The Secret of the Forgotten City
#52 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (3,979)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew and her friends embark on an adventure to uncover a hidden city and its rumored treasure buried under the Nevada desert after discovering a mysterious old gold coin. Upon receiving a stone tablet with ancient petroglyphs, they face threats from a thief who is also after the treasure. As they endure harrowing challenges in extreme heat, they are helped by a kind woman and a geology student, who are both caught in a strange plot. In the end, Nancy and her friends uncover a priceless treasure of gold, narrowly escaping danger.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
George Fayne
Bess Marvin
Ned Nickerson
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Nancy to solve the mystery of the Forgotten City?
How do the different settings in the story affect the characters’ actions and decisions?
What would you do if you were in Nancy's shoes and came across a clue?
How do the friendships in the book influence the story’s outcome?
What lesson did you learn from how the characters faced challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask what they would do differently.
Discuss the importance of perseverance as demonstrated by Nancy, linking it to real-life situations your child might face.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them, sparking a conversation on personal values and choices.
Highlight teamwork by discussing how the characters worked together, and relate it to the importance of collaboration in family and school projects.
Empower your child by discussing the problem-solving aspects of the story and relate those strategies to overcoming obstacles in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: In the story, Nancy Drew doesn't give up in her search for the gold despite facing numerous challenges. Her determination eventually leads her to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, whether it’s in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nancy uses her critical thinking skills to solve puzzles and unravel clues that lead her to the forgotten city.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and analytically in their daily encounters and to approach problems methodically.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Nancy often relies on her friends for support and additional insight. This cooperative spirit helps them solve the mystery together.
Real-World Application: By reading this, children understand the value of working with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Despite encountering risky situations, Nancy stands brave and manages to overcome her fears, which is pivotal in her journey.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of bravery and facing their fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what’s right.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and culture
Explanation: Nancy's quest leads her to uncover historical artifacts and insights about the past, showing respect and curiosity for history.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and show interest in learning about different cultures and historical contexts, enhancing their social studies skills and global awareness.