The Addams Family: Wednesday's Library
The Addams Family Series
on Goodreads (410)
What’s inside...
In 'Wednesday's Library,' readers explore the literary influences that shape Wednesday Addams' unique perspective, highlighting her favorite macabre stories and their impact on her adventures and interactions. Concurrently, 'The Addams Family' film, released on October 11, 2019, features an all-star cast and follows the eccentric family's challenges against a reality TV host while preparing for a significant family event. The animated action-comedy, based on Charles Addams' New Yorker creations, showcases how this delightfully eerie family navigates their unusual life in the face of external judgements.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Wednesday Addams
Parker Needler
Pugsley Addams
Morticia Addams
Gomez Addams
Discussion points
How do you think Wednesday feels when she discovers the secret library? What clues in the story help you understand her feelings?
What lessons does Wednesday learn from the books she reads? Can you think of a book that taught you something important?
If you could talk to any character from Wednesday's secret library, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do the other characters in the story react to Wednesday's adventures? How would you react if you were in their shoes?
What would you add to your own secret library and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Wednesday’s adventures, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Discuss the different emotions Wednesday might be feeling throughout the book to enhance emotional intelligence and empathy.
Point out how the challenges faced by characters can parallel real-life situations, helping your child to navigate their own challenges.
Create a fun activity by imagining and drawing what your child's own secret library would include.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after the book ends, encouraging creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Wednesday Addams, with her unique interests and quirky personality, exemplifies how being different is not just acceptable, but valuable. Her character encourages self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their own uniqueness and understand that diversity in personalities enriches interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Reading and Knowledge
Explanation: Wednesday’s love for her library and the adventures and learning it provides highlights how reading can open doors to different worlds and insights.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore books as sources of learning and entertainment, promoting literacy and continuous learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Wednesday faces various challenges which she overcomes using her wit and resources from her library, showcasing effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn that challenges can be approached and solved with critical thinking and resourcefulness, skills applicable in academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Wednesday consistently tackles obstacles with determination, demonstrating that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, both short-term and long-term, in their everyday activities.