#16 in Goosebumps Series
My Best Friend Is Invisible
on Goodreads (3,336)
What’s inside...
Sammy Jacobs, who is interested in everything supernatural, gets a visit from 'Brent', an invisible being who wants to be friends. But trouble begins when Sammy realizes that Brent isn't as friendly as he seems.
Discussion points
How did the relationship between the characters evolve throughout the story?
What would you do if you had an invisible friend like the one in the book?
How do the characters in the book handle challenges and what can we learn from them?
In what ways did the invisible friend help or hinder the main character?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine having an invisible friend and discuss the pros and cons.
Relate the challenges faced by characters in the book to real-life situations your child may encounter, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to engage their creative thinking.
Discuss the feelings and motivations of different characters to enhance your child’s emotional understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about their own imaginary adventures, inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of his invisible friend, despite the peculiar circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others who may seem different, fostering compassion and tolerance in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The main character faces various challenges with his unseen friend, showcasing how he overcomes fear and uncertainty.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what they believe in.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The book explores the dynamics of an unconventional friendship, emphasizing loyalty, trust, and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles to build and maintain strong, healthy relationships with their peers.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As the narrative progresses, the protagonist learns to take responsibility for the chaos caused by his invisible friend.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and the impact they can have on others.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Dealing with an invisible friend requires creative problem-solving skills from the protagonist.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively and find innovative solutions to their own problems.