Goosebumps Series
Attack of the Jack-O'-Lanterns
on Goodreads (72)
What’s inside...
Planning Halloween revenge, Drew Brockman carves scary jack-o'-lanterns that frighteningly come to life.
Age
9-12
Length
113 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the characters in the story?
What do you think the Jack-O'-Lanterns represent in the story?
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did?
What would you have done differently if you were in this story?
What do you think is the message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of facing fears and how the characters in the story manage their challenges.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the story's themes and real-life situations they might encounter.
Encourage your child to think critically about the choices made by the characters and ask what they would do in each situation.
Emphasize the element of friendship and teamwork in the story, discussing how working together can help overcome difficulties.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Attack of the Jack-O'-Lanterns,' the characters rely on each other to navigate scary situations. Their teamwork emphasizes the value of having trusted friends who support one another during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children will learn the significance of building and maintaining supportive friendships. This can encourage them to be better friends in their daily interactions at school or in their neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters face spooky and intimidating situations. Their bravery in confronting these fears head-on is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, participating in a school play, or standing up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The book showcases vivid descriptions and thrilling scenarios that are products of the characters’ and author's imagination. This demonstrates how creativity can be used to solve problems or deal with fear.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination as a tool for problem-solving in everyday life, sparking creativity in play, school projects, or resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: Some characters in the story use deception, which leads to unforeseen consequences. This aspect of the plot highlights the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of being truthful and the potential negative outcomes of deceptive behavior. It teaches integrity and the importance of building trust with honesty in their interactions.