The Ghoul Next Door
#1 in The Ghoul Next Door Series
What’s inside...
Eleven-year-old Grey lives in the legend-haunted New England town of Ander’s Landing, and he feels like a pair of eyes is watching him. He discovers odd, gruesome gifts from the graveyard, such as art carved from bones and jewelry made from remains. Soon, Grey is embroiled in a strange mystery involving a race of reclusive subterranean creatures called ghouls, the eaters of the dead. His secret admirer turns out to be a ghoul named Lavinia, and an unlikely friendship forms between them. However, their friendship breaks traditions, and the punishment for this transgression is a fate worse than death. This story is perfect for fans of eerie mysteries and tales of unlikely friendships.
Character compass
Grey
Discussion points
How would you feel if you met a supernatural new neighbor like Grey? What would you do?
Grey learns a lot about himself and his culture in the story. What are some things you've discovered about your own heritage?
Do you think it's important to try to understand people who are different from you? Why?
What did you think about Grey's choices in the story? Would you have done anything differently?
How did the friendship between Luna and Grey change throughout the book? Can you relate to their experiences with your own friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and their actions, relating their answers back to their own experiences.
Discuss the cultural elements in the book and share insights or stories about your own family’s heritage and traditions.
Ask your child what they might do in Grey’s situation and explore moral choices together, fostering empathy and understanding.
Relate the book’s themes to real-world issues like diversity and acceptance, guiding the child to see the relevance of the story in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Ghoul Next Door,' the main character learns to understand and empathize with the mysterious new neighbor, despite initial fears and misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach new or unfamiliar classmates with openness and kindness, fostering a more inclusive environment at school.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: As the protagonist confronts supernatural elements, the story showcases the importance of bravery when dealing with scary or unknown situations.
Real-World Application: This can empower children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: The Value of Curiosity
Explanation: The curiosity of the main character leads to a deeper understanding of the so-called 'ghoul', transforming fear into friendship.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek understanding in all areas of their lives, promoting lifelong learning and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Prejudices
Explanation: This book highlights how initial judgments can be misleading and the negative effects they can have on relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to withhold judgment and get to know people for who they truly are, rather than relying on first impressions or stereotypes.
Example Lesson: Friendship Across Differences
Explanation: Despite their differences, the characters build a strong, respectful friendship, showing that true friends can come from the most unexpected places.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace diversity and build friendships with peers who might look, sound, or live differently from themselves.