The House at the End of the Sea
on Goodreads (90)
What’s inside...
Saffi doesn't want her new life, living with her dad, little brother, and old-fashioned grandparents in their B&B by the sea. She is grieving for her mum and longs for things to go back to normal. But this new home is anything but normal: the walls change color, a face appears in the mirror, and the pantry is suddenly filled with fancy food. When a party of extraordinary visitors arrive at midnight, Saffi begins to realize that her family has a dark, magical secret. It will take all her bravery to discover the truth and find a way into another world.
Age
9-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the house at the end of the sea so special?
How do you feel about the relationship between the main characters?
What would you do if you found a mysterious house like the one in the story?
How do the descriptions of the sea make you feel while reading?
What do you think is the main message of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own house at the end of the sea and describe what it would look like.
Discuss the emotions and motivations of the characters to help your child understand different perspectives.
Connect the story's themes to your child’s experiences, asking if they've ever discovered something unexpected like the characters in the book.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to encourage your child to use expressive language and expand their vocabulary.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write a continuation of the story, highlighting what might happen next.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: In the story, the main character overcomes fear to explore the mysterious house, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and try new activities, promoting confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist's curiosity leads them to discover the fascinating history of the house, inspiring learning and exploration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore their surroundings, enhancing their understanding and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Respecting history and heritage
Explanation: The book depicts the main character learning about the house's past, emphasizing respect for historical sites and stories.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and preserve cultural and historical heritage in their communities.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The protagonist imagines various scenarios about the house, which fuels the adventure and unfolds the story.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to use their imagination more actively, which can lead to creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the protagonist relies on friends for support and guidance, highlighting the strength of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to build and maintain friendships, helping them learn cooperative behavior and social skills.