Scare School Diaries

🎃 Book Review: “Scare School Diaries #1: Welcome to Scare School” by Jarrett Lerner** 🎃

With Halloween just around the corner, I decided to dive into “Scare School Diaries #1: Welcome to Scare School” by my favorite author, Jarrett Lerner, with my grade 3 class. The kids were immediately captivated by the story of Bash, a young ghost who is anxious about starting boarding school. Bash’s journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as he grapples with low self-confidence and the daunting task of passing his C.A.T. - Creature Aptitude Test. This test requires him to master ghostly skills like turning invisible, passing through walls, and flying.

Bash’s older sister, Bella, was a star student, which adds to his pressure. However, the story beautifully addresses real-life concerns that children face, such as testing anxiety, making friends, and fitting in. Despite his struggles, Bash learns to make friends, study hard, and even become a positive influence at Scare School.

My students were so engaged with Bash’s adventures that we even explored Jarrett Lerner’s famous art skills on YouTube, adding an interactive element to our reading experience. This new series is perfect for early chapter book readers, keeping them eagerly turning pages and rooting for Bash every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a fun, relatable, and heartwarming read for young children, especially around Halloween, “Welcome to Scare School” is a must-read. Jarrett Lerner has once again crafted a story that resonates with kids and encourages them to embrace their unique abilities.