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READING GUIDE

The Haunted Car (Classic Goosebumps #30)

by R. L. Stine · A Car That Drives Itself

About the book

Mitchell Moinian has just moved to a new town, and he feels lonely and out of place. When he finds an old, dusty vintage car at a yard sale, it seems like the perfect way to make his new life more exciting. But this car has a mind of its own, and Mitchell soon discovers that some things are too good to be true.

Why kids love it

This spooky story from R. L. Stine's Goosebumps series is a fast-paced read that will keep children on the edge of their seats. It explores themes of loneliness, curiosity, and the consequences of getting what you wish for. Readers will learn to think critically about appearances and to be careful about what they trust.

Step into the world of The Haunted Car (Classic Goosebumps #30)

The Old Garage

A dim, dusty garage with oil stains on the concrete floor and cobwebs in the corners. In the middle sits an old vintage car, its engine silent but somehow watchful.

The Yard Sale

A cluttered front lawn covered with folding tables and cardboard boxes. Neighbors browse through old toys and appliances, and a big sign says 'Everything Must Go!'

The Driveway

A cracked asphalt driveway leading to the street, lined with overgrown weeds. At night, the shadows seem to move around the parked car.

Sample questions

Here is the kind of thinking The Haunted Car (Classic Goosebumps #30) asks for — drawn from the actual quiz:

  1. What is the name of the main character who gets the haunted car?

    Mitchell Moinian is the kid who finds the mysterious car in this story.

  2. Mitchell's family has just moved to a new town.

    Moving to a new place is part of what makes Mitchell feel lonely and curious about the creepy car.

  3. How does Mitchell get the car?

    Mitchell spots the old car at a yard sale and can't resist it.

Words to know

vintage
Something old and valuable, like a classic car.
haunted
Visited by a ghost or spirit.
mechanic
A person who fixes cars and other machines.
suspicious
Feeling like something is wrong or not trustworthy.
junkyard
A place where old, broken things are kept or sold.
engine
The part of a car that makes it move.
curiosity
A strong desire to know or learn something.

Talk about it

  1. Mitchell feels lonely after moving to a new town. How do you think that feeling might have influenced his decision to buy the car?

  2. The car seems to start and drive on its own. What would you do if you found something that seemed to have a mind of its own?

  3. Mitchell's parents are not happy about the car. Why do you think they reacted that way?

  4. What does the story suggest about the saying 'be careful what you wish for'?

  5. Mitchell discovers that the car belonged to someone who died. How does this change the way you think about the car?

  6. How does Mitchell's friend help him deal with the car? What does this show about friendship?

Play the full quiz

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