#16 in Nancy Drew Series
The Flying Saucer Mystery
on Goodreads (2,272)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew and her friends stumble upon a mysterious old UFO in an abandoned military base while on a camping trip. They are thrust into a thrilling adventure involving coded messages, secret societies and otherworldly technologies.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think Nancy Drew felt when she first saw the flying saucer, and why?
How would you solve the mystery if you were Nancy?
What can we learn from the way Nancy interacts with her friends while solving the mystery?
Why is it important to have courage and curiosity, like Nancy does?
How would you feel if you encountered a mystery like this, and what would you do first?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being in Nancy Drew’s shoes, which can help them analyze her decisions and actions throughout the story.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as depicted in the book, highlighting how Nancy’s friends help her solve the mystery.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios where your child has to solve problems or face unknown situations, connecting themes of the book to their personal experiences.
After asking the open-ended questions, listen attentively to your child's responses, offering gentle guidance or further prompts to deepen the conversation.
End by asking what your child liked best about the book and if there’s anything they would do differently if they were in Nancy’s place, encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Flying Saucer Mystery', Nancy Drew and her friends work together to unravel the mystery of the flying saucer sightings. Their teamwork is essential in solving the puzzle.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, which is a vital skill in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nancy employs critical thinking and logical reasoning to connect clues and solve the mystery. These intellectual pursuits help her piece together the truth about the flying saucers.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and approach problems methodically in their daily challenges, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: Nancy Drew shows bravery and determination as she investigates the mysterious events, despite facing obstacles and setbacks. Her perseverance is key to her success.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persisting through difficulties, whether it's completing a tough homework assignment or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Nancy's inquisitive nature drives her to seek out answers and learn more about the flying saucers. Her curiosity is the catalyst for her discovery and learning throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Instills a love of learning and exploring the unknown, encouraging children to ask questions and seek knowledge in all areas of life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Integrity
Explanation: Nancy takes responsibility for finding the truth and approaches her investigation with a strong sense of integrity, ensuring her actions are just and fair.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of being responsible and maintaining moral integrity in interactions with others, fostering trust and respect.