The Northern Frights
#3 of 4 in Scary School Series
What’s inside...
In The Northern Frights, the third book in the spooky Scary School series, Charles New Kid Nukid and his friends, including Lattie, a girl ninja, must fight an epic battle with an ice dragon to save their school. But first they must survive going to Scream Academy as exchange students. And that may be hard, because the Academy has an abominable snowman for a principal, a Headless Horseman as one of the teachers, and the students are yetis, trolls, and ogres! Will Charles survive to make an ancient prophecy come to pass and save everyone? The illustrated Scary School trilogy by Derek the Ghost, with its mix of humor, scares, and adventure, is a perfect pick for middle-grade readers of the Wayside School series and the Zach Files books.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story and why did it stand out to you?
How would you feel if you were in Sibohan's place at Scary School? What would you do differently?
What lessons did the characters learn about friendship and bravery throughout their adventures?
If you could have a supernatural power like one of the characters, which one would you choose and what would you do with it?
Do you think the monsters were really frightening, or were they misunderstood? Why do you think that?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the setting and characters in their own words to enhance their comprehension and vocabulary.
Draw parallels between the challenges faced by the characters and any real-life situations your child might relate to. This can help deepen their understanding of the book’s themes.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story. This keeps them engaged and eager to see if their predictions come true.
After reading, have your child draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps connect their visual imagination with the story’s narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Stacey, faces several supernatural challenges at Scary School but learns to confront them bravely.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up in class.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Northern Frights', Stacey and her friends overcome obstacles by working together, showcasing that cooperation is key.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others in group projects and appreciate different viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As characters in the book adapt to the unique and changing environment of Scary School, they learn valuable lessons on being flexible.
Real-World Application: Children can use this idea to adjust to new situations, such as moving to a new school or coping with changes within the family.
Example Lesson: Perseverance despite difficulties
Explanation: Characters frequently encounter setbacks but continue to strive towards their goals, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in challenging tasks or learning new skills, emphasizing that effort leads to success.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The various monster and human characters in the book learn to accept and celebrate their differences, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity among their peers and foster an inclusive environment at school and in the community.