She Is a Haunting
on Goodreads (9,580)
What’s inside...
A house with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic. When Jade Nguyen arrives in Vietnam for a visit with her estranged father, she has one goal: survive five weeks pretending to be a happy family in the French colonial house Ba is restoring. She’s always lied to fit in, so if she’s straight enough, Vietnamese enough, American enough, she can get out with the college money he promised. But the house has other plans. Night after night, Jade wakes up paralyzed. The walls exude a thrumming sound, while bugs leave their legs and feelers in places they don’t belong. She finds curious traces of her ancestors in the gardens they once tended. And at night Jade can’t ignore the ghost of the beautiful bride who leaves her cryptic warnings: Don't eat. Neither Ba nor her sweet sister Lily believe that there is anything strange happening. With help from a delinquent girl, Jade will prove this house—the home her family has always wanted—will not rest until it destroys them. Maybe, this time, she can keep her family together. As she roots out the house’s rot, she must also face the truth of who she is and who she must become to save them all. William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist; Instant New York Times and Indie Bestseller!
Discussion points
How does the setting of the house contribute to the overall mood of the story?
What do the characters learn about themselves and each other by the end of the book?
Can you relate to the emotions and experiences of the characters? In what ways?
How do the various elements of the story—the setting, characters, and plot—come together to convey the book’s main themes?
What choices would you have made if you were in the protagonist’s position?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the importance of the setting by asking your child to describe how their feelings might change in different settings.
Encourage your child to reflect on personal growth by discussing the characters' journeys and relating them to their own experiences.
Foster empathy by having your child consider different characters' perspectives and how they would feel in similar situations.
Enhance understanding of the themes by discussing how different story elements contribute to the overall message.
Promote critical thinking by discussing alternative choices the characters could have made and the potential outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The story explores various cultural backgrounds and traditions, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from different cultures they meet in school or their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the strength and support family provides, regardless of the challenges faced.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture relationships with family members, fostering a supportive home environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: Characters in the book confront and overcome their fears, teaching bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, standing up in class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Resilience Through Adversity
Explanation: The book portrays how characters adapt and thrive despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming personal challenges or setbacks at school or home.