The Restless Dead: Ten Original Stories of the Supernatural
on Goodreads (623)
What’s inside...
Enter the murky world of the undead with this collection of ten original stories by extraordinary authors, collected by the anthologist of GOTHIC!. From a beyond-the-grave stalker-girlfriend to prankster devil worshippers, a childish ghost of the future to a vampire lover with bloody ties to the past, the characters in these tales will send shivers down your spine. Explore the fear of the undead in this spooky companion volume to GOTHIC! TEN ORIGINAL DARK TAKES, and enjoy another graveyard walk in the company of ten contemporary masters of horror and suspense, including tales by M.T. Anderson, Holly Black, Libba Bray, Herbie Brennan, Nancy Etchemendy, Annette Curtis Klause, Kelly Link, Deborah Noyes, Marcus Sedgwick, and Chris Wooding.
Age
12-15
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading the different stories? Which story made you feel the strongest emotion and why?
How do the characters in the stories deal with fear or the unknown? Can you relate to any of their reactions?
What do you think the supernatural elements symbolize in these stories? Do they represent something from real life?
Which story was your favorite and what lesson do you think it teaches?
If you could change one thing in any of the stories, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, discuss what 'supernatural' means and explore any previous knowledge or experiences your child might have with this genre.
Encourage your child to express their feelings after each story. Acknowledge these feelings and offer your own thoughts to show that it's a safe space to share.
Relate the themes or situations in the stories to real-life scenarios to help your child make connections and deepen their understanding.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or additional characters to develop their creative thinking and engagement with the text.
Celebrate the completion of the book by watching a movie or exploring more books in the supernatural genre, enhancing the experience and fostering a deeper interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The stories in 'The Restless Dead' often explore characters' emotions as they encounter supernatural elements, enabling readers to understand different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and empathize with the feelings and situations of others, which can enhance their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently face eerie and unknown situations that require bravery to confront.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what’s right.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The anthology showcases how characters' decisions, especially when dealing with supernatural forces, lead to various outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of thinking decisions through and recognizing how their actions can impact themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The protagonists’ curiosity often drives the plot in exploring mysterious or supernatural occurrences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, seek out knowledge, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the challenges the characters face, they often demonstrate resilience in coping with supernatural encounters.
Real-World Application: These stories can teach children the value of perseverance and resilience in overcoming difficulties or setbacks in everyday life.