Ready to hear the secret… before it grows in the child's heart?
The story of "The Haunted House" is suitable for ages 9-14 and offers a thrilling experience reminiscent of children moving into a new house, where talk of "fear" becomes ubiquitous. Our friend Omar arrives in a bustling city, carrying a family secret that weighs heavily on his heart, a house rumored to be haunted, and a promise from his father that is now in jeopardy. Here begins the real test: What will he say? And to whom will he open his heart?
Learn about the events of the story
Imagine a small scene that sums up all the tension: Omar meets his friend Ali under a metal canopy covered with jasmine and bougainvillea, and they argue: Should they communicate by throwing pebbles? Or should they find a “special way” to keep the secret? Details like these make the fear tangible, and show how a child thinks when torn between silence and speech.
What does the story add for children?
It helps the child name feelings of hesitation and fear, and then choose a safe step to express them.
It supports building confidence in speaking when needed, and provides practical meaning to emotional intelligence.
Whose story is this? And how is it used?
Suitable as a school gift or family and household distributions for the age group over 8 years old - with an intermediate or advanced reading level, and in accordance with the standards of the requirements of the Arab Reading Challenge. We also suggest it in children’s and youth reading clubs because it contains interactive questions about courage and facing reality without preaching.
Ideas for discussion during and after reading
What secret is permissible to keep? And when does talking about it become protection rather than betrayal?
A brief overview of the author and publisher
Written by: Dr. Iman Al-Khatib. Illustrated by: Ali Al-Zaini. Published by: Arab Scientific Publishers.
If you want a suspenseful story that sparks conversation rather than just being thrilling, start with the story of the haunted house.
About the author:
Eman Al-Khatib is a Saudi writer of children's and young adult stories, a former professor at King Saud University, and has published more than 30 stories. She tends to write texts that are accessible to children, with an interactive style that encourages reading at home and in the classroom.
See more of Dr. Iman Al-Khatib's works available at Dar Al-Huda Bookstore:
- Aisha's Story Series - 5 Books for Girls
- Train journey