There's Someone Inside Your House

 A. Bibliographic Data

Perkins, Stephanie. 2017. There’s Someone Inside Your House. Dutton Books for Young Readers.  ISBN: 9788424662646

B. Summary

It’s been almost a year since Makani Young came to live with her grandmother and she’s still adjusting to her new life in rural Nebraska. Then, one by one, students at her high school begin to die in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair.

As the body count rises and the terror grows closer, can Makani survive the killer’s twisted plan?

C. Critical Analysis

In a small town, a series of gruesome murders start to happen ending with dead students with smiley faces carved into them. Makani and her friends begin to work on figuring out the pattern and who the killer could be. She is also enjoying her blooming relationship with loner Ollie. One day, she and Ollie are attacked, and they can identify the killer. The town is now trying to catch the killer and the whole town is fearful of being next.

I enjoyed how each character is unique and the depth. The book is full of suspense and action which makes this book one you don’t want to put down. This book has a lot of deep topics from alienation, trauma, loss, grief, hazing, gossip, inner changing, and much more.  I read this book in one sitting. The plot of the story is carried out throughout the entire book, which allows you to stay engaged. I recommend this book to all; especially those who love good horror/suspense reads.

D.  Book Reviews

“A heart-pounding page-turner with an outstanding cast of characters, a deliciously creepy setting, and a merciless body count.” –Courtney Summers, New York Times bestselling author of Sadie and The Project

A New York Times bestseller

E. Connections

I think you would have to think about your students first before teaching this book as a whole class. It would be great for independent reading and/or literature groups for students who love horror.

- Depending on the level of students they can work on the beginning, middle, end, and problem/solution of the book. You can modify this lesson by going more into the rising action and climax of the plot.

- Create your cast. Pick 5 characters who you think should play them and why. See if your theory matches the Netflix film or discuss do you agree with the movie's choices of actors.

- Make a list of clues/foreshadowing you noticed while reading.

- What types of groups do you observe at our school? Are they similar to Makani’s school or different? (Great discussion)

- Discussion: How does Perkins create suspense in her novel? How can you add something similar to your own writing?