The Crooked Banister
#48 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (5,007)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew and her friends are tasked with solving mysteries in two separate adventures. In the first, they must decipher a mysterious code on a crooked banister in a ruined mansion to find a vanished fortune. In the second, they explore a zigzag house with bizarre features and a dangerous robot, working to find the missing owner who is wanted by the police. With keen logic and quick thinking, Nancy and her friends solve the mysteries, capture a swindler, and uncover secrets, all while facing hair-raising adventures.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
George Fayne
Bess Marvin
Bartescue
Discussion points
What do you think Nancy felt when she discovered the mystery behind the crooked banister?
Why is it important to keep investigating even when things seem confusing or challenging?
How did Nancy’s friendships help her solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you solve a problem?
What would you have done differently if you were in Nancy's shoes?
How do you think courage and curiosity helped Nancy throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think deeply about the characters and plot.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing similar challenges they've faced and how they overcame them.
Praise your child’s responses to foster confidence and enhance their engagement.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and friendship as depicted in the story to teach valuable life lessons.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next or suggest alternative endings to enhance their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout 'The Crooked Banister', the protagonist Nancy Drew demonstrates excellent problem-solving abilities as she unravels the mystery surrounding the peculiar banister.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach puzzles and challenges in their own lives with a calm and analytical mindset, encouraging them to think critically and creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Nancy shows bravery as she encounters and overcomes various obstacles and dangers, maintaining her determination to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This instills the value of courage in children, teaching them to remain resolute and brave even when facing difficult situations, promoting resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Nancy often relies on her friends Bess and George for support and assistance, highlighting the power of collaboration and teamwork in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value cooperative work and to seek help from peers or adults, fostering a sense of community and shared success.
Example Lesson: Attention to detail
Explanation: Key clues in the book are often subtle and require attention to detail, a skill Nancy masters and uses to her advantage.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of observing and paying attention to small details around them, which can be crucial in academic and everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Despite facing numerous setbacks, Nancy's persistent efforts lead her to solve the mystery, emphasizing that perseverance is key to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying and not give up in the face of difficulties, promoting a growth mindset and tenacity.