The Agathas
#1 of 2 in The Agathas Series
on Goodreads (22,534)
What’s inside...
Last summer, Alice Ogilvie's boyfriend Steve dumped her and she disappeared for five days, creating a mystery in Castle Cove. Now, Steve's other girlfriend, Brooke Donovan, has vanished too. Alice teams up with her tutor, Iris Adams, to solve the mystery and potentially earn a reward from Brooke's grandmother. Despite the police suspecting Steve, Alice believes Agatha Christie's works may hold clues. As Alice and Iris investigate, they uncover deep secrets and face dangers in Castle Cove.
Discussion points
What did you think about the teamwork between the characters in solving the mystery? How does working together help them succeed?
How do the characters change throughout the story? What events lead to these changes?
What lessons did the characters learn about trust and friendship? Can you share a personal experience that relates to this?
What role does curiosity play in the story? Do you think being curious is important? Why or why not?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, relating the story to their own experiences. Use the discussion to explore the themes of teamwork, trust, and curiosity further. Emphasize the value of diverse perspectives by highlighting how each character’s unique traits contribute to solving the mystery. Lastly, reinforce the importance of reading as a tool for understanding complex situations and emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Agathas' must collaborate to solve mysteries, demonstrating that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with peers on projects or in group activities, learning to value each person's contribution.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The plot involves piecing together clues and making logical deductions, which showcases the value of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can use critical thinking skills in their studies to analyze information and solve problems more effectively.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As the characters interact, they learn more about each other's lives and viewpoints, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of considering others' feelings and perspectives in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: The young sleuths face various obstacles but continue to pursue the truth, illustrating the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to not give up easily on their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: The protagonists' quest for answers encourages a curiosity-driven approach to learning and discovery.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to ask questions and seek knowledge actively, both in school and in life.