#17 in Goosebumps Series
Why I'm Afraid of Bees
on Goodreads (6,873)
What’s inside...
Gary Lutz, a boy constantly picked on by bullies, welcomes the chance to exchange bodies with another child for a week but he soon discovers that his new body is not exactly human, and he may be stuck forever with his new life.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think Gary felt when he turned into a bee? Can you relate to his feelings?
What would you do if you were in Gary’s place? How would you handle the challenges he faced?
Why is it important to understand and respect differences in others, even bees?
What did Gary learn about himself and others from his experience? Have you learned something similar from any of your experiences?
How do you think the story would change if Gary didn’t try to switch back to being a human? What lessons might he learn then?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the transformations in the story, relating them to any personal experiences of feeling out of place or different.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding, using Gary’s experiences as a bee to highlight how perspective can change our attitudes towards others.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the book, enhancing their problem-solving skills and boosting creativity.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss fears and anxieties, reassuring your child about facing and overcoming their personal challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist's experience of swapping bodies with a bee helps children understand the feelings and perspectives of others, notably those who are different from them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering how their actions and words might affect others, leading to more compassionate interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of self
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, the protagonist learns to appreciate his own strengths and uniqueness, realizing that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their own qualities and strengths, fostering self-confidence and reducing the desire to compare themselves with others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing fears
Explanation: The main character tackles his fear of bees head-on through his transformational adventure, illustrating the importance of confronting personal fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or dealing with insects, illustrating that personal growth often lies on the other side of fear.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases various scenarios where the character must problem-solve to navigate his new life as a bee and to return to his human form.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with a mindset to creatively solve problems they encounter in school or during play, enhancing their analytical skills and decision-making abilities.
Example Lesson: The importance of perspective
Explanation: By experiencing life as a bee, the protagonist gains a broader perspective on life and the challenges of others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to look at situations from multiple viewpoints, promoting a more inclusive and understanding approach to diverse situations and people.