The Secret of the Golden Pavilion
#36 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (4,717)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew, along with her best friends Bess and George, travel to Hawaii to assist Mr. Sakamaki, one of her father's clients, in solving a mystery surrounding his grandfather's estate. They follow an old map which leads them on an adventure filled with hidden treasures, secret passages, and danger at every turn. As they delve deeper, two strangers arrive claiming to be the rightful heirs to the estate. Can Nancy uncover the truth and solve the mystery of the Golden Pavilion? Nancy, Bess, and George travel to Hawaii to solve an interesting puzzle involving an old golden pavilion. Carson Drew’s client, Mr. Sakamaki, asks them to solve the mystery of the estate, Kaluakua, that he inherited from his grandfather. The property has a secret and the man was warned never to sell Kaluakua until he learns its secret. Complicating the situation, a brother and sister have suddenly appeared, claiming to be heirs to Kaluakua. This book is the original text. A revised text does not exist.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
George Fayne
Bess Marvin
Mihana Sakamaki
Mr. Sakamaki
Discussion points
What do you think Nancy Drew felt when she discovered the secret of the Golden Pavilion?
Why is it important to respect and learn about different cultures as shown in the book?
How did Nancy’s friendships help her solve the mystery?
What would you have done differently if you were in Nancy’s shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the mystery and how it was solved.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendships as seen in Nancy's interactions throughout the book.
Highlight the learning aspects of the book, discussing the new cultural knowledge Nancy gains.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences where they had to solve a problem or uncover a secret.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'The Secret of the Golden Pavilion', the protagonist, Nancy Drew, faces numerous challenges and setbacks while trying to solve the mystery. Despite the obstacles, she remains determined and persistent.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sticking to a task, even when it becomes difficult, can lead to success. This teaches them to not give up easily in their own lives, whether it be in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The value of cultural respect and appreciation
Explanation: In the story, Nancy Drew immerses herself in the Hawaiian culture to solve the mystery surrounding the Golden Pavilion. Her approach demonstrates respect and a willingness to learn from different cultures.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of embracing and respecting diverse cultures, which is crucial in our globalized world. It encourages them to be open-minded and inclusive of various cultural perspectives.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Explanation: Nancy Drew uses her sharp observation skills and logical reasoning throughout the book to piece together clues and solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children reading this book can learn to apply critical thinking and problem-solving strategies in real life. This can help them in academic settings and in overcoming daily challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Nancy often relies on her friends Bess and George for support and assistance in her investigations. The success of their teamwork highlights the value of collaborating with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value cooperative work and see the benefits of achieving goals together. It can be applied in group projects at school, in team sports, or in family activities.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: The mystery surrounding the Golden Pavilion involves eerie and frightening experiences, yet Nancy faces these fears head-on to uncover the truth.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to confront their own fears and see that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. Such an attitude can be beneficial in managing everyday anxieties or trying new things.