Vacancy
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
What’s inside...
The latest chilling frightfest from horror master K. R. Alexander centers around a spooky hotel, the Carlisle, in Gold River, where guests do NOT check out the way they check in. After moving to Gold River following her mother's death, Jasmine is drawn to the abandoned Carlisle, which appears in her nightmares and calls to her during the day. Learning about a local tradition where kids try to stay at the Carlisle without being scared away, Jasmine convinces her friends to join her for a night. However, they soon discover that the hotel isn't abandoned; it's inhabited by dead people who will do everything possible to prevent them from leaving.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
150 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they discovered the vacancy? How would you feel in that situation?
How did the characters in the book help each other? Can you think of a time when you helped someone or someone helped you?
What do you think the main message of the book is? Why is it important?
How did the setting influence the story? What would you change about the setting if you could?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events and characters, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used by characters in the story, and connect them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Highlight the moral or lesson learned from the book, and ask your child how they can apply this lesson in their own life.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to spark imagination in your child, asking them to describe or draw what they envision.
After reading, revisit your child's favorite parts of the book, discussing why they stood out and what made them meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Compassion
Explanation: In 'Vacancy', the protagonist demonstrates compassion by helping a stranger in need, despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to help others around them, understanding that kindness can bridge gaps between diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: The main character faces numerous challenges but persists, showing that determination often leads to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up when facing difficulties, whether in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: The book portrays characters from various backgrounds, which helps illustrate the richness of different cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by embracing diversity in their classrooms and communities, promoting inclusivity and respect.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Facing unexpected changes, the protagonist adapts and overcomes obstacles, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to adapt to changes such as moving to a new school or dealing with family shifts, knowing that they can recover and thrive.
Example Lesson: Joy of Discovery
Explanation: Exploring new places and ideas is a central theme, celebrating the excitement of learning and discovery.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and enthusiastic about learning new things, whether academically or in daily explorations.