#30 in Nancy Drew Series
The Clue in the Crumbling Wall
on Goodreads (6,958)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew solves a mystery involving a castle rumored to be haunted, which she discovers is owned by a woman who seems to have disappeared.
Discussion points
What do you think Nancy's main motivation was in solving the mystery of the crumbling wall?
How do the characters in the story show teamwork and collaboration? Can you think of a time when you worked together with friends to solve a problem?
What clues were most pivotal in Nancy's discovery, and how did they lead to solving the mystery?
How did Nancy handle the challenges and setbacks she faced during her investigation?
What lessons can we learn about perseverance and curiosity from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about Nancy’s character traits. Discuss how these traits helped her solve the mystery.
Ask your child to relate the teamwork in the story to their own life, discussing any similar experiences they've had working in a group setting.
Discuss the importance of paying attention to detail, using examples from the book where small clues made a big difference.
Talk about overcoming challenges and how Nancy’s actions in the book can inspire us in real-life situations.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they would have done differently if they were in Nancy's shoes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nancy Drew demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills as she investigates the mystery of the crumbling wall. Her methodical approach to gathering clues and solving puzzles highlights the importance of logical reasoning.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in their daily lives by learning to assess situations logically and make informed decisions, whether it's working through a difficult math problem or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: Nancy faces various challenges and obstacles in her quest, but her determination never wavers. Her resilience in overcoming these hurdles serves as a potent example of staying the course despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of persisting through difficult times. It teaches them to stay committed to their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, even when they face setbacks.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the investigation, Nancy often relies on her friends Bess and George for support and assistance. This collaboration is key in solving the mystery, demonstrating the strength that lies in teamwork.
Real-World Application: In real life, this encourages children to appreciate the benefits of working with others. This can be applied in group projects at school, in team sports, or in family activities, promoting effective communication and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Nancy is consistently faced with making decisions that test her ethics and integrity. Her choices often reflect a strong moral compass, emphasizing the importance of doing the right thing.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of making ethical choices and considering the consequences of their actions. This can guide them in situations where they must choose between right and wrong, and help them develop a strong sense of personal values.