Thirteen Chairs
on Goodreads (2,240)
What’s inside...
In an abandoned house, the ghosts gather. They argue, they laugh, and they tell their stories. Some tell their own stories, some tell stories they have heard elsewhere. Some of them are true, some are not. But each tale draws you closer. One by one, the storytellers depart, until suddenly it's just you and the narrator, alone in the dark...
Age
11-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jack
Discussion points
What do you think each character in 'Thirteen Chairs' is trying to achieve by telling their story?
How did the mood shift with each story in the book? Which story made you feel the most emotions and why?
What role does the mysterious host play in the gathering of the characters?
If you could add another chair to the circle, what kind of ghost would you introduce and what story would they tell?
How do the themes of courage and fear emerge throughout the book? Can you relate to any of the characters’ experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each story to ask your child how the tale made them feel, emphasizing that it's okay to experience a wide range of emotions.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the stories, fostering creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Discuss the historical and cultural contexts of ghost stories, helping your child to understand different perspectives and beliefs.
Relate the stories to personal experiences with overcoming fears, reinforcing empathy and resilience in your child.
Highlight the importance of listening to others’ stories, emphasizing values of respect and patience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: In 'Thirteen Chairs,' the characters share ghost stories, each contributing a unique tale. This narrative structure accentuates the power and art of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children can develop their communication skills and creativity by engaging in storytelling, whether orally with friends and family or through writing exercises at school.
Example Lesson: Understanding perspectives
Explanation: 'Thirteen Chairs' presents multiple stories from different characters, each with their own style and perspective. This varied narrative helps illustrate the concept that every person sees the world differently.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse viewpoints and understand that everyone has unique experiences and thoughts. This can foster empathy and improve interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: The spooky and suspenseful tales in 'Thirteen Chairs' explore themes of fear and the unknown. Through these stories, characters confront and often overcome their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their own fears and understand that it's natural to be afraid sometimes. This can help them develop resilience and cope with challenging situations in real life.
Example Lesson: The value of listening
Explanation: As each character in the book shares their story, the others listen attentively. This act of listening is crucial to the unfolding of the narrative.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of active listening can improve their ability to learn in educational settings and build stronger relationships with others by showing respect and understanding.