#13 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Mallory and the Mystery Diary
on Goodreads (2,096)
What’s inside...
Mallory discovers a diary of a young girl her age written in the 1940s. As she reads, she becomes fascinated with the girl's life and is determined to find out her identity. Along the way, she learns about history, friendship, and the importance of keeping a diary.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think Mallory learned about herself from her adventure with the mystery diary?
How did the characters in the story show teamwork? Can you think of a time when you worked together with your friends?
What would you have done if you found a diary like Mallory? Why?
How do you think the owner of the diary felt when they lost it? Have you ever lost something important?
If you could write a diary entry about your day today, what would you write about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by asking open-ended questions that foster deeper understanding and connection to the story.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s daily experiences, such as teamwork or dealing with loss, to make the conversation more relevant and impactful.
Invite your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the book to cultivate creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the emotions of the characters and relate them to real-life situations your child may encounter, helping them develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Mallory discovers a diary and is faced with the moral dilemma of respecting privacy versus her curiosity. Her decision to respect the diary owner’s privacy highlights the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of honesty in their interactions and the importance of respecting others’ belongings and privacy.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mallory encounters various problems that require creative solutions, which she manages to solve by thinking critically and asking for help when needed.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach challenges with a critical mindset and understand the importance of seeking assistance.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The diary Mallory finds provides insights into the past, prompting her and her friends to explore historical contexts. This subplot promotes an understanding and appreciation for history.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore history and learn from past events, fostering a curiosity about different times and cultures.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Mallory reads the diary, she develops empathy for the diary's author, understanding her emotions and struggles, which fosters a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This book helps children understand and share the feelings of others, which is crucial in developing interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: In her quest to solve the mystery, Mallory remains determined and persistent, which ultimately leads to the resolution of the story.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of perseverance when faced with difficult tasks or situations.