The Case of the Haunted Haunted House (Book 3) (The Milo & Jazz Mysteries)
#3 of 12 in The Milo & Jazz Mysteries Series
What’s inside...
The Milo & Jazz Mysteries series features two kid detectives-in-training, Milo and Jazz, who use STEM problem-solving skills to solve cases. In this book, they investigate their class' 'haunted house' which might actually be haunted. The series is designed for beginning readers transitioning to chapter books and includes Super Sleuthing activities like hidden pictures, puzzles, mini-mysteries, quizzes, and free online activities. It’s ideal for fans of Encyclopedia Brown, Cam Jansen, and Nate the Great.
Character compass
Milo
Jazz
Detective Dash Marlowe
Discussion points
What do you think makes a house haunted, and why do you think Milo and Jazz were interested in solving this mystery?
How did Milo and Jazz work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you worked with a friend to solve a problem?
What were some of the clues that Milo and Jazz found that helped them solve the case? How did they figure out what each clue meant?
How did you feel when the mystery was solved? Were you surprised by the solution?
If you were a detective like Milo and Jazz, what kind of mystery would you like to solve?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective while reading. Ask them to guess what might happen next or what the clues might mean before the mystery is solved.
Discuss the teamwork between Milo and Jazz. Highlight how each character’s strengths contribute to solving the mystery and relate it to the importance of teamwork in real life.
After finishing the book, ask your child to recount the story from the perspective of a different character, like the 'haunted' house owner. This can help deepen their understanding of the story’s events and different viewpoints.
Use the book’s setting and plot as a creative prompt. Have your child draw their ideal 'haunted' house or write a short story about a new adventure for Milo and Jazz.
Promote empathy by discussing the characters' different emotions throughout the book. Ask how your child would feel in similar situations and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Milo and Jazz, the young detectives, showcase persistent problem-solving as they navigate clues and red herrings to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and persistently when faced with challenges or puzzles in school or at play.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the duo collaborate effectively, pooling their skills and knowledge to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of working together and valuing different perspectives, which is essential for group projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: Milo and Jazz’s curiosity drives them to ask questions and delve deeper into the mystery, demonstrating how inquisitive behavior leads to discovery.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain curious and enthusiastic about learning, encouraging them to explore new subjects and ask questions in educational settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters encounter various setbacks in their investigation, but their determination does not waiver.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of resilience and persistence even when they encounter obstacles or when first attempts at solving a problem do not succeed.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Milo and Jazz analyze the information they gather to differentiate between useful clues and distractions.
Real-World Application: Bolsters analytical skills in children, teaching them to evaluate information critically, a skill useful in academics and everyday decision making.