Closed for the Season

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What elements commonly contribute to a story’s sense of atmosphere (or mood)? What genres rely strongly on this literary quality?

Teaching Suggestion: Logan, the novel’s protagonist, is intrigued by the news of an unsolved crime when he learns that his new home’s former owner was murdered; this establishes an aura of secrets and mystery early in the novel. The small town and a nearby abandoned amusement park contribute further to the ominous atmosphere. It may be beneficial to introduce or review atmosphere as a literary trait before reading; once readers attempt the prompt independently, they might work in small groups to brainstorm and list 5-6 examples of other stories or films with a perilous, haunting atmosphere. The larger group might then discuss other genre elements common to mysteries, thrillers, or horror. Information from these or similar resources can help students develop additional context on the topic.

• This resource page on atmosphere offers descriptions and examples.
• For students interested in creative writing, this Masterclass article offers suggestions for elevating atmosphere (also called mood) in original stories.

Short Activity

What are some of the pros and cons of relocating to a new place? Take 1 minute to brainstorm as many potential benefits as you can. Then take the same time to list possible negative aspects of relocating.

Teaching Suggestion: Logan moves to a new town in a run-down house next to a bothersome neighbor . Logan hopes to be popular in his new town but worries that the house and neighbor will keep him from fitting in with peers. One way students might begin this activity is to write a pros and cons list using a t-chart to describe what it might feel like to move to a new town. When the first part of the list is complete, consider using the bulleted questions to analyze how the student might feel if they are given the added obstacles Logan encounters in his new home. Students can refer to and reflect upon these lists as they read the novel.

• Would your feelings about your new house change if it was neglected and in need of renovation?
• What if the new place came with a mystery to solve?
• How might an intrusive new neighbor complicate your relocating experience?

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Think about closed or abandoned places—in images you have seen or actual locations you have observed (for example, old buildings, empty residences, overgrown lots, former shops, or abandoned malls or parks). What kind of feelings did these places evoke in you?

Teaching Suggestion: An abandoned theme park sits on the outskirts of Logan’s new town. This setting creates tension as Logan and his neighbor, Arthur, try to solve the murder that occurred in Logan’s house. Encourage writers to use sensory detail in describing their feelings when experiencing the sight of abandoned places.

• This Reader’s Digest article offers images of abandoned amusement parks.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who would benefit from an additional challenge may find it helpful to research the importance of setting to the mystery/thriller genre. Students might create an infographic that details how authors build tension in these genres through setting.