Monsters in the School
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
In 'Monsters in the School,' a group of students, including Shelby Bennett and her friend Eric, encounter strange occurrences at their school after hours. As Shelby attempts to gain attention by predicting the future using Eric's time machine, they stumble upon eerie events in the boiler room. The group must confront their fears and skepticism from others as they delve into the mystery, combining elements of horror, adventure, and humor to uncover the truth and face both literal and metaphorical monsters.
Age
8-12
Length
86 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the monsters in the school represent?
How did the characters react to the monsters? What would you do in their place?
Can you think of a time when you overcame a fear, similar to the characters in the book?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
If you could be friends with a monster, what kind would it be and what would you do together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in your child's responses to foster an open line of communication.
Relate the theme of confronting fears to real-life situations your child might face, to help them connect with the story.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to draw or describe their imaginary monster friend.
Acknowledge your child’s feelings about the story to validate their emotions and insights.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'Monsters in the School,' children encounter monsters of various shapes, sizes, and colors, each with unique abilities. The story emphasizes acceptance and appreciation of these differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate the diverse backgrounds and abilities of their classmates and friends, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts their initial fear of the monsters by gradually getting to know them, discovering that they are friendly. This narrative arc teaches children the value of facing and overcoming their fears.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to tackle their own fears, whether it’s trying a new activity, or making a new friend, thus building their confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist and the monsters work together to solve problems within the school. This cooperation highlights how teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of working collaboratively in group settings such as in school projects or sports teams, enhancing their social and cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story shows the protagonist learning about the monsters’ feelings and perspectives, which fosters empathy and a deeper understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering the feelings of others in conflict situations or when someone is upset, fostering healthier and more supportive relationships.