
What’s inside...
In 'The Monster in the Room,' Sarah M. Copeland explores the psychological battle of the protagonist with their inner demons, represented by a metaphorical monster. The narrative delves into themes of mental health, personal struggle, and the journey towards self-acceptance. Through a series of intense encounters and reflective moments, the character grows to understand that facing one's fears is a crucial step in overcoming them. Copeland's vivid storytelling and character development offer a poignant look at the human condition and the resilience of the spirit. Additionally, the story explores the difficulty of telling the truth through the character of John, who struggles with whether to confess his poor behavior at school to his parents. His decision to lie leads to unexpected consequences, such as guilt and uneasiness, which further illustrate the psychological challenges of facing 'The Monster in the Room.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the monster in the room represents?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
What would you do if you encountered a similar situation as the one in the book?
Why is it important to face our fears, like the characters did?
Can you think of a time when you overcame a fear and how you felt afterwards?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about facing a fear to make the child feel more comfortable discussing their own feelings.
Encourage the child to draw or act out different scenes from the book to deepen their understanding and engagement with the story.
Highlight the transformation of the characters in the story as they tackle their challenges to show the positive outcomes of confronting fears.
Ask the child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to the story, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Reinforce the message that it’s okay to be afraid and that everyone experiences fear, ensuring a supportive and empathetic conversation environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The Monster in the Room helps children recognize and name different emotions as the main character navigates feelings of fear and curiosity when discovering the monster.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by identifying their own emotions and expressing them in a healthy way, which is crucial for emotional development.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, the child learns to understand the monster’s feelings, promoting empathy by teaching children to consider others' perspectives and feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing stronger relationships by encouraging them to be empathetic towards their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist shows courage by confronting the monster, teaching children that bravery involves facing their fears and can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by tackling new challenges at school or in social settings with confidence.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: By interacting with the monster, the child in the story devises creative solutions to understand and help the monster, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own everyday challenges.