The Black Slide
on Goodreads (177)
What’s inside...
An ominous new slide on the playground leads to a world of fear in The Smashed Man of Dread End author J.W. Ocker's latest middle grade horror, perfect for fans of R.L. Stine and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Griffin Birch isn't known for being brave, but there's something about the new black slide on the elementary school playground that's made him curious. Against his better judgement, he just has to follow his best friend Laila down. But the Black Slide is no ordinary piece of playground equipment. What Griffin and Laila find at the other end of this strange portal is a cruel world, populated by bloodthirsty creatures on a quest to become immortal. And it's up to Griffin to save himself, his best friend--and the future of earth itself. Fans of classic horror will devour this creepy adventure packed with more twists and turns than the ominous black slide itself.
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Griffin Birch
Lila
Discussion points
What do you think the black slide represents in the story?
How do the characters feel when they're near the black slide, and why do you think they feel that way?
What would you have done if you were in the place of the main character?
Can you think of a time when you were scared to try something new? What helped you overcome that fear?
How do the other children in the book react to the black slide? What does this tell us about facing fears as a group?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing a personal story about a time you faced a fear, setting a relatable groundwork for the child.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the story and relate it to their own experiences.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of a scene from the book, using it as a visual aid to further discuss the emotions and themes.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses or interesting observations, reinforcing their engagement and confidence in discussing complex themes.
Offer to read the scary parts together, demonstrating that facing fears is easier with support, aligning with the theme of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Black Slide' faces their fear of the daunting, dark playground slide. Initially apprehensive, they eventually muster the courage to slide down.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront and overcome their personal fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the main character interacts with peers who also fear the slide, they learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children in understanding their friends’ fears and emotions, and in learning to be supportive and kind in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite multiple setbacks, the protagonist keeps returning to the slide, demonstrating tenacity.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to not give up easily, be it in their academic pursuits, hobbies, or personal goals, emphasizing the value of persistence.
Example Lesson: Joy in achievement
Explanation: Upon conquering the slide, the protagonist experiences immense joy. This highlights the rewarding nature of overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can see that while overcoming challenges might be difficult, the resulting joy and pride are well worth the effort.
Example Lesson: Social bonding through shared experiences
Explanation: The shared challenge of the slide brings the protagonist closer to their peers, illustrating how collective experiences can strengthen friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of teamwork and how shared experiences can lead to stronger bonds and friendships in school or play.