The Westing Game
on Goodreads (219,830)
What’s inside...
The Westing Game is a mystery novel that revolves around the life of Samuel Westing, who, before his death, names sixteen heirs in his will. The heirs are challenged to solve the mystery of who killed Westing, with the promise of a vast fortune to the one who succeeds.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think was the main motivation behind each character's actions in the game?
How did the clues in the story guide the characters, and how did they interpret them differently?
What can we learn about teamwork and trust from the interactions between the characters?
In what ways did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
How would you have tried to solve the Westing Game if you were one of the heirs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the different perspectives each character brings to the game, this fosters empathy and critical thinking.
Discuss the significance of the clues and ask your child how they would use such clues to solve a mystery, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Highlight the transformations of characters throughout the book to teach lessons on growth and change.
Talk about the importance of collaboration in solving complex problems, as demonstrated by the heirs in the book.
Use the mystery and suspense in the book to maintain excitement and curiosity during your discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in 'The Westing Game' solve a series of complex clues in a high-stakes inheritance game. This encourages readers to engage in analytical thinking and problem-solving along with the characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking skills in academic settings or when resolving everyday conflicts, enhancing their decision-making abilities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters must collaborate to solve the mystery, regardless of their initial differences or misunderstandings, illustrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, which is crucial in school projects and sports teams.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision Making
Explanation: Characters face various moral dilemmas, requiring them to make choices that reflect their personal integrity.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of honesty and ethics in everyday life, guiding them to become responsible and principled individuals.
Example Lesson: Handling Competition
Explanation: The inheritance game is highly competitive, pushing characters to outdo each other but also to handle their ambitions responsibly.
Real-World Application: Children learn that while competitiveness can be healthy, it’s crucial to also be fair and respectful to others.