#17 in Nancy Drew Series
The Mystery at the Moss-Covered Mansion
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew embarks on two thrilling mysteries in Florida. In the first, she investigates the disappearance of valuable jewels first discovered by a Spanish captain on a sunken ship at the behest of Mrs. Horton. In the second, Nancy comes to the aid of a family friend, Mr. Billington, who has been falsely accused of sending a truck loaded with explosive oranges into the Space Center complex at Cape Kennedy. As Nancy delves deeper into the case, she becomes suspicious of a nearby spooky mansion with fierce African wild animals, and soon uncovers a sinister plot threatening the U.S. space program.
Discussion points
Why do you think Nancy Drew decided to investigate the mystery at the mansion? What does that tell us about her character?
How did Nancy's interactions with other characters help her solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you solve a problem?
What would you do if you were in Nancy's shoes and encountered a mystery? How would you feel?
How do the different settings in the story affect the mood and the clues to the mystery?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges Nancy faced and how she overcame them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Nancy's shoes, fostering empathy and critical thinking. Ask them how they might feel or react in similar mysterious situations. Highlight the importance of curiosity and perseverance exemplified by Nancy. Discuss the clues and ask your child how they might piece them together, promoting problem-solving skills. Lastly, reaffirm the value of teamwork and asking for help, as shown through Nancy’s collaboration with others in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nancy Drew employs critical thinking to solve the mystery, piecing together clues and making logical deductions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking skills in their daily problem-solving situations, be it in academic tasks or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Nancy shows courage when confronting danger while investigating the mysterious happenings around the mansion.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their fears and stand up for what is right, whether it’s dealing with bullies or trying new activities that seem intimidating.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The teamwork demonstrated by Nancy and her friends in gathering information and solving the mystery highlights the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaboration and how combining efforts with others can help overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Nancy's determination not to give up even when the mystery becomes complex shows the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, regardless of the obstacles they might face.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The setting of the moss-covered mansion and the surrounding environment play crucial roles in the story, emphasizing respect and appreciation for nature.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be mindful of their environment and promotes activities that protect and preserve natural surroundings.