#12 in The Boxcar Children Series
The Tattletale Mystery
on Goodreads (412)
What’s inside...
The Alden children knew they would be investigating a mystery at Eton Place, but they had no idea there would be a ghost there, too! An old family friend, Norah Eton, believes there is a valuable piece of jewelry hidden somewhere on her property.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the Boxcar Children wanted to solve the mystery? What would you do if you were in their place?
How do the characters in the story show teamwork? Can you think of a time when you worked together with someone to solve a problem?
What do you think about telling secrets? Is it always okay to tell secrets, or are there times when it's better to keep them?
How do the characters handle misunderstandings in the story? What would you do if you misunderstood a friend or a friend misunderstood you?
What did you learn about being honest and helping others from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the characters’ shoes, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of honesty and openness, relating it to the child's everyday interactions and experiences.
Highlight instances of problem-solving in the book, and connect them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of teamwork and cooperation, emphasizing how working together can solve bigger problems.
After reading, encourage your child to summarize the story in their own words, reinforcing comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'The Tattletale Mystery', the characters learn the value of being truthful to one another to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice honesty in their everyday interactions, which builds trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the characters must work together, pooling their skills and knowledge, to uncover clues and solve puzzles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of cooperating with others in group settings such as school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face conflicts that they learn to resolve through communication and understanding, rather than tattling.
Real-World Application: Children learn effective communication strategies to resolve disputes with peers or family members, fostering healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: As the children in the story decipher clues and make connections, they demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages young readers to approach challenges in their own lives with a thoughtful and analytical mindset, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The book highlights how actions, like tattling, can have unintended consequences that affect friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the outcomes of their actions, promoting a more thoughtful and empathetic approach in their daily decisions.