Jigsaw
#4 of 7 in Spy Girl Series
on Goodreads (39)
What’s inside...
Annie has always felt like an outsider in her English school due to her Norwegian background and 'funny accent'. When her classmate Grant commits suicide, she feels compelled to uncover the reasons behind his despair. Through her investigation, she discovers shocking similarities between herself and Grant. Concurrently, Annie's work experience at an old people's home leads her to meet a shell-shocked soldier from the First World War. The soldier's story intertwines with Grant's, helping Annie piece together her own personal puzzle.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when the puzzle was completed? What clues in the story helped you understand their feelings?
What challenges did the characters face while trying to complete the jigsaw puzzle? How did they work together to solve them?
Can you think of a time when you worked on a difficult task with others? How does it compare to the experiences of the characters in the book?
Why do you think the author chose a jigsaw puzzle as an important part of the story? What does the puzzle represent?
If you could add another piece to the story's jigsaw puzzle, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, affirming their responses to build confidence.
Draw parallels between the challenges faced by the characters and similar experiences your child might have had, fostering a deeper connection to the themes.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them, promoting critical thinking and personal expression.
Use a real jigsaw puzzle as a visual aid during your discussion to make the conversation more interactive and tangible.
Summarize key points of the book together after reading, to reinforce understanding and retention of the story’s messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Jigsaw', the characters must collaborate to solve a mystery, highlighting how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in group activities at school or sports, understanding that cooperation can achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse set of characters, each bringing unique perspectives that help solve the puzzle. This illustrates the strength found in differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate and respect others' differences in their classrooms and playgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in problem-solving
Explanation: The young protagonists face challenges but persistently use their intellect and resources to overcome them, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist through difficulties in their academic or personal challenges, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Curiosity drives the characters to question and explore, leading to the mystery's resolution. It emphasizes how curiosity can lead to new knowledge and solutions.
Real-World Application: Encouraging kids to be inquisitive about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for learning and discovery.