#17 in The Hardy Boys Series
The Mystery at Devils Paw
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
The Hardy boys find themselves in Alaska, fighting the cold, a superstitious fear of devils, and enemy agents as they pursue an important clue to the disappearance of a Canadian secret agent.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters decided to explore Devil's Paw? What would you do if you were in their shoes?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What do you think is the most important clue they found? Why?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you could ask any character in the story a question, who would you choose and what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story. Ask them what they would do differently and why.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as depicted in the book, and relate it to real-life situations in your child's experience.
As you discuss the clues in the mystery, help your child make predictions about what might happen next, fostering critical thinking.
After finishing the book, ask your child to summarize the story. This reinforces comprehension and recall abilities.
Celebrate your child's responses to questions, even if they differ from the story, to encourage creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'The Mystery at Devils Paw', the Hardy Boys must work together and with others to solve the mystery, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with siblings and peers in school projects or sports, understanding that joint efforts often lead to success.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonists regularly use observation and deduction to solve clues, showing the importance of a thoughtful approach to challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about puzzles or difficulties they encounter, be it in homework, games, or personal interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and perseverance
Explanation: As they face various challenges, the characters demonstrate commitment to their goals, emphasizing the value of persistence in achieving objectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of sticking with tasks, such as completing assignments or learning a new skill, even when it becomes difficult.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The Hardy Boys often find themselves in perilous situations but face their fears to unravel the mystery, underscoring the virtue of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of confronting fears whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or speaking in front of a class.
Example Lesson: Ethics and integrity
Explanation: The book showcases the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and illustrates the importance of choosing what is right over what is easy.
Real-World Application: This can guide children in making ethical decisions in real-life scenarios, such as being honest in exams or returning lost items.