The House on the Cliff
#2 of 119 in Hardy Boys Series
on Goodreads (11,244)
What’s inside...
This book is the second volume in the original Hardy Boys series. Teenage detectives Frank and Joe Hardy are tasked by their father, Fenton Hardy, to assist with his latest case involving the illegal drug trade. Sent to a suspicious house located on a cliff with a strategic view, they are tricked into entering the house and briefly trapped in the attic. From there, they witness a dramatic sea chase that ends with a boat explosion. They manage to rescue a man named Mr. Jones, who they suspect is using an alias. The mystery deepens when both Fenton Hardy and Mr. Jones go missing, pushing the Hardy Boys to further investigate the smugglers and try to find their father and Mr. Jones. Another top notch mystery for the Hardy Boys to solve.
Character compass
Frank Hardy
Chet Morton
Joe Hardy
Tony Prito
Biff Hooper
Fenton Hardy
Iola Morton
Callie Shaw
Laura Hardy
Phil Cohen
Ezra Collig
Jerry Gilroy
Ayres
Captain Ryder
Chief Petty Officer Brown
Chief Warrant Officer Robinson
Captain Foster
Ali Singh
Three people living at the Pollitt place
Sam Bates
Pretzel Pete
Felix Snattman
Mr. and Mrs. Kane
Three men in speedboats
Felix Pollitt
Discussion points
What do you think makes the house on the cliff seem mysterious?
How do the characters in the book show courage during their adventure?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the characters?
How do the characters work together to solve the mystery?
What did you learn about trust and friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why. This can help them feel more connected to the conversation.
Refer to specific characters or situations in the book when asking questions to help your child recall and relate their thoughts to the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to deepen their engagement and understanding of the characters' actions.
Provide positive feedback as your child expresses their thoughts and ideas, reinforcing their confidence in storytelling and interpretation.
Connect themes from the book to real-life experiences or family values, making the conversation relevant and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The House on the Cliff', the Hardy Boys often work together to solve mysteries, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and relying on others' strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working together with classmates on projects or in team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various challenges and mysteries that require logical reasoning and critical thinking to unravel.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems systematically, whether in academic settings, like math or science problems, or in daily decisions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: The Hardy Boys take on tasks that require a high level of responsibility and are accountable for their actions and decisions as they navigate through the adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for their homework, chores, and actions towards others.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: Facing numerous dangers, the characters exhibit courage and a persevering spirit to achieve their goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of facing fears and difficulties in life, encouraging them to not give up easily in face of challenges.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision Making
Explanation: The Hardy Boys often find themselves in situations where they have to make tough choices between right and wrong, underlining the importance of ethics.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the impact of their choices and act ethically towards themselves and others.