The Secret of the Old Clock
#1 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (81,442)
What’s inside...
Teen detective Nancy Drew uses her courage and powers of deduction to solve the mysterious happenings in an old stone mansion. Nancy Drew solves her first mystery when the accidental rescue of a little girl who lives with her two great-aunts leads on an adventurous search for a missing will.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
Edna Turner
Mary Turner
Carson Drew
Ada Topham
Isabelle Topham
Jeff Tucker
Richard Topham
Josiah Crowley
Isabel Topham
Hannah Gruen
Allison Horner
Fred Mathews
Abigail Rowen
William Mathews
Matilda Turner
Grace Horner
Henry Rolsted
Cora Topham
Helen Corning
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Nancy Drew to solve the mystery of the old clock?
How did Nancy show courage and intelligence throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Nancy's shoes?
How did the supporting characters help Nancy in her quest?
What lessons can we learn about honesty and perseverance from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely by validating their opinions and feelings about the story.
Draw parallels between the challenges Nancy faces and any real-life situations your child might relate to.
Ask your child to predict what could happen next at key points in the story to develop their analytical thinking.
Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the book to enhance understanding and appreciation.
Highlight Nancy Drew’s positive characteristics and ask your child how they might aspire to similar traits.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: In the book, Nancy Drew demonstrates perseverance as she follows through with solving the mystery despite challenges and setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that sticking with a task, even when it gets difficult, can lead to successful outcomes. This can help them in school projects, sports, and personal goals.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Nancy values honesty and it aids her in gaining trust and valuable information from others.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being truthful is respected and beneficial in forming strong and trustworthy relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Helping others
Explanation: Nancy’s quest involves helping an innocent family gain the inheritance they deserve, showcasing the importance of helping others in need.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to be considerate and supportive towards others, reinforcing positive social behaviors like sharing, helping, and empathy.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The protagonist uses her wit and critical thinking skills to solve puzzles and uncover clues.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use logical reasoning and problem-solving skills in their daily life, enhancing their cognitive abilities and decision-making.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: Nancy Drew’s curiosity drives her to seek answers and delve deeper into the mystery, displaying how curiosity can lead to new knowledge and understanding.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to be curious about the world around them can lead to a love for learning and exploration that benefits their educational growth.