#19 in Nancy Drew Series
The Quest of the Missing Map
on Goodreads (5,937)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew, accompanied by her friends Bess and George, embarks on an adventure to find a missing map and solve the mystery of a pirate's haunt. Their journey becomes increasingly complex as they encounter unforeseen challenges and dangerous individuals. In a separate investigation triggered by a child's concerns, Nancy looks into occurrences at Ship Cottage on the Chatham estate, discovering a connection to her treasure hunt. With only half of a map, she seeks the man holding the other half that leads to buried treasure. Facing constant danger, Nancy uses her wit to outsmart adversaries and solve one of her most demanding cases.
Discussion points
How do you think Nancy felt when she discovered the missing map, and why?
What would you do if you were in Nancy’s shoes and found a clue?
What are the qualities of Nancy that make her a good detective?
How do the other characters in the story help Nancy in her quest?
What did you learn about teamwork and problem-solving from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Nancy’s shoes, fostering empathy and critical thinking. Use the story’s context to discuss the importance of perseverance and attention to detail. Highlight the roles of supporting characters to teach about collaboration and seeking help when needed. Lastly, wrap up with discussing the moral of the story, emphasizing the real-life applications of the lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist, Nancy Drew, encounters various challenges and mysteries that she approaches methodically. Her ability to analyze clues and construct solutions is central to the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving approaches to their academic challenges and personal conflicts, learning to assess situations critically and formulate effective strategies.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Nancy's determination to solve the mystery, despite numerous setbacks, serves as a compelling example of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children not to give up in the face of difficulties, whether dealing with complex subjects in school or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Nancy often works with her friends Bess and George to uncover secrets and solve the puzzles that she comes across. The teamwork aspect is vital in overcoming the challenges presented in the book.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to value collaborative efforts and understand that working with others can lead to successful outcomes in group projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The story promotes analytical thinking as Nancy gathers information, deciphers codes, and makes sense of maps and clues.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to think critically about the information they receive daily, helping them make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Facing unknown elements and occasionally dangerous situations, Nancy displays courage which is key in progressing through her quest.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears and embrace new experiences confidently, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to bullying, or engaging in new activities.