The Secret of the Wooden Lady
#27 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (6,106)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew and her friends investigate the mystery of a sea captain who was thought to have died years ago. The girls hope to find clues aboard the captain's ship, the Wooden Lady, but are constantly thwarted by a ghost of the ship. When Carson Drew is asked to find the title papers for a friend's ship, Nancy Drew becomes involved in the case by trying to find out who is 'haunting' the ship and the story behind the ship's missing figurehead.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
George Fayne
Bess Marvin
Captain Bill Easterly
Carson Drew
Ned Nickerson
Hannah Gruen
Captain Easterly
Donald Blake
Officer Flynn
Officer Kelly
Mr. Simmons (Nancy Drew)
Mr. Beaman
Chief McGinnis
Mr. Marvin
Discussion points
What do you think Nancy Drew felt when she discovered the secret of the wooden lady?
How do you think teamwork helped Nancy and her friends solve the mystery?
What would you have done if you were in Nancy's position during her challenging moments?
How did the characters in the story show courage and determination?
In what ways did the characters change or grow throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's events and characters, fostering a deeper understanding of their emotions.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used by Nancy and her friends, asking your child how they might apply similar tactics in their own life.
Create connections between the story and your child’s experiences, making the themes more relatable and impactful.
Highlight the values of courage, friendship, and perseverance demonstrated by the characters. Ask your child how they can embody these qualities in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist, Nancy Drew, demonstrates courage as she investigates the mysterious origins of an old ship. Despite facing unknown challenges, Nancy remains determined and resourceful.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace new experiences and challenges with bravery, applying this courage to trying new activities or solving problems in school and daily life.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nancy encounters numerous setbacks in her investigation, but her perseverance never wanes. She continues to pursue the truth with tenacity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting through difficulties, whether completing a challenging school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Nancy often collaborates with her friends Bess and George, pooling their skills to make progress in the investigation. This teamwork is crucial to solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperation and valuing diverse perspectives, skills that are essential in group projects and collaborative environments in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Nancy Drew's adventures require her to think critically and deduce solutions from clues. Her analytical skills lead her to uncover hidden truths about the Wooden Lady.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to apply critical thinking in their studies and everyday decision-making, enhancing their analytical skills and judgement.
Example Lesson: Historical appreciation
Explanation: The mystery surrounding the old ship, the Wooden Lady, involves uncovering its historical significance and origins. This subplot provides a backdrop that enriches the story.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of curiosity and respect for history, prompting children to explore and appreciate the past, possibly sparking interest in their own heritage or historical topics.