Almost Perfect Crimes: Mini-Mysteries For You To Solve
What’s inside...
After each of the puzzle stories collected here, there are five pieces of evidence, including things like witness testimony, autopsy and crime scene reports, and car and house searches that readers can investigate to help solve the mysteries. Study evidence, look for clues, and use your powers of deduction to solve more than a dozen dastardly crimes. Following each short story puzzle are five additional pieces of evidence such as background checks and personal effects that you can investigate by turning to different pages of the book. Examine them all, or just a few, in order to come to a conclusion.
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mysteries?
How did the characters use clues to come to a conclusion?
Which mystery was your favorite and why?
If you were in the book, what role would you choose to play and why?
How do you think teamwork helped in solving the mysteries?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective, asking them to predict the outcome of a mystery before it is revealed.
Discuss the importance of attention to detail and how small clues can solve big mysteries.
After reading a mystery, ask your child to summarize it in their own words to enhance comprehension and recall.
Create a fun 'mystery-solving' game based on the book’s theme that you can play together after reading.
Praise their reasoning and problem-solving skills throughout the discussion to boost their confidence and critical thinking abilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: As children attempt to solve the mini-mysteries in 'Almost Perfect Crimes,' they must consider all the facts presented and analyze different scenarios.
Real-World Application: This skill is useful in problem-solving tasks at school where they need to evaluate various solutions before choosing the best one.
Example Lesson: Attention to detail
Explanation: The mysteries are crafted in a way that key details are often hidden within the narrative, encouraging readers to pay close attention.
Real-World Application: Paying attention to small details can help children follow instructions accurately and complete tasks efficiently, both academically and in everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Many stories in the book feature characters who face consequences for dishonest behaviors, highlighting the value of truthfulness.
Real-World Application: Understanding the consequences of dishonesty can encourage children to be truthful in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Solving each mystery requires perseverance, as not all puzzles are immediately solvable upon first reading.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of persistence in overcoming difficulties, whether in academic challenges or personal goals.