Girl's Best Friend (A Maggie Brooklyn Mystery)
#1 of 3 in Maggie Brooklyn Mystery Series
on Goodreads (1,235)
What’s inside...
Thirteen-year-old Maggie Brooklyn Sinclair's dog walking business takes an unexpected turn when a series of mysteries, including the disappearance of her best friend's dog, leads her on a dangerous path. Nancy Drew fans will fall for the first title in Leslie Margolis's pitch-perfect middle-grade series, The Maggie Brooklyn Mysteries. Dogs are disappearing in her neighborhood, and Maggie Brooklyn Sinclair knows all about it. After all, she has a semi-secret after-school gig as a professional (ok, amateur) dog-walker. Maggie hates to see a pup in trouble, so she's even willing to help her ex-best friend Ivy recover her rescue-dog, Kermit. Kermit's being held for ransom, and Maggie has noticed some suspicious behavior lately. But she never suspected her crush Milo could be involved.
Character compass
Maggie Brooklyn Sinclair
Lucy
Milo
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were in Maggie's shoes and had to solve a mystery?
What do you think makes a good friend? How do the characters in the story show their friendship?
Do you think lying is ever justified? Discuss what happens in the book when characters keep secrets or tell lies.
What did you learn about responsibility and taking care of pets from the story?
If you could ask Maggie one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the story. For instance, ask if they’ve ever solved a small mystery themselves or helped a friend in need.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book. This could lead to a deeper understanding of right and wrong.
Invite your child to imagine alternative endings to the book. This can enhance their creative thinking and engagement with the storyline.
Focus on the theme of friendship in the book. Ask your child about their friendships and what qualities they think are important in a friend.
Prompt your child to talk about their favorite character and why they liked them. This helps in understanding character traits and development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Maggie demonstrates responsibility through her dog-walking business and her commitment to solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being responsible in their duties and commitments, whether it’s taking care of a pet, completing homework, or helping around the house.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Maggie interacts with different characters and understands their issues, she shows deep empathy and consideration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more understanding and thoughtful towards people's feelings and situations, enhancing their social interactions and relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses critical thinking and deductive reasoning to solve the mystery, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach problems methodically and think critically in academic and social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: Maggie remains honest and truthful throughout her investigative process, even when faced with challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of maintaining integrity and honesty, even in difficult situations, fostering a sense of trustworthiness.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite obstacles, Maggie remains determined to uncover the truth, exemplifying perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting in their goals and efforts, regardless of difficulties, enhancing their resilience and determination.