Off the Wall
#14 of 22 in You're invited to a Creepover Series
on Goodreads (152)
What’s inside...
Ancient artifacts provoke fresh fear when a night at the museum goes from fun to freaky! Jane is ready for the time of her life. Tonight she and forty-nine other girls will be spending an actual night in a museum! At first, she’s making lots of new friends and having a ton of fun, but the stakes get raised when one girl, Daria, dares her to take a tour of the museum after lights out. The girls have heard that one of the mummies in the Ancient Egyptian exhibit comes to life when the museum closes. Jane accepts the dare. After all, there's no way a mummy can come to life. Or is there? And are there, perhaps, other secrets that will be revealed in a museum at night? This surprising story is rated a Level 4 on the Creep-o-Meter.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the adventure in 'Off the Wall'? Why did it stand out to you?
How did the main character's actions change the course of the story? What would you have done differently if you were in their shoes?
The book explores themes of bravery and friendship. Can you think of a time when you had to be brave or help a friend in real life?
What do you think is the main message of 'Off the Wall'? How can you apply this message in your own life?
If you could add another character to the story, who would they be and how would they fit into the adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story, affirming their thoughts to foster a positive discussion environment.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection with the book's themes.
Relate themes from the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them apply the book’s lessons.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as different voices for characters and dynamic pacing, to make the storytelling session more engaging and immersive.
After discussing, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or create a small project that represents their favorite part or lesson learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Off the Wall,' the protagonist confronts spooky occurrences in her new home, teaching children the importance of facing and overcoming their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling new challenges at school or home with confidence, whether it be trying out for a sports team or speaking in front of the class.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to solve the mysterious happenings, underscoring the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to collaborate with their peers in group projects or in solving everyday problems, enhancing their social skills and ability to work in a team.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: The young characters in the story use their wits and resources available to uncover the truth behind the eerie events, promoting a problem-solving mindset.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach obstacles methodically and think critically, skills that are useful in academic settings and in personal decision-making.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: As the mystery deepens, the children in 'Off the Wall' persist despite their fears, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through their own difficulties, be it with schoolwork, relationships, or personal goals, fostering a resilient attitude towards life's challenges.