FEARFUL: Scary Stories of the Evil App
#1 in FEARFUL Series
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Described by Goodreads readers as "Goosebumps meets Black Mirror" and "one part R.L. Stine, one part Stephen King's aversion toward technology." Esau "S" Bryant is a twelve-year-old boy desperate to become an influencer to help his family. And when he finds a strange phone in an abandoned mall, it seems he finally got a lucky break, until he realizes his new mobile device is cursed. Now he will have to face his worst fears and fight an online evil spirit to save himself, his family, and-the world. Join Esau and his friends as they go on incredible adventures involving a haunted phone, demonic possessions, and an internet troll with a wicked sense of humor! A Message for the Grown-Ups: In FEARFUL: Scary Stories of the Evil App, Christian Nava has told a heartfelt tale about the power of self-acceptance against the growing dangers of social media pressure. Featuring black-and-white illustrations by the talented Jesús Duke, the first entry in this chilling book series is a must-have for readers age 8 to 12 that anyone can enjoy.
Why read this book
- Engaging, spooky tales captivate and thrill young readers.
- Characters model bravery in the face of digital dangers.
- Encourages critical thinking about technology use.
- Safe, age-appropriate introduction to horror genre.
Discussion points
How did the stories in the book make you feel?
What would you do if you encountered a situation similar to the ones described in the stories?
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did?
What lessons can we learn about dealing with fear from the stories?
Can you think of other ways the characters might have handled their fears?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation in a comfortable setting, perhaps during a family reading time. Be open and accepting of all responses, showing understanding and empathy towards your child's feelings. Use follow-up questions to dig deeper into their thoughts and emotions. Relate personal experiences or fears in a reassuring manner to help them process the stories. Encourage them to think critically about the choices characters made and explore alternative actions and outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of cautious curiosity
Explanation: The story illustrates how curiosity led characters into dangerous situations when interacting with the mysterious app, teaching readers that curiosity should be tempered with cautiousness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to assess risks and seek guidance from trusted adults before exploring unfamiliar technologies or situations.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in the book face various consequences due to their decisions, showing that actions, good or bad, always have outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of thinking before acting and making choices that they are willing to stand by.
Example Lesson: Bravery in the face of fear
Explanation: The protagonists show courage by confronting the challenges posed by the evil app, teaching readers that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but acting despite it.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges, even if they feel scared, and to understand that bravery is an admirable quality.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters often need to work together to solve the problems created by the app, highlighting that collaboration can lead to better solutions than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in school projects or during play, learning that teamwork can lead to success and better conflict resolution.
Example Lesson: Responsibility in the digital world
Explanation: Through the story, readers see the impact of the characters' interactions with the app, emphasizing the need for responsibility when using technology.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions in the digital space can have real-world consequences and teaches them to navigate technology responsibly.