The Haunting (The House on Cherry Street Series Book 1)
#1 of 3 in The House On Cherry Street Series
What’s inside...
Planning to spend the summer in an idyllic lakeside vacation home, twelve-year-old Jason and his little sister Sally are terrorized by a series of ghostly occurrences that target children.
Discussion points
What did you think about the mystery in the story? How did it make you feel?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What is the most important lesson you learned from the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s spooky elements, ensuring they understand it's all fictional. Use the character's experiences to discuss real-life problem-solving and decision-making. Relate the book's setting and events to familiar places and situations to help solidify understanding and empathy. Highlight the importance of courage and curiosity when faced with the unknown.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The characters in 'The Haunting' often face fearful and unknown circumstances within the eerie Cherry Street house. Their bravery in confronting these challenges demonstrates the value of courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their personal fears, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what’s right, drawing inspiration from the characters' bravery.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: As the characters encounter supernatural events, they learn to work together to solve mysteries and overcome obstacles, showing that teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of collaborating with others, whether in school projects, sports, or family activities, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The book's protagonists are driven by a desire to understand the strange occurrences in their new home, promoting an investigative spirit.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them and to seek knowledge, enhancing their educational development and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite the challenges posed by the haunting, the characters persist in their efforts to bring peace to the house, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This underscores for children the importance of persevering through difficult times, reinforcing that resilience can lead to positive outcomes.