[mccolin]

Book series targeted at young readers benefit from this composition. My 8yo son follows a few series and he laughs about it when "the formula" reveals itself, but still enjoys the stories. You have to remember a novel – even a short one like a Goosebumps book – is a lot to keep in context as you're starting out reading. The predictable ebbs and flows of a series book help readers focus on the language and the things that are unique about each issue and mystery.

When we together read longer books that can't be consumed as quickly – like a Harry Potter novel – he has to work with me to remind himself about the callbacks and references to follow along with the increased nuance.

I loved the Goosebumps books as a kid and they will always hold a special place in my heart. It's a shame the basic structure makes it hard to enjoy them as much on a reread as an adult, but that was never the point.