#17 in The Hardy Boys Series
Footprints Under the Window
on Goodreads (3,854)
What’s inside...
The Hardy boys, Frank and Joe, were in town when they saw a Chinese man being kidnapped. Being detectives, they immediately started to investigate this crime which led them to Hongkong and San Francisco while dealing with cryptic clues and dangerous criminals.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did in the story?
What would you do if you were in the character's shoes during the main events?
How do the different settings affect the story's outcome?
What are some of the main lessons the characters learn throughout their adventure?
How can we apply those lessons to our everyday life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express what they found most exciting or mysterious about the story.
Discuss the character's decisions and ask your child if they agree or disagree with those actions.
Link the book’s themes to your child's personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to discuss the mood and how visual elements contribute to the storytelling.
Praise your child’s responses to build confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Footprints Under the Window', the Hardy Boys demonstrate the importance of working together to solve mysteries. Their collaborative efforts enable them to piece together clues more effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution for successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonists face various challenges and puzzles that require careful thought and deduction. Their ability to think critically leads them to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems logically and creatively, whether in academic tasks or personal decisions.
Example Lesson: Persistence and resilience
Explanation: The Hardy Boys encounter numerous setbacks during their investigation, but they persist and do not give up, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in overcoming difficulties in their own lives, reinforcing that persistence can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity
Explanation: The characters consistently choose to do what is right, even when faced with easier, unethical alternatives. Their moral choices often protect them and others from harm.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of honesty and ethics, understanding that their actions have consequences and that integrity matters in building trust and respect.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The Hardy Boys' natural curiosity drives them to delve deeper into the mystery, demonstrating how a desire to learn can lead to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about their world, to ask questions, and seek out knowledge, enhancing their educational journey and understanding of the world around them.