The Detective's Guide to Paris
#1 in Detective'S Guide Series
What’s inside...
It's springtime in Paris, and crime is in the air. Pepper Stark and her friends came to Paris for the glamour, the gâteaux, and the good times. However, mystery follows the young detectives wherever they go. When an American tourist and a priceless Russian treasure both disappear from their hotel, Pepper is convinced the mysteries are connected and is determined to solve both. But she faces competition from former thief-turned-amateur-detective Georges Rème. As her friends are more interested in croissants than crime, Pepper is set to do anything to beat Rème and prove herself as a proper sleuth. In the unusual hotel where everyone has secrets, Pepper must decide who she can trust to lead her to the answers, and she must determine how far she is willing to go to get them. The vibrant 1920s Paris setting comes to life in this captivating return to the world and characters of Nicki Greenberg's The Detective's Guide mysteries.
Discussion points
What do you think makes a good detective?
How do the descriptions of Paris add to the mystery in the story?
If you were in the detective's shoes, how would you solve the case?
What are the most important clues in the story, and why?
How do the characters in the book show teamwork or trust?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being in Paris by describing how they would feel and what they would see around.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to engage their critical thinking.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make and ask your child what they would do in similar situations to explore ethical dilemmas.
Relate the teamwork in the story to real-life situations like working on a school project to make the discussion relevant.
After finishing the book, have your child summarize the story in their own words, enhancing comprehension and recall.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Detective's Guide to Paris' navigates through various clues and puzzles throughout Paris to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in real life by tackling challenges in schoolwork or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The setting of Paris introduces children to a rich tapestry of French culture, landmarks, and history.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and respect diverse cultures and perhaps spark interest in learning new languages or experiencing different parts of the world.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: As the young detective collects subtle clues, readers learn the importance of paying close attention to detail.
Real-World Application: This skill helps in improving academic performance and also teaches children the importance of being observant and meticulous in everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: The value of Persistence
Explanation: The detective’s commitment to solving the case, despite challenges, underscores the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in understanding that perseverance is key to achieving goals, no matter the obstacles they might face.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, collaboration with others plays a crucial role in uncovering the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together with others can lead to success, highlighting the importance of teamwork in school projects and family activities.