Queen of Disguises (Dinah Galloway, 5)
#6 in Dinah Galloway Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
Amateur detective and singing sensation Dinah Galloway has enough on her plate without having to worry about being pursued by a vengeful stalker. The red-headed twelve-year-old is in the running to sing in commercials promoting beautiful British Columbia. To clinch the job, Dinah has to get fit at a wellness retreat on Salt Spring Island. Veggies? Exercise? Yech! Grudgingly, though, Dinah admits that her lifestyle could be a little healthier. Off to Salt Spring she goes, along with the two other finalists: one friendly, the other the last word in sulky. Her friends Talbot and Pantelli make their usual disruptive appearances, along with Dinah's ever-anxious mother and cool, elegant sister Madge. Hoping to shed not only pounds but her crazed pursuer, Dinah learns the true meaning of personal best—it truly is how you play the game, not whether you win or lose. Melanie Jackson has written five previous Dinah Galloway mysteries which have been heralded by 'Resource Links' as 'A great hit for mystery buffs everywhere. Excellent.' Melanie lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is working on another Dinah Galloway mystery.
Character compass
Dinah Galloway
Discussion points
What do you think Dinah feels when she takes on different disguises?
How do the disguises help Dinah solve the mysteries?
Can you think of a time when you pretended to be someone else? How did it make you feel?
Why is teamwork important in solving problems, based on Dinah’s experiences?
What did you learn about trust and friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Dinah, enhancing empathy and understanding. Discuss the importance of honesty and teamwork, and how these values play out in everyday life. Use the book as a tool to discuss the consequences of actions and the value of thinking about others' feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dinah Galloway, as the 'Queen of Disguises,' learns that disguises and secrets can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings among friends and family. Her journey emphasizes the value of being truthful and open.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: The value of courage
Explanation: Dinah often finds herself in challenging situations where she must stand up for what is right, despite her fears. Her bravery in confronting wrongdoings and defending others serves as a powerful example.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges boldly, whether it's standing up to a bully, trying something new, or defending a friend.
Example Lesson: The significance of teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how Dinah and her friends work together to solve mysteries and overcome obstacles, showcasing that teamwork can achieve more than individual efforts.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value collaborative efforts in group studies, sports, and other team activities, understanding that cooperation can lead to greater success and enjoyment.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diverse talents
Explanation: Each character in the book has unique skills and talents that contribute to the group's successes, promoting an appreciation for diverse abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own and others' unique talents and understand that everyone has something valuable to offer, fostering an inclusive attitude.