Joan Lowery Nixon: Masterful Mystery Writer (Authors Teens Love)
#3 in Authors teens love Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Traces the life and career of juvenile mystery writer Joan Lowery Nixon.
Character compass
Joan Lowery Nixon
Discussion points
What aspects of Nixon’s writing style make her mysteries compelling? Can you think of any techniques she uses to build suspense?
How do the characters in Nixon's books grow or change throughout the story? What challenges do they face and overcome?
Nixon often includes unexpected twists in her plots. Were there any moments that surprised you? How do they affect the story’s outcome?
How does Nixon address themes like justice and truth in her mysteries? Can you relate these themes to real-life situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the storyline by asking them to predict future events or the resolution of the mystery.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions that the characters face, relating them to personal experiences or current events to make them more relevant.
Highlight the process of how the mystery is solved and discuss the importance of observation, evidence, and logical reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Through Nixon's complex mystery plots, readers learn to piece together clues and think logically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills to solve problems at school or in social situations by analyzing information before making decisions.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Nixon’s characters often face challenges but persist until they solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether in completing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Nixon’s stories show how actions lead to outcomes, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the potential consequences of their actions in their daily interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Characters in Nixon’s books often have diverse backgrounds and motivations, which helps in understanding various viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more empathetic and considerate in their interactions with friends and classmates from different backgrounds.