Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer
#1 of 2 in Eleanor Jones Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,584)
What’s inside...
Eleanor Jones has just started at her ninth high school in less than five years. Since she and her mum are always moving on, Eleanor likes to stay on the outer, to stay invisible. So maybe it’s just bad luck that the very first person she talks to at Cooinda High is the one person who could uncover her secret.
Discussion points
How did you feel about Eleanor's actions and decisions throughout the story?
What do you think motivates Eleanor to solve the mystery?
How do the other characters in the book react to Eleanor's investigations? Do you think their reactions are justified?
If you were in Eleanor's shoes, what would you have done differently?
What does this story teach us about understanding and empathy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would handle similar situations as Eleanor. Discuss the importance of not jumping to conclusions and taking time to gather all facts. Highlight how Eleanor uses her reasoning skills to solve the mystery and ask your child how they use their own reasoning in daily life. Lastly, praise their insights and thoughts to foster a deep love for reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Emotions
Explanation: In 'Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer', Eleanor navigates complex emotions as she faces false accusations, teaching children about emotional awareness and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing their emotions in challenging situations and finding healthy ways to express and manage them.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Truth
Explanation: Throughout the story, Eleanor's relentless pursuit to prove her innocence demonstrates the value of truth and honesty.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of being truthful in real-life situations, whether in school or in relationships, and the long-term benefits of honesty.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Eleanor's interactions with her peers and community members who misunderstand her situation teach readers about empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to put themselves in others’ shoes, understanding different perspectives before making judgments.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: Faced with adversity, Eleanor shows unwavering courage and determination, which are pivotal in overcoming her challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be brave and persistent when facing their own difficulties, promoting resilience and self-confidence.