#16 in Goosebumps Series
I Live in Your Basement!
on Goodreads (2,359)
What’s inside...
The book follows Marco, who is recovering from a serious head injury, and the hallucinations that follow. He begins to wonder if they are hallucinations at all, or if the strange boy named Keith, who claims to live in his basement, is real.
Discussion points
How did the character's actions make you feel throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Why do you think the author chose a basement as an important part of the story?
What do you think is the main message of this book?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Vary your tone and pace to make the story more engaging and to emphasize the emotional journey of the characters.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child how they think the characters felt in different situations and why.
Relate to personal experiences: Help your child connect the themes or situations in the book to their own life, which enhances understanding and retention.
Predict outcomes: Before finishing the story, ask your child what they think will happen next. This keeps them engaged and thinking critically about the storyline.
Discuss choices: Focus discussions on the decisions made by characters in the book and ask your child what they would have done differently, which encourages ethical reasoning and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of boundaries
Explanation: In the book, the character Marco frequently deals with situations that require him to set and respect personal boundaries.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to say no to uncomfortable situations and understanding the importance of personal space.
Example Lesson: The value of questioning and curiosity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Marco’s quest for answers about strange occurrences encourages a sense of curiosity and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions about their surroundings and not accept everything at face value, fostering a habit of inquiry and learning.
Example Lesson: Coping with fear
Explanation: The eerie and suspenseful scenarios in the book illustrate how Marco handles his fears, providing a framework for bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that it's normal to feel afraid and that there are ways to face and overcome their fears pragmatically.
Example Lesson: Importance of responsibility
Explanation: Marco’s experiences highlight the consequences of his decisions, stressing the importance of being responsible for one’s actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about accountability, understanding that their actions affect themselves and others, and the importance of making thoughtful choices.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Marco tries to untangle the mysteries, he learns to understand and empathize with others’ viewpoints and predicaments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider other people's feelings and perspectives, fostering empathy and better interpersonal relationships.