The Windeby Puzzle
on Goodreads (2,032)
What’s inside...
Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author Lois Lowry transports readers to an Iron Age world, through the suspenseful dual narrative of a boy, Varick, and girl, Estrild, both battling to survive. Inspired by the true discovery of the 2,000-year-old Windeby bog body in Northern Germany, Lowry explores the mystery and life of the bog body, breathing life back into the Windeby child, left in the bog with a woolen blindfold over its eyes. In this unique blend of fiction and history, Lowry, a master storyteller, delves into a world where differences are poorly tolerated, raising questions about just how much danger the main characters are in, all while including arresting photos of archeological finds.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they solved the puzzle?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story?
Why do you think the author chose a puzzle as the central part of the story?
What did you learn from the characters' journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they would do in the main character’s shoes.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and how the characters in the book collaborated to achieve their goals.
Talk about the challenge of solving puzzles and relate it to real-life problem-solving situations they might encounter.
Validate your child's feelings and thoughts about the book by sharing your own perspective and listening actively to theirs.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Windeby Puzzle', characters must work together to solve the mysterious puzzle, showcasing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book challenges characters to think critically and solve puzzles, encouraging readers to engage in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This promotes the ability to analyze situations and make decisions, useful in academic settings and personal life.
Example Lesson: History and Culture Appreciation
Explanation: Set against a historical backdrop, the story provides insights into different cultures and times, enriching the reader's knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and respect diverse cultures, enhancing their social studies learning and global awareness.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book face numerous challenges but persist until they solve the puzzle, illustrating the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether in completing homework or pursuing a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The mystery at the heart of 'The Windeby Puzzle' sparks curiosity in readers, promoting a love for continuous learning.
Real-World Application: Fosters a growth mindset in children, encouraging them to ask questions and seek out knowledge actively in all areas of life.