The Five and the Strange Legacy (Famous Five)
#16 in The Famous Five Series
on Goodreads (161)
What’s inside...
On the train to Kirren, the Five meet a young Canadian, Peter Darcy, who has come to England to claim his grandfather's legacy. All he has is a letter with secret clues to the hiding place of a fortune in gold and jewels. The Five agree to help him, but are faced with the challenge of solving the clues to find the hidden treasure.
Character compass
Julian Kirrin
Anne Kirrin
Georgina 'George' Kirrin
Timmy
Dick Kirrin
Discussion points
What do you think is the most important trait a friend should have, based on the adventures of the Famous Five?
How would you solve a mystery if you were part of the Famous Five team?
What lessons did the characters learn about teamwork and trust during their adventure?
How do the different settings in the book affect the story and the characters' actions?
If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the book’s scenarios, asking them how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral lessons found in the book, relating them to real-life experiences and decisions your child may face.
Identify and talk about each character's strengths and weaknesses, encouraging empathy and understanding towards diverse behaviors and choices.
Use creative prompts such as drawing a favorite scene or writing a short story about an alternate ending to stimulate deeper engagement with the text.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to boost their confidence and interest in analyzing stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'The Five and the Strange Legacy' work together to solve mysteries, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and leveraging individual strengths for a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these teamwork skills in group projects at school or in sports, learning to listen, contribute, and value different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the group faces various challenges that require critical thinking and decision-making, showcasing effective problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to apply logical reasoning to overcome obstacles in their daily tasks and homework, enhancing their analytical skills.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The young protagonists often find themselves in risky situations but face their fears to achieve their objectives, teaching readers the value of courage in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their personal fears and stand up for what is right, whether it's speaking out against bullying or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others
Explanation: The narrative promotes understanding and respecting differences among the characters, regardless of their backgrounds or opinions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity and practice empathy and respect in their interactions with friends and classmates.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As the characters take on the challenge of solving the mystery, they demonstrate responsible behavior by being dependable and making thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, like completing assignments on time and taking care of their belongings.