The Haunted Fort
#44 of 119 in Hardy Boys Series
What’s inside...
The Haunted Fort features two brothers, Joe and Frank Hardy, who go on a frightening adventure as they explore a supposedly haunted fort. A long-distance telephone call from Chet Morton’s uncle summons Frank and Joe Hardy and their staunch pal Chet to a summer art school, located near old Fort Senandaga which is reputed to be inhabited by a ghost. The young detectives’ assignment: recover two famous oil paintings stolen from the valuable Prisoner-Painter collection owned by Jefferson Davenport. Mr. Davenport reveals that one of the famous pictures contains a clue to the hiding place of a priceless gold chain. Vicious threats and deadly traps beset Frank, Joe, and Chet as they search for clues to the stolen paintings and the gold treasure – a search that is complicated by the stormy feud between an Englishman and a Frenchman over the military history of the ancient fort.
Character compass
Frank Hardy
Joe Hardy
Chet Morton
Ezer Minkley
Iola Morton
Jason Davenport
Jefferson Davenport
Discussion points
What do you think made the fort haunted, and how would you feel if you were there?
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did to the strange events?
How do you think the mystery could have been solved differently?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and friendship from the adventures in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story's suspenseful moments to life, making the discussion more immersive.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to the mystery, fostering creative thinking.
Discuss the characters' motives and actions, and relate them to real-life situations to enhance understanding of the story's themes.
Share your own thoughts and feelings about the story’s events to model thoughtful reflection and encourage your child to express themselves openly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Haunted Fort', the Hardy Boys must work together and rely on each other’s strengths to solve the mystery surrounding the fort.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others and leveraging individual strengths to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges and puzzles that require logical reasoning and sharp thinking to resolve.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and apply logical reasoning to their daily challenges and academic tasks.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonists face their fears when confronting the unknown mysteries of the haunted fort, demonstrating courage.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to face their own fears and step out of their comfort zones, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: The Value of Curiosity
Explanation: The Hardy Boys' natural curiosity drives them to investigate and delve deeper into the mystery, showcasing how curiosity can lead to meaningful discoveries.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to be curious and explore the world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Integrity and Honesty
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the Hardy Boys remain truthful and committed to doing what's right, even when faced with obstacles.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of honesty and maintaining moral integrity in all aspects of life.