A Figure in Hiding
#16 of 119 in Hardy Boys Series
on Goodreads (2,229)
What’s inside...
In the sixteenth installment of the Hardy Boys series, Frank and Joe Hardy encounter a dangerous criminal who breaks jail and vanishes. The search for the missing man leads them into a series of baffling mysteries involving a stolen truck, a fugitive, and an uncharted island. In another case, a blind peddler's warning and a weird glass eye lead the Hardy Boys into a baffling investigation at a walled estate guarded by savage dogs, where a wealthy businessman is hiding in fear for his life. They find themselves trapped in a sinister house of mystery in a suspense-filled climax.
Character compass
Frank Hardy
Joe Hardy
Fenton Hardy
Dr. Grafton
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
How do you think teamwork helped the characters in their adventure?
What did you learn about trust and friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the story and discuss what might have changed with different choices.
Discuss the importance of observation and attention to detail, just like detectives in the story.
Share your own thoughts about the story and its characters to foster a two-way dialogue.
Use real-life examples to relate the themes of the book, such as teamwork and trust, to your child’s daily experiences.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book and describe why it stood out to them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'A Figure in Hiding', the Hardy Boys work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others, whether it be during group projects at school or while playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Explanation: The protagonists tackle various challenges and puzzles throughout their adventure, showcasing their ability to think critically and strategically.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems thoughtfully and find innovative solutions in their daily activities and academic tasks.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Facing danger and unknown circumstances, the characters in the book often have to be brave and make bold decisions.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to face their fears and stand up for what is right, whether it’s in standing up to a bully or trying something outside of their comfort zone.
Example Lesson: Honesty and Integrity
Explanation: The Hardy Boys consistently demonstrate honesty and integrity throughout their investigation, even when it proves difficult.
Real-World Application: It reinforces the principle of being truthful and maintaining moral principles in all aspects of life, from being honest about small mistakes to maintaining integrity under peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the Hardy Boys persist in their quest to solve the mystery, showcasing resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it’s completing a difficult school assignment or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.