The Stone Idol
#65 of 119 in Hardy Boys Series
What’s inside...
The Hardy Boys' adventure to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico where they investigate the mystery of the stone idol and stumble upon an illegal smuggling operation. When an ancient stone idol disappears, the Hardy Boys are off on another fast-paced adventure. It's a mystery that takes the boys from a primitive village in the Andes Mountains to Antarctica and finally to Easter Island. By using their fine investigative skills, the Hardy Boys find that the mystery of the stone idol is not what it seems!
Character compass
Frank Hardy
Joe Hardy
Fenton Hardy
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to solve the mystery of the Stone Idol?
How would you feel if you were in a similar mysterious situation like the characters?
What do you think the Stone Idol represents in the story?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you could give the characters one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the setting of the book, enhancing emotional connection to the story.
Ask your child to predict the outcomes before they happen, making them think critically about the storyline.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story and how they could be applied in real-life scenarios, promoting ethical thinking.
Relate the characters' experiences to your child’s own experiences to foster a deeper understanding of the character’s emotions and decisions.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects and encourage your child to think of alternative solutions to the challenges faced by the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Stone Idol,' the characters must work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and shared effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or working together with siblings at home, learning to collaborate and value each other’s input.
Example Lesson: The significance of cultural heritage
Explanation: The plot revolves around an ancient artifact, highlighting the importance of preserving and respecting cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate and explore diverse cultures, which can foster a sense of global citizenship and respect for history.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists encounter various challenges that require critical thinking and problem solving to overcome.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and develop problem-solving skills in their own lives, such as during academic challenges or personal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters often face dangerous situations but show bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges with courage, whether it's trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or coping with change.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: The young detectives must make moral choices that test their integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of making ethical decisions, teaching children to distinguish between right and wrong in their everyday interactions and decisions.