Downtown Desperadoes (Accidental Detectives Book 8)
#8 of 16 in Accidental Detectives Series
on Goodreads (93)
What’s inside...
When Ricky and his friends and family forego a planned vacation to return to New York City to help an old friend, they become involved in a mystery which includes blackmail, arson, and lost love. A mysterious phone call seems like just a prank until Ricky realizes it was Brother Phillip’s voice pleading for help. But when Ricky discovers that Brother Phillip is thought to have died in a fire, Ricky and his companions travel to New York to help their friend. But what--and who--they discover makes them question everything they thought they knew.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to become accidental detectives?
How did the characters change throughout the story? Did you notice any growth or lessons learned?
If you were in the book, what would you have done differently in a challenge faced by the detectives?
What does teamwork mean in the context of this book? Can you give examples from the story where teamwork was essential?
How do you think the setting of the book influences the story? Would it be different if it was set somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss 'Downtown Desperadoes' with your child, emphasize the importance of observation and problem-solving. Invite them to think about how they would handle certain situations from the book. Ask them to express what they liked or didn’t like about the detectives' decisions. Encourage them to draw parallels between the challenges faced by the characters and real-life situations. Lastly, highlight the value of teamwork and friendship as demonstrated in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'Downtown Desperadoes' work together to solve the mystery, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, useful in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the young detectives must think critically to piece together clues.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply logical thinking to overcome challenges in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: The characters take responsibility for their roles in the detective work, learning accountability for their actions.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to own their actions and decisions, an important aspect of personal development.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The young detectives often face scary situations but learn to overcome their fears to solve the case.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of confronting fears and the growth that comes from it.