School of Fear: Class Is Not Dismissed! (School of Fear, 2)
#2 of 4 in Scary School Series
on Goodreads (3,157)
What’s inside...
Have no fear! The frightened foursome are back in this wickedly funny and phobia-inducing sequel to School of Fear! Everyone is still afraid of something: Madeleine Masterson is deathly afraid of bugs, especially spiders; Theodore Bartholomew is petrified of dying; Lulu Punchalower is terrified of confined spaces; Garrison Feldman is frightened by deep water. After discovering that each of her former students has secretly regressed, headmaster Mrs. Wellington brings Madeleine, Theo, Lulu, and Garrison back for mandatory summer school. Facing their fears is terrifying enough, but when they are joined by a fifth student and another mysterious entity lurking in the woods, things start to get even scarier.
Character compass
Madeline Masterson
Hyacinth Hickle
Lulu Punchalower
Schmidty
Garrison Feldman
Theodore "Theo" Barth
Mrs. Wellington
Leonard Munchauser
Madeleine Masterson
Theodore Bartholomew
Hyacinth Hicklebee-Riyatulle
Discussion points
What would you do if you found yourself facing your biggest fear like the characters in the book?
How do the students in the School of Fear help each other overcome their fears? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you feel brave?
What lessons did the characters learn about fear and courage throughout their adventures?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
If you could give advice to one of the characters, what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own story of overcoming a fear, which can help your child feel more relaxed and open to discussing their thoughts.
Praise your child for any insights or connections they make, reinforcing their critical thinking and empathy.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the book, which helps develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ask open-ended questions to allow your child to express opinions and thoughts, fostering a deeper understanding.
Relate the book's themes to your child's personal experiences to make the reading experience more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: The characters in 'School of Fear: Class Is Not Dismissed!' each face unique phobias which they work to overcome with the support of their peers and mentors.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's speaking in public or trying out for a sports team, understanding that fear is a natural emotion that can be managed and overcome with perseverance and support.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the students must collaborate to tackle tasks and challenges, teaching them the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and seek out teamwork in group projects at school or in team sports, enhancing social skills and collective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: As the characters understand and support each other's fears, the story promotes empathy and the understanding of others’ feelings and experiences.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be more considerate and understanding towards their peers who might be struggling with their own personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Each character in the story has unique fears and personalities that they come to accept and embrace, highlighting the importance of individuality.
Real-World Application: Children learn to celebrate their own uniqueness and accept differences in others, which fosters a sense of self-worth and mutual respect in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of difficulties
Explanation: The book showcases how the characters keep trying despite setbacks, reinforcing the message that persistence is crucial when facing difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of not giving up easily when faced with academic or personal difficulties, promoting resilience and determination.